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.
Principles of Psychology
PSYC 100/6.0
An introductory survey of basic areas of psychology including perception, cognition, learning and motivation and their biological substrata. Also reviewed are child development, individual differences, social psychology and abnormal psychology.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Summarize the major areas and themes of psychology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of genes and environment in determining behaviour and mental processes.
- Describe the major psychological theories and the empirical evidence upon which they are based.
- Apply the scientific method to the formulation and answering of questions related to psychology.
- Assess the validity of, and provide accurate interpretations of, psychological findings.
Course Topics
Unit 1 – Foundations
- Introduction and History
- Research Methods and Statistics
- Genetics and Evolution
- Learning
Unit 2 - Neuroscience
- The Neuron
- Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Consciousness and Sleep
Unit 3 - Sensation and Perception
- Psychophysics and Transduction
- The Visual System
- Other Senses
Unit 4- Cognitive Psychology
- Memory
- Language
- Intelligence and Reasoning
Unit 5 - Developmental Psychology
- Physical and Lifespan Development
- Cognitive Development
- Social Development
Unit 6 - Personality and Social Psychology
- Personality
- Social Psychology I
- Social Psychology II
- Motivation and Emotion
Unit 7 - Mental Health
- Mental Disorders
- Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders
- Treatment of Mental Disorders
- Health, Stress and Coping
Description
Welcome to the fascinating world of psychology: the science of behaviour and the mind! The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the broad range of topics that we study in the field of psychology, including perception, cognition, learning and motivation and their biological bases. Also reviewed are child development, individual differences, social psychology and abnormal (clinical) psychology. In the process you will hopefully gain some insight into what makes people think, feel, and behave the way that they do. This course is not intended to help you solve behavioural or emotional problems requiring professional attention.
This course is a mix of independent and small group learning. It is therefore important that you progress through the material at the prescribed rate.
Terms
Fall-Winter 2019-2020
Course Dates:
Sept 5, 2019 - Apr 3, 2020
Exam Dates:
Midyear Exam (proctored) Dec 4 - 19, 2019 Final Exam (proctored) Apr 9 - 25, 2020
Evaluation
TBA
**Evaluation Subject to change**
Midyear Exam
The midyear exam will take place during the fall exam period.
You must write and pass the final exam in order to pass the course.
Students must write their exams on the day and time scheduled by the University. The start time may vary slightly depending on the off-campus exam centre. Do not schedule vacations, appointments, etc., during the exam period.
Instructor
Professor Meghan Norris (meghan.norris@queensu.ca)
Textbooks and Materials
ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
Required Material
TBA
Time Commitment
To complete the readings, assignments, and course activities, students can expect to spend, on average, about 9-10 hours per week (221 hours per term) on the course.
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.
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.
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
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.
