PSYC 101
Introductory Psychology I
3.0 Credits
Description
PSYC 101 provides an introduction to some of the principal subject areas that make up the scientific study of human behavior. In addition to providing you with a basic knowledge of psychology, the course is designed to help you develop an understanding of psychological processes as well as a critical approach to psychological materials you may encounter in subsequent studies. The course closely follows the structure of the textbook, which also serves as the text for PSYC 102, Introductory Psychology II.
Delivery Method
Delivery is self-paced, allowing you the flexibility to proceed through the course according to your own schedule. The course is available in print or online versions. TRU-Open Learning has no admission requirements and you can register for this course at any time.
Prerequisites
None
Exclusions
Students with credit for PSYC 106 (SFU PSYC 100) may not take this course for further credit.
Objectives
The goals of this course are to help you acquire current scientific knowledge of theories, methods, and scientific findings from the field of psychology and an understanding of the importance of critical thinking when evaluating psychological material.
By the end of the course you should be able to:
- Discuss the theories and research methodologies that characterize modern psychology.
- Use critical thinking in your approach to psychological topics.
- Describe recent psychological findings in the study of the brain, nervous system, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotion, and motivation.
Course Outline
Module 1: An Invitation to Psychology
- Topic 1: What Is Psychology?
- Topic 2: How Psychologists Do Research
Module 2: The Brain and Mental States
- Topic 1: Neurons, Hormones, and the Brain
- Topic 2: Body Rhythms and Mental States
Module 3: Sensation, Perception, and Learning
- Topic 1: Sensation and Perception
- Topic 2: Learning
Module 4: Memory, Thinking, Emotion, and Motivation
- Topic 1: Memory and Thinking
- Topic 2: Emotion
- Topic 3: Motivation
Maximum Completion
30 weeks. As many courses are self-paced, students may choose to complete a course in less than the allowed maximum time.
Required Text and Materials
- Wade, C, C Tavris, D Saucier, and L. Elias. Psychology. 2nd Canadian Edition. Toronto: Pearson Education Canada, 2007.
Type: Textbook
The textbook includes several supplements:
- Textbook Companion Web site: The publisher of your textbook provides a companion website that contains a variety of useful resources, such as interactive lectures, flashcards, a glossary, and other study aids. If you are registered in the print version of this course you are encouraged to use the online resources if you have access to them, but you will be able to complete the course successfully using the print materials alone.
- Green, J. D., J. L. Davis, and S. Burns. Study Guide: Psychology.
2nd Canadian Edition. Toronto: Pearson Education Canada, 2007.
Type: Study Guide
- Hock, R. Forty Studies that Changed Psychology. 6th Ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.
Type: Book of Readings
Additional Requirements
Computer with Internet access is required for the Web version of the course. (Refer to the TRU-OL Website or the TRU-OL Calendar for requirements.)
Tutor Information
A course tutor is available to assist students. Primary communication is by phone if you are taking the print version of the course or by email if you are taking the online version. You will receive a welcome letter or email from the tutor providing contact information when you start the course.
Assessment
In order to successfully complete this course, students must obtain at least 50 % on the final mandatory examination and 50 % overall. It is strongly recommended that students complete all assignments in order to achieve the learning objectives of the course. The total mark will be determined on the following basis:
Students enrolled in the Web version of the course are required to contribute to online conferences as part of two of the assignments.
Students must pass the final exam to receive a passing grade in the course.
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