PSYC 100 Introductory Psychology I

School of University Arts and Sciences

PSYC 100 Introductory Psychology I is an introduction to the methods, theory and practice of psychology as a science. Among others, topics will include motivation and emotion, learning and memory, biological foundations, sensation and perception. Other topics are added at the discretion of the individual instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.

Prerequisites: English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or ENGL 60 with a minimum grade of 60%

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – YesBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours60
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture4

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Define fundamental concepts of psychology
  2. Recognize cultural differences and indigenous ways of knowing
  3. Apply psychological models to human thought and behavior
  4. Explain a variety of real-world situations using psychological principles
  5. Demonstrate effective verbal and written communications skills
  6. Recognize one’s personal patterns of thinking and behavior
  7. Implement scientifically validated cognitive, academic and behavioral strategies
  8. Define and explain the scientific method
  9. Identify highly valid and reliable research methods
  10. Explain fundamentals of neuroscience, sensation, perception, learning, memory, language and cognition

Teaching and Learning Approach

This online section of Psychology covers the same material as our face-to-face introductory psychology course. It uses the internet to integrate local and non-resident learners into a single learning community. Much of the material to be learned will come from a textbook; however, many of the "extras" that can make a college course an enriching experience will come from outside the textbook. The limited direct human connection and live debate are counterbalanced by the flexibility to learn on one’s own schedule and pace. Online learners are self-motivated and self-directed. Learners in this course study both independently and in teams. Interactions with your classmates will help you become more inquisitive, analytical, and knowledgeable as you connect in the Discussion Forums. Online instructors are responsible for developing the class structure, coaching students and teams in their learning, and providing encouragement to explore.

Learning Resources

Required Text: The Science of Psychology: An Appreciative view, Second Canadian edition Dax Urbszat, Laura A. King You are required to have access to the online resources for this textbook. If you purchase the text new from the Selkirk bookstore, this access will be included. If you buy the text used, or from a source other than the bookstore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you also purchase online access. Although instructors do not recommend the following option, students can also purchase access online to the e-book and online resources at a discounted price (without a hardcover or softcover text). We will discuss online resource access in more detail during the first week of classes. If you already have access from a previous course, you will need to "switch courses" to register for this course: Introductory Psychology I PSYC 100 – Fall 2025 [Wootla]

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Course Orientation 2. What is Psychology? Text reading: Chapter 1 3. What is the scientific method in Psychology? Text reading: Chapter 2 4. What are the Biological Foundations of Behaviour? Text reading: Chapter 2 5. Test #1 Midterm Test 1 from Chapters 1, 2 & 3 75 Multiple Choice Questions 6. What are Sensation and Perception? Text reading: Chapter 4 7. What is Consciousness? Text reading: Chapter 5 8. What is Learning? Text reading: Chapter 6 9. Exam 2 Text Readings: Chapters 4,5,6 75 Multiple Choice Questions 10. What is Memory? Text reading: Chapter 7 11. Memory -2 Text reading: Chapter 7 12. What are Thinking, Intelligence and Language? Text reading: Chapter 8 13. What are Motivation & Emotion? Text reading: Chapter 10 14. Group Presentations and VIVA VOCE: We will discuss Group Presentations in more detail in the first week of classes. 15. Final Exam - 75 Mutiple Choice Questions Text Reading: Chapters 7, 8, 10

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Test #11, 2, 3 1, 2, 3, 4, 515%
Test #2615%
Test #3 Quizzes [Deadlines Ongoing Throughout Semester] textbook online resources in Achieve are an invaluable1-10 • The aid to15%
learning the course material AND preparing for choice Unit and Final tests. For each chapter that covering, you will be required to complete a numberthe multiple- 1-10 we are of10%
online exercises and quizzes. Connect Textbook online assignments1-1015%
Projects / Seminars / Group Presentations1-1010%
VIVA VOCE1-1020%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.