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Department of Psychology | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Psychology Major

Bachelor of Arts

Declaration Requirements

To be declared to this program, students must complete

PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology I (3)

Acquaints the student with the major issues in contemporary psychology and considers the historical antecedents. Special attention is given to questions of methodology and research design in psychology. Topics in physiological psychology, perception, learning and motivation are considered. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Peter Leavitt
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Peter Leavitt
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
PSYC 102 - Introduction to Psychology II (3)

Acquaints the student with major issues in contemporary psychology and considers their historical antecedents. Topics in learning, cognition, social psychology and abnormal psychology are considered. Prerequisite: Recommended: PSYC 100. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Sherrie Atwood
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D100 Alyssa Croft
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Alyssa Croft
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
PSYC 210 - Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology (4)

Covers basic descriptive and inferential techniques most appropriately applied to the various forms of data from psychological research. Prerequisite: BC high school Math 12 with a minimum grade of C (2.0) or BC high school Math 11 with a minimum grade of B- (2.67) or any level MATH or STAT course with a C- (1.67) or FAN X99 taken at SFU with a minimum grade of C (2.00) or achieving a satisfactory grade on the Simon Fraser University Quantitative Placement Test. Corequisite: PSYC 201W, but prior completion recommended. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Richard Hohn
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or STAT 270 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)

Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, with a minimum grade of C-. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Richard Lockhart
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
OL01 Jinko Graham
Online
OP01 TBD

and must obtain a final course grade of C (2.0) or better in

PSYC 201W - Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4)

An introduction to the procedures used in psychological research, and to the logic underlying them. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research, the formulation of testable questions, the control of extraneous influences, the measurement of effects, and the drawing of valid conclusions from empirical evidence. Provides a background for senior psychology courses since it offers a basis for the critical evaluation and conduct of research. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 102. Students with credit for PSYC 201 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Richard Hohn
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D113 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D114 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Peter Leavitt
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D901 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D902 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D903 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D904 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey

Course Selection

Students should complete PSYC 100, 102 and 201 as soon as possible to gain better access to upper division PSYC courses. Students who plan a major in psychology should also complete PSYC 210 and 300 as soon as possible.

The department strongly recommends that students do not leave any of these required courses to the end of their degree. If a student is unable to obtain the required grade in PSYC 201, he or she will not be able to graduate with a major in psychology.

To enroll in psychology courses, students are required to meet the prerequisites or special instructions that may be stipulated for each. The listed prerequisites indicate the minimal background expected by instructors. See PSYC courses for details.

The department reserves one hundred per cent of all 300 and 400 division PSYC courses for approved psychology major, minor or honours students. Those who are not approved cannot enroll in these upper division courses until the open enrollment date.

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, as specified below.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete all of

PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology I (3)

Acquaints the student with the major issues in contemporary psychology and considers the historical antecedents. Special attention is given to questions of methodology and research design in psychology. Topics in physiological psychology, perception, learning and motivation are considered. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Peter Leavitt
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Peter Leavitt
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
PSYC 102 - Introduction to Psychology II (3)

Acquaints the student with major issues in contemporary psychology and considers their historical antecedents. Topics in learning, cognition, social psychology and abnormal psychology are considered. Prerequisite: Recommended: PSYC 100. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Sherrie Atwood
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D100 Alyssa Croft
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Alyssa Croft
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
PSYC 201W - Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4) *

An introduction to the procedures used in psychological research, and to the logic underlying them. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research, the formulation of testable questions, the control of extraneous influences, the measurement of effects, and the drawing of valid conclusions from empirical evidence. Provides a background for senior psychology courses since it offers a basis for the critical evaluation and conduct of research. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 102. Students with credit for PSYC 201 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Richard Hohn
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D113 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D114 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Peter Leavitt
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D901 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D902 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D903 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D904 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
PSYC 210 - Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology (4)

Covers basic descriptive and inferential techniques most appropriately applied to the various forms of data from psychological research. Prerequisite: BC high school Math 12 with a minimum grade of C (2.0) or BC high school Math 11 with a minimum grade of B- (2.67) or any level MATH or STAT course with a C- (1.67) or FAN X99 taken at SFU with a minimum grade of C (2.00) or achieving a satisfactory grade on the Simon Fraser University Quantitative Placement Test. Corequisite: PSYC 201W, but prior completion recommended. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Richard Hohn
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or STAT 270 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)

Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, with a minimum grade of C-. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Richard Lockhart
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
OL01 Jinko Graham
Online
OP01 TBD

and one course from the following group A courses

PSYC 221 - Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (3)

