Academic Calendar 2023-2024

Psychology (PSYC)

All courses except PSYC 899, PSYC 993 and PSYC 999 are 3.0 credit units.

PSYC 801 Design of Experiments     
Topics include: The logic of the test for significance and controversies concerning it; ANOVA and its underlying linear model for between- subject, within-subject and split-plot designs; orthogonal comparisons for trend analysis and for special contrasts; restricted randomization and the randomized-block design; partial confounding in latin-squares; balancing conditions against trend; hierarchical designs; ANOVA and multiple correlation; designs including organismic variables; random- effect models and the fixed-effect fallacy; data transformations and non-parametric tests. Lectures (3 hrs.) and tutorials (1.5½ hrs.);  Fall. M. Sabbagh.

PSYC 802 Introduction to Multivariate Analysis     
Topics include: History of Multivariate Techniques, Matrix Algebra, Data Assumptions and Preparation, Multiple Regression, Canonical Correlation, Multivariate Analysis of Variance, and Discriminant Function Analysis. Lectures (3 hrs.) and tutorials (1½ hrs.). Winter. J. Jacobson.
PREREQUISITE: PSYC 801 or equivalent.

PSYC 805, 806 Introductory Assessment     
These courses constitute an introduction to the practical aspects of clinical assessment. In PSYC 805 students are given skills training and practice in the use of tests of adult intelligence, memory and vocational counseling. In PSYC 806 the emphasis is on tests of children's intelligence, learning and affect. Fall (805) (3 hrs.). L. Kilik/K. Buell; Winter (806) (2 hrs.). K. Benn

PSYC 809 Child-Adolescent Clinical Psychology     
Provides an overview of normal and abnormal development from conception to adolescence. Presentations balance theoretical controversies, basic research, and practical applications surrounding development principles considered in both the promotion of competence and the prevention/treatment of disorder. Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 811,812,907,908 Cognitive Neuroscience Research Seminar     
Designed to facilitate professional development, increase scientific dialogue, and enhance collaboration and scientific group problem-solving in the broad field of cognitive neuroscience. Faculty and students will lead discussions of critical topics in the field. Marked on a Pass/Fail basis. (2 hrs.). 812 Fall/Winter. D. Wilson.  

PSYC 825 Seminars in Psychology     
Students attend diverse seminars to develop skills in listening, synthesizing and critical thinking while expanding the breadth of their background in psychology and cognate disciplines. Attendance may be extended over six terms (2 years) with students registering only in the term during which they complete the course. Enrollment is limited to graduate students in Psychology.  

PSYC 827 Adult Clinical Psychology     
In PSYC 827 major areas of adult psychopathology are emphasized including anxiety and mood disorders, schizophrenia and personality disorders. (2½ hrs.).  Winter. C. Bowie. 

PSYC 829 Ethical and Professional Issues     
Designed to raise students' awareness of ethical principles and expose them to issues and perspectives related to their training as professionals. Seminar (3 hrs.). Fall. T. Salomons. 

PSYC 833 Foundations of Cognition & Perception     
The course goal is to provide a foundation for the theoretical and empirical study of perceptual and cognitive processes. The topics include, but are not limited to, perceptual organization, object recognition, language, attention, learning and memory. The course will focus on key papers in the field and enduring theoretical issues.  Seminar; (2 Hrs.)  Not offered 2023-24. 

PSYC 834 Embodied Cognition
The framework of “embodied cognition” considers cognition a skilful activity that continuously generates and refines models about the world around us. Cognition, according to this view, emerges from lawful relations between motor output and sensory input. The course traces the development of this idea by discussing both theoretical and experimental literature considering contributions of a variety of fields (e.g., philosophy, artificial intelligence, robotics, neuroscience, and psychology). You will learn how this framework contributes to our understanding of the nature of intelligence, self-awareness, consciousness, and social identity. Not offered 2023-24. 
PREREQUISITE: PSYC 215 or PSYC 221 or COGS 201 or equivalent. 

