Students are normally expected to complete 148 units within the curriculum structure below:

Major Required Courses

Students are required to take the following 17 Major Required Courses (51 units):

PSY2013
Research Methods in Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
To cultivate critical thinking, and how it can be applied to a wide range of research topics in Psychology. This course will take a practical, skill-building approach to examining the nature of psychological research, the formulation of research questions, research design and methods, and the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research data and results. The course will enable the student to become competent in exploring, evaluating, and applying research findings to the wide range of problems in Psychology. It is also designed to help students become more sophisticated consumers of the increasing flood of scientific news, to help them discriminate between junk and serious science. It will also provide a solid methodological foundation for students to undertake their final year projects. At the end of the course, each student should decide on a topic for his/her final year project and develop a preliminary research project proposal. This proposal would form part of the course assessment.


PSY2023
Social Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
At the completion of the course the student should have a critical understanding of influence of social –psychological phenomena which occur in our daily lives. The student will develop an awareness of the fact that we sometimes spend entire days in interacting in a variety of different situations which lend themselves to the theories and principles of Social Psychology. The student will be aware of the contributions of social psychologists in the fields of business, medicine law and related areas. Social psychology is now represented as an element in other areas of psychology: clinical, forensic, industrial and organisational. Contributions to these fields flow in from the field of social psychology. Social psychology will give the student an interest and appreciation for cultural diversity and national interest, these areas represent extensive interest in research and experimentation in attempt to determine which are universal and which are cultural bound. Finally, emphasis will be placed on understanding the traditional topics such as aggression, violence, altruism, humanism and other social forces.

PSY2033
Developmental Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
Developmental psychology is designed to provide the student with the fundamental knowledge and appreciation of the concepts of human development. The student will begin with the introduction of scientific methods and research models in the area of human development. This will prepare the student to read and understand the evolution and technological advances in the discipline of psychology and particularly, developmental psychology. The student will be introduced to the“bio-psycho-social” model as it applies to human development; this will include relevant cultural and social issues related to the fact that human development is not driven or determined by isolated biological force but expressed as a dynamic between the elements of heredity and environment which shape the human organism.


PSY2043
Introduction to Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s): None 

Course Description:
This is an introductory level course designed to provide an understanding of the basic scientific principles supporting the discipline of psychology. The course begins with the historic roots of psychology and the fundamentals of empirical research which will provide the basis of the bio-psycho-social model used throughout the course. The course will cover a wide range of topics beginning with the study of human development which will lead to further discussion of cognition, personality, learning perception, psychopathology and principles of socialisation, etc.

PSY3003
Theories of Human Personality
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This 3-unit hour course is an examination of the major personality theories, including those proposed by Freud and his followers, learning theorists, trait theorists, social-learning theorists and humanists. Current research into personality, using modern methods, also is reviewed. We will describe and interpret the major theories of human personality, introducing the student to the main ideas and concepts of each theorist and theory, to attempt to understand the role of theory in the study, understanding and explaining of human behaviour. And we will also aim to draw from the related research, pertinent information and analyses of the respective theories and how theories and research can be practically interpreted and applied; to encourage active participation in the curriculum; to enhance skills in critical thinking regarding assessment of subjective areas of human psychology; to overview the major controversies in contributors to Psychology.

PSY3013
Theories of Learning
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The course in Theories of Learning attempts to integrate the cognitive, emotional and environmental experiences which form the basis of knowledge, skills and values that determine the individual’s view of the world. Theories of learning attempt to explain how these learning events occur and what is happening when people learn. This is what differentiates humans from animals, we know it!! A fundamental question surrounding this fact is how do we know? This is answered by exploring the bases of learning. The course will also provide an introduction to some of the most informative and influential psychological thinking of the twentieth century which explored the nature of learning. The course is designed to expose the student to important empirical and practical applications of learning. We will study the variables related to learning with the goal of understanding the principles of human development, educational achievements and therapeutic changes.

PSY3023
Abnormal Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This course will introduce students to the branch of psychology which deals with a diverse range of maladaptive human behaviours. Topics will include historical and theoretical perspectives on abnormal behaviour, and related methods of assessment, research, and intervention which are prominent in this area of psychology. This course will also include a detailed coverage of anxiety, stress, mood, thought, substance, personality, sexual, somatoform, and eating disorders, as well as disorders related to childhood and aging. Psychosocial dimension of these disorders will be considered, along with strategies for intervention which represent a variety of theoretical perspectives on treatment.

