SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
Introduction to Comparative Cognition
PSYC 305 (formerly PSYC 205)/3.0
An overview of the evolution and function of cognitive processes. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how natural selection shaped cognition across animal species. Topics such as memory, decision making, cooperation, and communication will be examined from a behavioural ecology and experimental psychology perspective.
Please note: This course is typically offered in the winter term
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
- Recognize and recall experimental findings that support or do not support existing theories in comparative cognition.
- Apply theories to predict outcomes of experimental manipulations.
- Engage in critical reading of primary and secondary sources.
- Combine critical reading skills and conceptual knowledge of comparative cognition to create a review of experimental findings for a broad audience.
Description
Topics
- History of comparative cognition
- Sensory systems
- Memory
- Associative processes
- Orientation and navigation
- Causality and tool use
- Decision making
- Categorization and concept formation
- Social competence
- Prosocial behavior
- Communication
- Social learning
Terms
Fall 2020
Course Dates:
Sept. 8 - Dec. 7, 2020
Exam Dates:
Dec. 10 - 23, 2020
Evaluation
10% - Quizzes
40% - Weekly Activities
20% - Paper Assignment
10% - Group Project
20% - Take-Home Final Exam
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Instructor
Mary Olmstead (olmstead@queensu.ca)
Textbooks and Materials
TBA
Time Commitment
Students can expect to spend approximately 9-10 hours a week (108-120 hours per term equivalent) in study/reading and online activity for.
Winter 2021
Course Dates:
Jan. 11 - April 9, 2021
Exam Dates:
April 14 - 30, 2021
Evaluation
10% - Quizzes
40% - Weekly Activities
20% - Paper Assignment
10% - Group Project
20% - Take-Home Final Exam
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Instructor
Valerie Kuhlmeier (vk4@queensu.ca)
Time Commitment
Students can expect to spend approximately 9-10 hours a week (108-120 hours per term equivalent) in study/reading and online activity for.
Course Resources
About SOLUS
About OnQ
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
About Credit Units
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
Computer Requirements
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
Computer Specifications
- Windows 8.1 or newer
- OSX 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer
- Dual Core 2 GHz processor
- 4 GB RAM
- Soundcard
- USB Headset
- Webcam
Supported Browsers
- Chrome (preferred - latest version)
- Firefox (latest version)
- Safari is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
- Edge is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
Internet Connection
- Wired high speed access: Cable or better
- Wifi is not recommended
Java
- Latest version
Media Player
- Flash (latest version)
Adobe Reader
- Latest Version
Dates/Deadlines
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
Grading Scheme
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
| A+ | 4.30 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.70 |
| F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
Campus Bookstore
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
Non-Queen’s Students
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Academic Integrity
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.