PSYC 838,839 Introductory Clinical Practica     
Students choose two practica from a variety of applied settings. These experiences are designed to introduce students to functioning in a clinical setting. (One day per wk. for a total of 120 hrs. per course); Fall, Winter, Summer. C. Bowie. 

PSYC 841,851,852 Pro-Seminars in Developmental Psychology     
Attended by both faculty and students who present research in their specialty areas and with the focus being on research design issues. The content will vary to some extent depending on the research areas represented by members of the class. Marked pass/fail based on attendance. Seminar (2 hrs. bi-weekly). 841: Fall/Winter. T. Hollenstein/S. Fitneva. 

PSYC 842 Current Theories in Developmental Psychology: Cognitive Development     
Students are exposed to current theory (and historical antecedents) within the field of cognitive developmental psychology. Topics will vary based on the expertise of the faculty instructor and thus may cover theory within evolutionary and comparative frameworks of cognitive development, epigenetic and systems approaches to cognitive development, developmental cognitive neuroscience methods, and developmental psychopathology. (3 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 843 Current Theories in Developmental Psychology II: Social Development     
Students are exposed to current theory (and historical antecedents) within the field of social developmental psychology. Topics will vary based on the expertise of the faculty instructor and thus may cover theory within evolutionary and comparative frameworks of social development, epigenetic and systems approaches to social development, social-cognitive neuroscience methods, and developmental psychopathology. (2 hrs.). Fall. T. Hollenstein. 

PSYC 846 Psychology and the Law     
The major focus of attention is procedural justice pre-sentencing. Topics include eyewitness memory, police identification procedures, jury selection, credibility of witness testimony, expert testimony, and jury decision making with the major emphasis on eyewitness issues. (3 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 847 Treatment Theory and Process     
Students are given an introduction to the major theories and basic skills involved in interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and therapeutic processes. Course content balances theoretical controversies, basic research, and practical applications. A blend of classroom instruction, videotaped interviews, observation, modeling, feedback and supervised practice is used. (3 hrs.) Fall. M. Chivers.

PSYC 853 Infancy     
An overview of the major theoretical and methodological issues and a review of current research in the area of infant studies. Topics cover perceptual, cognitive and social development of both typical and atypical infant populations. Seminar (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 854 Cognitive and Conceptual Development     
Current theoretical and methodological issues in cognitive development research, covering the development of perception, memory, thinking as well as social cognition. Seminar (2 hrs.). Winter. S. Fitneva.

PSYC 855 Language Development     
Provides an overview of current theoretical and methodological approaches to early language development. Specific topics include: the rate and content of early language development, mechanisms underlying word learning, and syntactic development. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how cognitive advances in the infancy and toddler periods impact children's language acquisition skills. Seminar (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 856 Socioemotional Development     
Building on theories of socialization and the development of emotional reactivity and regulation, this course will proceed chronologically from birth through adolescence.  Readings of empirical and theoretical papers will cover various topics including family and peer relationships, specific emotions, developmental psychopathology, and cultural contexts. Seminar (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 857 Atypical Development     
An in-depth investigation of the linguistic, cognitive and social development of children with various neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, specific language impairment, Down syndrome, and Williams syndrome, among others. (2 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 859 Social Relationships     
Development occurs within the context of relationships.  This course will review the current understanding of key interpersonal relationships across the lifespan.  Specific topics include: parent-child relationships, friendships, peer groups, romantic relationships and the role of relationships in specific contexts such as family, school and neighbourhood. Seminar (2 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 899 Master's Thesis Research     

PSYC 901 Multilevel Modeling
This course will cover many different techniques involved in multilevel modeling (MLM) including more specialized applications like growth curve modeling and dyadic data analysis (e.g., the Actor-Partner Independence Model). The goal of the course is to familiarize students with the conceptual background and basic procedures of MLM, so they can apply these techniques to their own research. PREREQUISITE: PSYC 802 or equivalent. (3 hrs.).  Winter.  J. Jacobson.

