Course Overview

Introduction to Psychology: Part I

This course provides an introduction to the foundational concepts and methods in psychology. It covers the history and research methods of psychology, biological and genetic bases of behavior, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, and memory. The course is designed as a prerequisite for further study in psychology.

• Instructor: Dr. Susan Chang Su

• Class Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:10am – 11:30am

• Location: BB 1-53

• Textbook: Krause, M., Corts, D., & Smith, S. (2022). An Introduction to Psychological Science (4th Canadian Ed.)

• Course Platform: Moodle (Enrollment Key: Intro Psych_A04)

Course Topics and Schedule

Chapters and Key Dates

The course is structured around major topics in psychology, each corresponding to textbook chapters and scheduled class sessions. Four major tests are scheduled throughout the term, each covering specific chapters.

• Ch. 1: Introducing Psychological Science (Sept. 15, 17, 22)

• Ch. 2: Reading and Evaluating Scientific Research (Sept. 24, 29, Oct. 1)

• Ch. 6: Learning (Oct. 8, 13, 15)

• Ch. 7: Memory (Oct. 20, 22, 27)

• Ch. 3: Biological Psychology (Nov. 3, 5)

• Ch. 5: Consciousness (Nov. 17, 19)

• Ch. 4: Sensation and Perception (Nov. 26, Dec. 1)

• Ch. 8: Thought and Language (Dec. 3, 8)

Test Dates:

• Test 1 (Ch. 1 & 2): Oct. 6

• Test 2 (Ch. 6 & 7): Oct. 29

• Test 3 (Ch. 3 & 5): Nov. 24

• Test 4 (Ch. 4 & 8): Dec. 17 (Final Exam)

Assessment and Grading

Test Format

• Each test consists of 40 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

• Questions are drawn from both textbook and lecture material.

• Tests are administered on Moodle during scheduled class time.

Letter Grade Scale

Research Participation

• Students may participate in minimal risk research for up to 4 bonus marks (1 hour = 1 mark).

• Alternative activities are available for those who do not wish to participate in research.

• Participation is voluntary and confidential; information is released to instructors only after grading is complete.

Academic Policies

Midterm Exam Policy

• Students will be informed of acceptable materials for exams in advance.

• Academic dishonesty is subject to university policy and sanctions.

• Requests for alternative exam dates must be made at least 24 hours in advance for scheduling conflicts.

• Deferred exams may be granted for medical or compassionate reasons, with documentation, and are typically written within 5 days of the original date.

Exam Rewrites and Prerequisite Waivers

• No individual exam rewrites or alternate assessments are permitted.

• Prerequisite waivers require written requests and supporting documentation, subject to departmental approval.

Academic Integrity

• Students must uphold values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage.

• Violations include plagiarism, cheating, falsification, and aiding others in misconduct.

• Sanctions range from educational activities to expulsion, with records kept in the Academic Integrity Repository.

• Full policy details are available on the university website.

Student Support and Accessibility

Available Resources

• Academic Skills Centre: Workshops and support for academic success.

• Personal Counselling: Confidential support for personal issues.

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS): Accommodations and support for students with disabilities.

Accessibility Statement

• Brandon University is committed to accessible, equitable, and inclusive learning environments.

• Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact SAS for individualized accommodation plans.

• Students registered with SAS should discuss accommodations with instructors early in the term.

Important Dates

• Course add/drop deadline: Sept. 23, 2026

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (no classes): Sept. 30, 2026

• Thanksgiving (university closed): Oct. 12, 2026

• Fall study break (no classes): Nov. 9–13, 2026

• Remembrance Day (university closed): Nov. 11, 2026

• Voluntary Withdrawal deadline: Nov. 23, 2026

• Final exam period: Dec. 14–23, 2026

Summary Table: Course Structure and Assessment

Key Takeaways

• This course introduces core areas of psychology, including scientific methods, biological bases, learning, memory, and cognition.

• Assessment is based on four major tests, with opportunities for research participation bonus marks.

• Strict academic integrity and exam policies are enforced.

• Support and accommodations are available for all students, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.