Special Directed Courses

The reading courses will normally involve an in depth review of the literature in a particular area guided by a member of the faculty with whom the student will meet regularly to discuss the readings. Evaluation is usually based upon the student's preparedness for these meetings and their ability to discuss the readings thoughtfully each week, with the majority of the mark based upon a term paper, usually a literature review and/or research proposal. Students are expected to spend approximately 8-10 hours per week on this coursework (one fifth of a fulltime load).

The lab course provides students with access to a lab and involvement in ongoing research for approximately 5-7 hours per week. In addition to this practical component, students are expected to spend approximately 3 hours per week reading the relevant literature, completing a substantive written assignment, and meeting with the professor and/or lab group on a regular basis to learn about relevant research issues (practical and theoretical).

Evaluation
Evaluation in these courses is usually based upon knowledge of the research issues and performance in the lab, each contributing approximately equally to the final grade. The former is assessed by a written assignment(s) and regular meetings with the instructor and/or lab group. A presentation to the lab group on a particular issue is also encouraged. The evaluation of lab work might include a lab report, attendance and punctuality, preparedness, attention to detail, initiative, judgment, etc.

Grading
The grading scheme for these courses should be similar to that of our upper year labs and seminars. Students who perform at the level expected of our upper year Honours students would usually receive a grade of 80 or above and, if they exceed expectation, they would usually receive a grade of 85 or above. Grades of 88 and above should be given with exceptional rarity.

Working with the same supervisor
Students are encouraged to work in different labs during their undergraduate studies for breadth. However, if a student does two courses with the same supervisor, the student and supervisor must provide a clear explanation of the ways in which the two projects are independent.

PSYC 570*/575* are lab courses intended to be used by students who wish to do an in-depth study of an area in psychology for which there is no formal course.

Students approach a professor to see if they would be willing to supervise their studies for an undergraduate course credit. The student, potential supervisor and the Chair of Undergraduate Studies need to approve and sign the Psychology Special Directed Courses Approval Form, available in the Undergraduate Office.

Once the completed form has been received in the U.G. Office, a student will either be registered by signing an Academic Change Form (or preregistered depending on the time it was received). The usual (pre) registration deadlines would apply depending on the specific term.

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