Bachelor of Science, Majors, Minors and Transfer

Psychology

• A Major and Minor are offered
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission: Forms and Information

Note: VIU also offers a Bachelor of Arts, Major and Minor in Psychology.

General Description

The Bachelor of Science Major/Minor in Psychology places an increased emphasis on the role of biological factors in psychological phenomena. In particular, core courses/subject areas have been selected to develop a broad understanding of nervous system structure and function and its relation to normal behaviour in humans and nonhuman animals as well as its involvement in disease processes. The program should be of particular interest and value to students interested in health-related professional programs (e.g., medicine, chiropractic, optometry, physiotherapy, etc.) or graduate studies in psychology, neuroscience, or other areas of the life sciences. Small class sizes in the program enhance student opportunities for interactions with faculty and participation in laboratory research or other applied activities.

There is strong faculty expertise/interest in sleep and biological rhythms, learning and memory, sensory physiology, evolutionary psychology, neuropsychology and psychopharmacology, with associated active laboratories using techniques including electroencephalography, immunohistochemistry, and video behavioral analysis. The Psychology Department stresses hands-on learning and encourages student involvement in research and other applied activities either through course work or individual faculty supervision.

For additional information on the program, faculty, and undergraduate research please visit the Psychology home page.

All B.Sc. students interested in the Psychology Major or Minor should contact the Chair of the Psychology Department.

Notes on Admission

• Courses in first year have different prerequisites. To satisfy all first year course prerequisites, students must complete the following B.C. Secondary School courses: English 12, Biology 11 or 12, Chemistry 12, Math 12 (Principles of Math 12), and Physics 11 (Principles of Physics 11).
• Students who do not satisfy all of the first year course prerequisites will not likely be able to complete the full degree program in four years. Students who are lacking any or all of the first year course prerequisites should speak with a VIU Advisor about upgrading courses.
• Students with a two-year diploma in a field related to the Biological Sciences may receive advanced standing, depending upon their program.
• Transcripts from other institutions for courses used towards the B.Sc., Major in Psychology degree must be received by VIU’s Records office by August 15 for the Fall semester, and November 30 for the Spring semester.

Requirements for a Major

Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Core Courses

The Core component of the degree, combined with appropriate electives, gives students sufficient knowledge and experience in their field to facilitate entry into graduate or professional schools, or into employment in their field. Students must complete the core courses listed in first year, and psychology 204 with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 ("C+") before registering for any upper division Psychology course unless permission is obtained from the Instructor.

NOTE: Students must complete a minimum of 42 upper division credits in Arts and/or Sciences disciplines.

It is recommended that students wishing to enter a graduate program complete a Senior Research Project (PSYC 490 & 491). These courses would be taken as part of the 12 elective credits.

Undergraduate Research Project

The Psychology Department puts a great deal of emphasis on the education that can be gained by participating in an active research laboratory. Student interested in post-graduate programs like medicine, life science, neuroscience and psychology are encouraged to join a psychology laboratory research program in second or third year (see individual faculty members directing the lab for more information). Directed studies courses (PSYC 301/302; 390/391) are in place to encourage students to participate in a research program by carrying out a research project under the direct supervision of a faculty member. It is suggested that at least one of the above courses be taken prior to the student's senior research project (PSYC 490/491). Students interested in research in general should consult a faculty member as early as possible in their academic career.

Students planning to take Psychology 490/491 in the Fall semester must have a Research Supervisor identified prior to registration. Details of the special registration process required for Psychology 490/491 may be obtained from the Psychology Chair or the Psychology B.Sc. Advisor.

Requirements for a Minor

Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Year 1 & 2: Minimum “C-” in each of PSYC 111/112, PSYC 204, PSYC 205/206.

Year 3 & 4: Minimum “C-” in each of at least 15 credits from upper Psychology courses numbered 300 and above, with at least 9 credits selected from the B.Sc. Psychology core courses (see list below).

B.Sc. Psychology Core Courses:

• PSYC 315 - (Introduction to Neuropsychology I)
• PSYC 316 - (Introduction to Human Neuropsychology II)
• PSYC 317A - (Sensation and Psychophysics)
• PSYC 319 - (Cognitive Neuroscience)
• PSYC 323 - (Experimental Neuroscience I)
• PSYC 324 - (Experimental Neuroscience II)
• PSYC 345A - (Drugs and Behaviour)
• PSYC 365 - (Sleep and Biological Rhythms)
• PSYC 445 - (Clinical Neuropharmacology and Therapeutics)

Updated October 30, 2009