PSY3043
Consumer Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The field of consumer psychology refers to the study of how the population accesses the goods and services in their daily lives. This area of psychology draws heavily from the fields of advertising and marketing in the scope of business but it incorporates and complements these disciplines with anthropology, cognitive psychology and social psychology. Consumer Psychology has been recognised as a separate area of study within the discipline of psychology since World War II. Consumer psychology attempts to answer the questions of how, why, when and where do people buy or, not buy products. Consumer psychology studies individuals and group characteristics regarding how they satisfy their wants and needs. This involves examining demography, economic and social status and the effects of the environment and how it influences buyer decisions. Consumer psychology examines factors related to how a customer determines value; it attempts to measure the effects of advertising and marketing with the ultimate goal of influencing or predicting a customer’s decision.

PSY3053
Educational Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The course in educational psychology is developed to study how humans learn in educational settings. The course explores and examines the effectiveness of educational intervention and the psychology of teaching. The focus of educational psychology is upon how students learn and how they develop, this often takes place within the context of subgroups such as “gifted children” or children with “learning and educational disabilities”. Educational psychology locates itself within a wide range of specialties within the areas of educational studies. A course objective is to expose the student to a variety of these areas such as: instructional design, educational technology, curriculum development, special education and classroom management. The broad, overall objective of educational psychology is to introduce the relevant psychological principles, theories and methodologies to problems and issues found in areas of learning and education.

PSY3063
Psychology of Cultural Diversity
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This course is designed to provide students with a positive perception of cultural diversity. The most important elements of cultural diversity, understanding and awareness, will be addressed. The aim of the course is to examine how “the mind shapes culture” and how “culture shapes the mind”. We will begin by discussing immigration and cultural diversity from the point of view of those who change cultural environment and those who find themselves in environment where they are minorities. Psychology of Cultural Diversity employs a blend of experiential learning theory to engage the learner in a unique and participative set of learning experiences. Increased awareness of cultural diversity can translate into more tolerance, respect, and appreciation for the uniqueness of all people and culture.

PSY3073
Experimental Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The major objective is to provide the student with hands on experience and practice related to experimental methods in psychology. This process includes planning, designing and conducting a piece of experimental research and communicating the results to fellow students. Students will be introduced to the basics of scientific methods, principles of observation and reporting. Developing computer skills as a foundation for data analysis will be emphasised. The laboratory part of the course will provide the research experience, develop the research project and demonstrate the skills of scientific communication in both written and oral forms. The course will also introduce the important topics of research ethics and guidelines established for the protection of animal and human subjects.

PSY3133
History and Systems in Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This course explores major developments ideas in the history and systems of psychology as an academic shaped the field; when and how psychology became a science; life histories of psychologists; and how ideas about what is "normal" are shaped by psychology. Although psychology really only became an independent discipline about 100 years ago, its history goes back much further than that. The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of current methods of psychological intervention, with a strong emphasis on empirically supportive forms of treatment. Students can expect to learn about many widely used cognitive and behavioural methods, psychodynamic theories and methods including psychoanalytical perspectives, humanistic approach of counselling, modern theories and practical issues of positive psychology, self-awareness and well-being.

AI2073
Perception
3Units

Pre-requisite(s): None 

Course Description:

This course aims to illustrate lawful relations between perceptual experiences and the physical world and to develop models of the processes and mechanisms that produce these connections. We will discuss fundamental problems in perception and learn how the latest technology allows us to measure the brain's responses to various sensory stimuli, and how conscious effort and experience can affect these responses.


PSY3183
Psychological Assessment and Testing
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The aim of this course is to improve the knowledge, understanding, and practices of students who will be involve in constructing tests, and understanding the meaning and value of test scores. This course introduces students to the psychological tests used in clinical, organisational, forensic, and educational settings. Through the address of topics such as test design, neuropsychological assessment, vocational interests, and projective techniques, students will gain insight to how testing data are used by professional psychologists when working with clients.

