vcc.ca
PSYC 1100: Psychology 1
Effective date
July 2018
Department
UT Humanities
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
This course introduces students to the discipline of psychology and provides an overview of the major areas and perspectives in the field. It is an overview of the history, systems and theories, research methods, evolution and genes, the brain and nervous system, body rhythms and states of consciousness, sensation and perception, learning, conditioning, and behaviour.
Psychology 1 and 2 can be taken concurrently.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define psychology as a natural science.
- Summarize the early history and development of psychology.
- Define basic concepts, perspectives and major issues in contemporary psychology.
- Identify, observe and describe specific psychological processes and principles.
- List and describe the components and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Examine and understand the mind body connection.
- Distinguish between sensation and perception.
- Explain the various models of learning.
- Describe and assess the biological, psychological, cultural, and social influences on behaviour.
- Critically analyze information about humans and their diversity.
- Discuss the connection and differences between culture, gender and biology.
- Utilize the eight guidelines (as presented in the textbook) of critical thinking in the study of psychology.
- Use the concepts covered in the course and apply it to their personal and social lives.
- Use the scientific method in observing and analyzing human behaviour.
- Research and critically analyze current peer reviewed research.
- Use APA style when documenting sources.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 60
Total Hours: 60
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
The course uses a combination of lectures, demonstrations, video, group work, class discussion and library research.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
40 |
written reports, library research and group work |
|
Midterm Exam |
40 |
2 exams at 20% each |
|
Final Exam |
20 |
|
Course topics
- What can psychology teach us?: Overview and introduction.
- How psychologists do research: The scientific method, conducting research, ethics.
- Evolution and genetics: our commonalities and our differences.
- The human brain: basic anatomy and physiology.
- Biological rhythms.
- Consciousness and altered states of consciousness
- Sensation and perception.
- Learning theory.
- Social and cultural influences on behavior.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.