PSYC 910  Advanced Assessment     
In PSYC 910 principles of psychological test construction, and procedures underlying psychological assessment, with particular emphasis on personality assessment are given advanced treatment. Seminar (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 917 Introduction to Cognitive Neuroimaging     
This course will acquaint students with current ‘best practice’ in the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as a tool to investigate cognitive function.  Topics will include experimental design, data processing and analysis, as well as statistical inference and localization. (1.5 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 921 Visual and Auditory Processes     
Discusses central problems and selected issues pertaining to vision and audition. Topics will include the anatomy and physiology of the visual and auditory systems, psychophysics, and perceptual processes. Lecture/seminar (2 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 922 Multicultural Clinical Practice 
This course will provide students with a broad overview of multicultural issues in clinical practice. We will explore constructs such as race, culture, ethnicity, bias, intersectionality, and cultural competence, their relationships with epistemologies of psychopathology, and their impacts on access to and uptake of clinical services. The goal is for studentsto develop culturally responsive, competent and ethical knowledge and attitude in working with culturally diverse populations. (3 hrs.). Winter. V. Vine.

PSYC 930 Somatosensory, Intersensory and Motor Processes     
Discusses central problems and selected issues pertaining to the somatosensory system, to the synthesis of information from multiple modalities (e.g., vision, audition, touch), and to the motor system. Topics will include the anatomy and physiology of the somatosensory system and of intersensory integration, psychophysics, perceptual processes, motor control and planning, and perception and action. Lecture/seminar (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 931 Neuroplasticity and Behaviour     
Changes at the synaptic level in structure and neurochemistry including protein synthesis associated with sensory/perceptual development, learning and memory. Coverage will include in vitro and in vivo approaches. Data from vertebrates and invertebrates will be included. (Normally offered concurrently with BIOL-815.) Lecture/seminar (2 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 934 Comparative Neurocognition     
An overview of the evolution and function of cognitive processes. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how natural selection shaped cognition across species. Topics such as memory, decision making and communication will be examined from a behavioural ecology and experimental psychology perspective. Neuroscience and developmental psychology research will complement each topic. Lecture/Seminar ( 2 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 935 Cognitive Neuropharmacology         
An overview of cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission that underlie cognitive processing.  Specific topics to be covered include drug-induced changes in nervous system function, the uses and actions of various classes of drugs, and the diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Lecture/seminar (2 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 940 Structural Equation Modelling     
Topics include: Data and covariance structure models, estimation, identification, evaluating solutions, model modification and equivalent models, causal versus effects indicators, power, confirmatory factor analysis, multiple groups analysis, latent curve modelling, and multivariate change models. (2 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 941 Research Methods in Social Psychology     
Introduction to research methodology. Emphasis is on social psychology. Topics include generating research ideas, research design, questionnaire construction, measurement theory, and professional issues. (2 hrs.).  Winter. L. Fabrigar.

PSYC 942 Cross-Cultural Psychology     
A survey of key concepts and theoretical and methodological issues in the field, followed by a critical examination of selected contemporary research areas, including cognition, acculturation and their application. Seminar (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 944 Attitudes and Attitude Change     
Focuses on contemporary issues and controversies in attitude research. Topics include the structure of attitudes, the impact of attitudes on behaviour and cognition, and the psychological processes underlying attitude change. Seminar (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 945,946 Special Topics in Social Psychology I, II     
Focus on specific issues within the social area. May be offered by visiting scholars or current faculty. Seminar (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 947 Social Cognition     
Examines how people make sense of their social world: How they perceive, represent, interpret, and remember information about themselves and about other individuals and groups. (2 hrs.).  Winter. L-J. Ji. 