PSY4004
Final Year Project I (PSY)
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The main aim of this course is to guide and empower final year psychology students to initiate, explore, analyse, and complete their research project. The objectives of this course are to provide opportunities for students: (1) to develop their individual critical thinking and research design skills, as well as analytical and intellectual abilities; (2) to apply the formal knowledge and skills gained on the degree programmed, to real, practical psychology research; and (3) to integrate their competencies, so as to better prepare themselves for the transition from the academic to the work situation.

PSY4053
Health Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
Students will view health and illness through a bio-psycho-social lens, i.e. understand that physical well-being is the result of complex biological, social, and psychological factors. Students should develop the research skills and confidence necessary to critically examine advice about health they are given. Students will learn about behavioural interventions they could apply in their own life, either with others or themselves; modifying health behaviours, coping with stress or pain, or dealing with illnesses.


PSY4003
Human Cognitive Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The main objective of the course is to provide the student with the understanding and appreciation of the scientific method and how it applies to the principles of cognitive psychology. Principles and theories of attention, memory, problem solving, comprehension and reasoning provide the core of human cognition and provide a context for other studies related to learning, intelligence and other areas of human behaviour. The student will experience the many avenues of empirical research found in studies of cognition and learn to appreciate the traditional research models of cognitive psychology ( eg. Reaction times) and how they can be used to interpret mental events. The student will understand the failure of cognition (eg. Trauma, dementia) and use this information and knowledge to further understand normal cognition. The student will hopefully appreciate the value of cognitive psychology in the context of contemporary issues confronting the discipline of psychology.

Major Elective Courses

Students are required to take 6 courses (18 units) from the following course list (the availability of major elective courses offered each semester is subject to faculty availability and minor adjustment):

PSY2003
Biological Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The study of biological psychology has its roots in two disciplines: biology and psychology. The course attempts to link the two and provides an understanding of the methods by which biology is able to clarify and assist the student in understanding human behaviours and processes in our mental lives. Biological psychology will provide immediate, causal explanations for the role of the human brain in guiding and directing behaviour; this, taken in a greater context considers the role of the nervous system, hormones and immediate environment.


PSY3113
Neuropsychology of Language
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This course of Neuropsychology of Language is designed to provide the latest knowledge for students who are interested in the neural bases of language processing including reading, word recognition, speech perception, language comprehension, and writing. The course will orient students to hot topics and presentative studies in the field of language neuroscience. The course will also provide students chances to learn the latest applications of cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and EEG in the research of the neural bases of language processing.

PSY3123
Forensic Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The course in Forensic Psychology is directed at applying social science research methods and principles of psychological knowledge and theories to the contemporary issues of the criminal justice system. The course will introduce the student to a wide range of topics related to legal methods found in court, corrections and police work. The student will be introduced to the translation of psychological language into legal language found in courts and other legal institutions. The fact that a forensic psychologist is not a therapist and does not approach the issues and problems found in clinical psychology will be understood by the student. Emphasis on facts and objective assessment will be a key concept, the forensic psychologist must be acutely aware of his/her role at the behest of the judge or attorney representing the defendant. The student will be exposed to the myriad of situations and circumstances in the relationship between crime and mental illness. Thus the student of Forensic Psychology will understand the concepts of insanity, recidivism, risk assessment, police psychology and expert testimony.

PSY3143
The Psychology of Decision-Making
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This course is designed to introduce and interrogate psychological approaches to decision-making. Students taking this course will learn about dynamics affecting their own decisions, and to the decisions made by many other people. As a result, they will learn about how to improve decision-making strategies and even contribute to the growing decision science community.

AI2053
Introduction to Cognitive Science
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
None.

Course Description:

The course aims to present a multidisciplinary forum and expose students to contemporary understanding on how mental processes such as visual perceptions, memories, attentions, languages and thoughts are implemented in our living brain, paving the way for for their future creative work and research in the field of artificial intelligence.


PSY4123
Counselling Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This course intends to provide an overview of the counselling profession. Research in efficacy and assessment will be included in the course to emphasise the scientist-practitioner model. Students will also be informed of the various settings where counselling psychologists can contribute their professional knowledge.

PSY4005
Final Year Project II (PSY)
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):  
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY, and
PSY4004 FINAL YEAR PROJECT I (PSY)

Course Description:
This course is intended for students who want to carry out more in-depth research in their Final Year Project. Same as Final Year Project I, but it will be restricted to students who have academically performed very well in year 2 and year 3, and in Final Year Project I. Enrolment in this course requires the approval of the Programme Director. Students are required to independently carry out a scientific literature review, to critically appraise certain theories, concepts or beliefs, and to prepare students for a higher degree study.

