Course Outline

Term: 2014 Winter Course Number: Course Title: Units: 3 Nominal Total Course Hours:

PSYC1100

Introductory Psychology

42

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. In this course, you will be introduced to the field of psychology, studying topics including: the nature of psychological science; research design and methodology; the biological foundations of behaviour; perception; states of consciousness; learning; memory; cognition; language; and motivation. Students will explore what psychologists have learned about these aspects of human behaviour and how a knowledge of these can contribute to a better understanding of the causes of human behaviour.
PLAR Eligible:

Yes

OUTCOMES AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Course Outcome:

1. Discover the major theoretical models that are used to understand human behaviour.

Learning Objectives:
1.Describe and apply key psychological terms, definitions and theories. 2.Compare and contrast the major psychological theories. 1.Discuss the nature of psychology as a science and some of the unique problems faced in the study of human nature. 2.Analyze how research design informs the findings of a study and the conclusions a researcher can draw. 3.Apply insights about the nature of psychological research to understanding psychological controversies and real world issues.

2. Distinguish the various research methodologies used in modern psychological science.

Page 1 of 2

11-April-2014

3. Investigate the major themes and issues that guide the study of psychological science.

1.Describe the biological foundations of human behaviour, including the structure & function of the brain and endocrine system. 2.Define & differentiate between sensation and perception. 3.Identify and distinguish between the range of states of consciousness, from altered states to normal states such as sleeping and dreaming. 4.Compare & contrast classical conditioning, operant conditioning, social learning & cognitive learning. 5.Describe the processes involved in memory formation and the various types of human memory. 6.Examine the causes of memory failure and the factors that influence memory consolidation. 1.Investiage psychological theories to generate solutions to applied problems. 2.Apply the study of learning to practical problems faced by psychologists in business and industry.

4. Analyze research that bears on the application of psychology to questions of social policy in Canadian society.

ESSENTIAL EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS: #

1

The student has demonstrated the ability to:

Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals. Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

4 7 9

10

GENERAL EDUCATION THEMES:

#
3 4

Specific themes covered in this course

Social and Cultural Understanding Personal Understanding

Niagara College believes in an inclusive educational environment. Please review College Practices to view the College's Statement of Accommodation for Students with Identified Special Needs. http://www.niagaracollege.ca/practices

TEACHING AND LEARNING PLAN:

The course professor in your specific section of this class will provide you with a Teaching and Learning Plan as a guideline to supplemental resources, specific evaluations, activities, topics and due dates.
Last Revision Date:

July 05, 2013

Page 2 of 2

11-April-2014