PSYC 948 The Self     
A survey of theory and research on the self. Topics include: the search for self-knowledge, self-development, self-cognition, self-regulation of behaviour, self-presentation, self-esteem, and the role of the self in psychological health. (2 hrs.). Fall. J. Jacobson.

PYSC 951 Advanced Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy     
Students will learn advanced skills required for conducting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the mood and/or anxiety disorders. A blend of classroom instruction, videotaped therapy sessions, observation, modeling, feedback and supervised practice is used. The specific populations taught in any given year will depend upon the availability of instructors.  Winter. J. Stewart.

PSYC 952 Advanced Clinical Skills     
Students will learn advanced skills in interviewing (e.g., diagnostic interviewing, motivational interviewing) and/or intervention (e.g., group therapy, therapy with special populations). A blend of classroom instruction, videotaped therapy sessions, observation, modeling, feedback and supervised practice is used. The specific focus of instruction in any given year will depend upon the availability of instructors. Not offered 2023-24. 

PSYC 953 Biological Bases of Behaviour     
Surveys theoretical and applied aspects of the biological bases of behaviour. Topics covered will normally include basic neuropsychopharmacology and biological treatments of mental disorders, neurological assessment methods (e.g., MRI, fMRI, PET, SPECT), neuropsychological assessment, and the genetic and neuroendocrine bases of mental disorders. (2 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24. 

PSYC 957 Advanced Therapy I     
Students will learn skills required for conducting therapy using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in populations other than mood/anxiety. A blend of classroom instruction, videotaped therapy sessions, observation, modeling, feedback and supervised practice is used. The approach taught in any given year will depend upon the availability of instructors. (3 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.  

PSYC 959, 960 Special Topics in Development I, II     
Focus on specific issues within the development offered by visiting scholars or current faculty. Not offered 2023-24. 

PSYC 961 Processing and Interaction in the Real World
This course will provide a review of contemporary theory and cutting-edge research in cognitive processing as it occurs in real world settings. The research will include, but will not be limited to: visual perception, visual attention, action, and communication. Research articles can cover both basic research examining the theoretical understanding and applications that incorporate its principles. Topics covered may vary from year to year. (2 hrs.). Fall. M. Castelhano.

PSYC 962 Memory and Learning
An overview of contemporary research and theory in the science of Learning and Memory. Topics that will be covered include mechanisms of learning and memory at the cellular and systems levels, different classes of memory and their neuroanatomical substrates, evolutionary and comparative approaches. This course will also cover in detail behavioral, electrophysiological, computational, and neuroimaging methods. Topics covered may vary from year to year. (2 hrs.). Winter.  J. Wammes.

PSYC 963 Decision Making
An overview of contemporary research and theory in cognition and cognitive neuroscience. Topics covered may vary from year to year and could include attention, executive function, decision making and choice. The course will illustrate how non-invasive or invasive techniques can be used to understand the mechanisms of human cognition and can help understand when these processes go wrong. (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 964 Social and Motivational Processes 
A review of contemporary research and theory in social and affective neuroscience. Topics to be covered include biological bases of motivated behaviours, and how these are influenced by different social contexts. Specific foci will vary year-to-year and may include: addiction, sexuality, social interactions, social buffering, mood, stress, psychiatric disorders, feminist neuroscience, social neuroendocrinology, and more.  (2 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 965 Memory, Decision and Choice     
A review of contemporary research and theory in cognitive science focussing on selected topics with memory, decision, classification, and choice. Lecture/seminar (2 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 968 Health Psychology     
These courses explore various problems associated with the areas of health psychology and behavioral medicine. The focus will vary depending on the instructor.  Topics may include the relationship between stress and disease, health promotion, psychological management of pain, addictive behaviours, sleep disorders, chronic and terminal illness. (3 hrs.).  Winter. T. Salomons.