PSY4033
Special Topic in Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The content of this course depends on the interests and expertise of the lecturers involved in teaching it, and the needs and interests of the students. It provides an opportunity to explore topics of current relevance and importance.

PSY4043
Industrial and Organisational Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This course will introduce the major aspects of Industrial and Organisational (I/O) Psychology. Students will learn and apply psychological principles and research methods pertaining to a variety of I/O psychology issues, such as individual factors in selection, placement, job analysis and design, safety and training. Students will examine the role of interpersonal relations, and individual differences in modifying and changing organisations, they will also gain insights to the decision making, group dynamics, leadership, employment law, job satisfaction, work motivation, organisational development and change processes within and between organisations.


PSY4063
Psychology of the Chinese People
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
Although the Chinese people constitute more than a quarter of the world’s population, the purpose of this course is to summarise and integrate the wealth of data available on their psychological functioning. The purpose of this course is to introduce fundamental concepts from psychology in the different cultural context of Chinese people psychological functioning, to apply such concepts in understanding themselves and behaviours of others.

PSY4093
Ecological Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This course is designed to give participants a theoretical understanding of studying perception and action that originated in the works of James and Eleanor Gibson. The implications of Ecological Psychology for how we understand the perceptual process are fairly profound, but the approach is also interesting because of its implications for the rest of psychological theories, changing how participants think of cognition, social interaction, developmental process, etc. A special emphasis will be placed on the realization that perception can do much more than was previously suspected. Issues salient to the design of real-life settings (e.g., classrooms, elderly homes, group homes) or product design (e.g., mobile phones, operation systems, watches) will be covered. Participants will conduct an ecological analysis of real-life settings or design that integrates ecological interventions with other modalities of practical concerns.

PSY4103
Cognitive Neuroscience
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY, and
PSY2003 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This course exposes the students to the neural processes and biological substrates underlying cognition. The course will advance the student beyond the processes of basic cognition into how cognitive functions are produced by the brain. The study of Biological Psychology will draw the student into a number of disciplines up to and including neuroimaging and electrical measurement. The course will introduce areas of computational science as they apply to neurocognition. It is anticipated that the student will develop an advanced understanding of the biological bases of mental activity and human behaviour. The course will also provide the student with current research and theory related to the loss of human cognition: disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, stroke, genetic disorders. This information will be expanded in the form of case presentations.


PSY4113
Neuroimaging in Psychology
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY, and
PSY2003 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
This course of Neuroimaging in Psychology is designed to provide relevant knowledge and skills for students who are interested in neuroimaging research. The course will orient students to hot topics in the field and presentative studies of the application of modern neuroimaging technologies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The course will also provide students chances to learn how to apply the two widely used technologies, MRI and EEG, in a study including experimental design, data collection and analysis, result visualization and interpretation, and manuscript preparation.

PSY4133
Interpersonal and Group Dynamics
3Units

Pre-requisite(s):
PSY2043 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Course Description:
The course in Group Dynamics introduces the student to the stages and processes of groups including the principles of group interaction which will address techniques, leadership and roles. These concepts will be applied as part of an experiential learning process with the student as participants in various group exercises. The object is learning while participating. The student will understand group dynamics within the processes of group development: this includes an assessment or group building phase, the initial phase of group development, the working and transition phases, the final or closure phase. Again, this is a course that incorporates both theoretical and experiential phases of group dynamics. The course does not have an orientation to counselling or industrial/personnel management, the course content and material is developed to provide the student with an understanding of group processes, goals, norms and roles, communication, leadership and cooperation.


University Core Courses

All students should complete 37 units of University Core courses to fulfil the graduation requirements.

General Education Programme

All students should complete 18 units of General Education (GE) Courses to fulfil the graduation requirements. 

Free Elective Courses

The 24 units of Free Electives could be used by students to (a) spend a semester abroad; (b) take a minor or (c) take more courses offered by the teaching units.

Notes

The curriculum is particularly relevant for the 2022 cohort students. Other students please refer to https://ar.uic.edu.cn/current_students/student_handbook/programme_handbook.htm