PSYC 1105 EL 02 Introduction to Psychology – Syllabus and Course Structure

Course Overview

Introduction to Psychology

This course provides an overview of contemporary psychology, focusing on its scientific foundations and applications. Students will explore major psychological theories, research methods, and the biological, cognitive, and social bases of behavior. The course aims to develop an understanding of psychological principles and their relevance to everyday life.

Instructor & Logistics

• Instructor: Glenn Legault, Ph.D.

• Office: A238

• Office hours: Thursday 1:15 pm to 2:15 pm via Zoom

Required Texts

• Textbook: King, L.A., Holder, M.D., Urbasut, D. (2024). The Science of Psychology: An Appreciative View (Second Canadian Edition). McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited.

• Access: Online feedback available via publisher’s Connect portal. Physical copies available at the bookstore.

Course Description

This course surveys the field of psychology, emphasizing biological, developmental, cognitive, and social aspects of behavior. Topics include research methods, sensation and perception, learning, memory, intelligence, personality, motivation, emotion, psychological disorders, and treatment approaches.

Evaluation

• Term Tests: 2 tests (each 25%)

• Midterm Exam: 1 exam (25%)

• Final Exam: 1 exam (25%)

All exams are scheduled during regular lecture times or as specified by the Registrar’s Office. The final exam is scheduled by the Registrar’s Office and covers the entire course content.

Tests & Examinations

• Term tests will be held online via D2L during regular lecture times.

• Final exam will be scheduled by the Registrar’s Office.

• Missed tests/exams require valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate signed by a physician or nurse practitioner licensed in Canada).

Missed Assignments and Examinations

Students must provide valid documentation for missed tests or exams. Acceptable documentation includes:

• Medical certificate signed by a physician or nurse practitioner licensed in Canada.

• Legal reasons (e.g., court appearance) require official documentation.

• Personal leave (e.g., attending a funeral) requires a death certificate or similar documentation.

Students with valid reasons will be allowed to write a deferred exam or submit assignments at a later date.

Academic Integrity

• Plagiarism: Defined as presenting another’s work as one’s own. All cases are subject to university policy and may result in academic penalties.

• Multiple submissions: The same work cannot be submitted for more than one course without instructor permission.

Refer to the university’s policy on academic integrity for further details.

Course Schedule

The following table outlines the approximate schedule of topics and readings for the course:

Approximate Date	Topic	Readings
Week of Sept. 5, 2023	Orientation and course overview
Sept. 12	Introduction to psychology: The science of psychology	Chapters 1 & 2
Sept. 19	The brain	Chapter 3
Sept. 26	Sensation and perception	Chapter 4
Oct. 3	Term Test 1
Oct. 10	Reading Week
Oct. 17	Learning	Chapter 5
Oct. 24	Memory	Chapter 6
Oct. 31	Intelligence	Chapter 7
Nov. 7	Language	Chapter 8
Nov. 14	Term Test 2
Nov. 21	Developmental psychology	Chapter 9
Jan. 23, 2024	Motivation and emotion	Chapters 10 & 11
Jan. 30	Personality	Chapter 12
Feb. 6	Reading week
Feb. 13	Social Psychology	Chapter 13
Feb. 20	Term Test 3
Feb. 27	Psychopathology	Chapter 14
Mar. 5	Treatment approaches	Chapter 15
Mar. 19	Health psychology	Chapter 16
Apr. 6	Therapeutic effects

University Policies

• Academic Integrity: Students must adhere to university policies regarding plagiarism and academic misconduct.

• Grade Appeals: Procedures for grade appeals are available on the university website.

For more information, refer to the university’s official policy documents linked in the syllabus.

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive outline of the course structure, evaluation methods, and academic policies for an introductory psychology course. Students are encouraged to consult the required textbook and university resources for further details.