PSYC 970/971 Advanced Special Topics in Cognitive Science I, II     
Focus on specific issues within the cognitive science area. May be offered by visiting scholars or current faculty. Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 972 Current Topics in Attention
Each week covers a selected topic in attention research. Topics typically include history of attention research, attentional capacity, spatial and temporal attention, change blindness, inattentional blindness, cortical mechanisms of attention, interaction of attention and memory, and attention training. Seminar; 3 hrs./week.   Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 973 Couple Therapy
Students will learn skills required for conducting couple therapy. A blend of classroom instruction, videotaped therapy sessions, observation, modeling, feedback and supervised practice is used. The approach taught in any given year will depend upon the availability of instructors.  Seminar; 3 hrs/week. Winter. L Flores

PSYC 974 Advanced Therapy II     
Students will learn skills required for conducting therapy using approaches other than Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. (e.g., Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression (Klerman model), Systemic Family Therapy). A blend of classroom instruction, videotaped therapy sessions, observation, modeling, feedback and supervised practice is used. The approach taught in any given year will depend upon the availability of instructors. (3 hrs.). Not offered 2023-24. 

PSYC 975, 976 Applied Internship I and  II     
Students may arrange for one or two terms of supervised applied training outside of the department. Internships will be individually arranged to further the development of each student's program. Student's will submit a list of objectives before the plan is approved, and a report of progress at the end of the term. Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 978 Research Skills/Program Evaluation
Students are given the opportunity to broaden research skills through practical tasks such as preparing a grant proposal, designing a programme evaluation, and critically reviewing research grants and articles. (2½ hrs.). (3.0 credit units). Winter. W. Craig.

PSYC 979 Personality Theory     
Examines issues that are the current focus of the personality literature from various theoretical perspectives, including trait, psychodynamic, biological, social cognitive, phenomenological, and other research based perspectives. Seminar (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 980,982 Special Topics in Personality I, II     
Focus on specific issues within the personality area. May be offered by visiting scholars or current faculty. Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 981 Personality Assessment     
Covers the theory and mechanics of psychological test construction and introduces students to major personality tests that are currently predominant in the literature. The objective is to review the psychometric issues relevant to evaluating or developing tests for research purposes. Seminar (2 hrs.).  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 983 Advanced Child/Adolescent Therapy
This course is an advanced course on therapy for children and adolescents. The goal of the course is to provide advanced practical skills for clinicians. The course focuses theoretical foundations and applied techniques.Seminar/Lab 3 units. 
PREREQUISITE: PSYC 847 or equivalent.

PSYC 987,988 Advanced Special Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience I, II     
Focus on specific issues within the behavioural neuroscience area. May be offered by visiting scholars or current faculty. Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 989,990  Advanced Clinical Practice     
Give students supervised experience in all aspects of clinical practice, including: interview and assessment, treatment, report writing, interprofessional communication and consultation, and professional development. (8 hrs. per wk for a total of 120 hrs. per course). Fall; Winter; Summer. C. Bowie. 

PSYC 991,992 Advanced Clinical Practice     
Give students supervised experience in all aspects of clinical practice, including: interview and assessment, treatment, report writing, interprofessional communication and consultation, and professional development. (8 hrs. per wk for a total of 120 hrs. per course). Fall; Winter; Summer.  C. Bowie. 

PSYC 993 Clinical Internship     
Students in the Clinical Program are required to complete a one-year, full-time internship or its equivalent in an approved setting under the primary supervision of a registered psychologist. This normally will be taken after all course work, comprehensive examinations and Ph.D. thesis are completed. Students who complete all other degree requirements including submission of the final copy of the thesis for binding before starting or during the internship, may apply to change their study status to part-time for the remaining terms of the internship year. Fall; Winter; Summer. C. Bowie.  

PSYC 994 Special Topics in Clinical Psychology I     
Focus on specific issues within the clinical area.  May be offered by visiting scholars or current faculty.  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 995 Special Topics in Clinical Psychology II     
Focus on specific issues within the clinical area.  May be offered by visiting scholars or current faculty.  Not offered 2023-24.

PSYC 999 Ph.D. Thesis Research