Introduction to the study of cognitive and perceptual processes. Topics include memory, perception, attention, language, mental imagery, creativity, judgment and decision-making, and an introduction to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, aphasia and attention-deficit disorder. Prerequisite: PSYC 100.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Tom Spalek
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PSYC 280 - Introduction to Biological Psychology (3)

Surveys the major areas in biological psychology. Topics include the basics of neuroanatomy and nerve cell function, the behavioural and physiological effects of drugs and hormones in the nervous system, evolutionary perspectives on the brain and behaviour, and the biopsychology of vision, the chemical senses, hearing, movement, biological rhythms, sex, and cognitive processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: BISC 101. Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Evan Caldbick
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one course from the following group B courses

PSYC 241 - Introduction to Psychological Disorders and Neurodiversity (3)

Introduces students to the area of abnormal psychology. Topics include the definition and classification of pathological behaviour, factors involved in the development of pathology, and evaluation of therapy outcome. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.

PSYC 250 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology (3)

Considers the psychological and physical aspects of human development from conception through middle childhood. Topics include social, emotional, language, cognitive, perceptual and physical development. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Joanna Peplak
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PSYC 260 - Introduction to Social Psychology (3)

Examines methodology and content in social psychology. Topics include: attitudes and values; social perception and cognition; group behaviour; social includence; prejudice, discrimination, and sexism; aggression; altruism, interpersonal attraction and interpersonal relationships. Prerequisite: PSYC 102. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
PSYC 268 - Introduction to Law and Psychology (3)

An introduction to the area of law and psychology. The role and influence of psychology in the legal system will be discussed. Topics include: social psychology and law, developmental psychology and law, juvenile justice, experimental psychology and law, mental disability and law. Prerequisite: PSYC 102.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Adele Quigley-McBride
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby

and one additional course from either group A or group B (see above).

* with a final course grade of C (2.0) or better

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete a total of 30 upper division units with a minimum psychology cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and psychology upper division CGPA of 2.0 (calculated on Simon Fraser University PSYC courses only), and which includes

PSYC 300W - Critical Analysis of Issues in Psychology (4) *

Trains students to evaluate critically important issues from the main areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive and neural, clinical, developmental, history, quantitative and theoretical, law and psychology, social) and to communicate their ideas clearly in written form. The content may vary in different offerings of the course. Prerequisite: PSYC 201W. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Alyssa Croft
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and an additional 26 upper division PSYC units.

* with a final course grade of C- (1.67) or better

No more than six Research Engagement or Directed Studies units may be applied to this program. No more than six PSYC Field School units may be applied to this program. A minimum of 15 upper division psychology units must be completed at Simon Fraser University.

Research Engagement Course

PSYC 393 - Research Engagement (0)

Students will engage in research activities to advance their understanding of the Psychology research process. The student will find a research supervisor and will meet at least bi-weekly with the supervisor. Workload will be equal to or greater than that of a regular course, with each credit corresponding to 3 hours of work in the lab; research activities will be determined by the supervisor. Students may repeat this course for further credit. Variable units: 1, 2, 3. Graded on a pass/fail. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 60 units, a UDGPA of at least 2.5, and permission of the department. Tri-council ethics certificate.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 TBD
D200 TBD
D300 TBD

Enrollment enables an individual to work with psychological research in consultation with the supervising instructor.

The minimum requirement is completion of the Tri-council ethics certificate, PSYC 201, 60 units, an upper division GPA of at least 2.5, and departmental permission. Research Engagement students complete an application form from the SFU Psychology website with the intended instructor. This course can be repeated for additional credit with the same or different instructor.

Directed Studies Courses

PSYC 493 - Directed Studies (3)

Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a UDGPA of at least 3.0, and permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 TBD
PSYC 494 - Directed Studies (3)

Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a UDGPA of at least 3.0, and permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 TBD

Enrollment enables an individual or small group to work with a faculty member on a reading or research project of mutual interest.

The minimum requirement is an upper division GPA of at least 3.00, at least 60 units and department permission. Directed studies students complete an application form from the SFU Psychology website with the intended instructor. Each Directed Studies course must be with a different instructor.

Letters of Permission

See Courses at Other Institutions/Letters of Permission for information. The department does not normally approve letters of permission for enrolled Simon Fraser University students to complete PSYC 201, 210 and 301 at a different institution. Such permission may be granted for other courses. Enquire of the psychology undergraduate advisor.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each)

Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more)
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth

Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division:

Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth

Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements).

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.