Psychology

The course list identifies approved courses that MacEwan University may offer. Not all courses will be offered every year and some courses are restricted to particular programs. Contact an advisor in your program for information on course availability.  

2013 - 2014

Psychology

Research Participation

For students of PSYC 104 and PSYC 105, the opportunity to participate in a psychology research study is an exciting hands-on way to learn about psychological principles and methods of research. As part of your course work, you will be able to serve as a participant in both on-line and in-person research studies being conducted by faculty and upper-level students from the Department of Psychology.

• Download Research Participation Instructions
• Sign-up for an account on the MacEwan Psychology Research website at: http://grantmacewan.sona-systems.com

If you have any questions or need help, please contact:

Trudith Ohki, Research Participation Coordinator
Room 6-368, City Centre Campus • 9:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. weekdays
psychologyresearch@macewan.ca

Please include your full name and use your student@mymail.macewan.ca email address for any communications.

2013 - 2014

Psychology

The course list identifies approved courses that MacEwan University may offer. Not all courses will be offered every year and some courses are restricted to particular programs. Contact an advisor in your program for information on course availability.

2013 - 2014

Psychology

The course list identifies approved courses that MacEwan University may offer. Not all courses will be offered every year and some courses are restricted to particular programs. Contact an advisor in your program for information on course availability.

2013 - 2014

Psychology

The course list identifies approved courses that MacEwan University may offer. Not all courses will be offered every year and some courses are restricted to particular programs. Contact an advisor in your program for information on course availability.

Fall 2013

PSYC 405 – Special Topics in Psychology
Sleep (New Topic)
Dr. Nancy Digdon, TR 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Course Description:

This course explores the multidisciplinary study of sleep, with emphasis on topics relevant to psychology. Topics include the biological regulation of sleep, personality factors associated with sleep, circadian rhythms, sleep deprivation, impact of sleep on cognitive functioning, sleep patterns found in different species, development of sleep in humans, sleep disorders, sleep-related symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders, the relationship between lifestyle habits and sleep quality, and ethical and legal issues pertaining to impairment due to sleepiness or sleep disorders.

Prerequisites:

Minimum grade of C- in at least one 200-level course in psychology and consent of the department.

PSYC 405 – Special Topics in Psychology
Psychology of Consumer Behaviour (New Topic)
Dr. Rodney Schmaltz, TR 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the psychological principles that drive consumer behaviour. Topics covered will include marketing strategies, decision-making processes, and attitude change.

Prerequisites:

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in at least one 200-level course in psychology and consent of the department.

PSYC 406 – Advanced Experimental Psychology
Psychology of Hearing
Tara Vongpaisal, TR 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Course Description:

Listening is a skill we do with remarkable ease. But making sense of sound involves a complex interplay between the sound source, the mechanics of our ears, and the brain structures that support our auditory system. In this course, student will gain a broad and unified understanding of the psychology of hearing that includes the basics of sound acoustics and physiology of the ear, the perception of simple and complex sounds such as speech and music, the development of hearing skills across the lifespan, and the causes and consequences of hearing loss. Practical components include the use of sound analysis software and in-class auditory demonstrations.

Prerequisites:

Minimum grade of C- in at least one 300- or 400-level course in psychology or consent of the department.

PSYC 449 – Topics in Social Psychology
Injustice, Inequality, and Collective Protest
Dr. Craig Blatz, TR 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Course Description:

This course is designed to teach students about the psychology of collective protest and motivations that interest people in maintaining the status quo. Students will learn about and apply the psychological motives, and situational determinants of why people choose to or not to protest inequalities that disadvantage their group or other groups. The class will include exercises, videos, and assignments designed to enliven discussions and encourage students to consider the impact of injustice, inequality, and what can be done about it to their daily lives.

Prerequisites:

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 212 and PSYC 241.

Winter 2014

PSYC 405 – Special Topics in Psychology
Psychology of the Internet (New Topic)
Dr. Jane Gackenbach , TR 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Course Description:

This course considers intrapersonal, interpersonal, and broader social elements of being online. That is, how people construct and represent themselves on the Internet from choosing an avatar to disinhibition online. We then consider how people relate to one another and form communities on the Internet. Here we will consider social media. Finally, how the internet is changing major social institution from politics to business to cultural impact will be covered. The course relies on recent research to explore issues and concerns about this new medium of technology which now extends beyond the computer to the game console and cell phone. Questions about ethics on the Web, about the gendered use of technology, about Web addiction, video game play, and about the changing nature of work and play are among those considered in this exploration into the complex relations between human beings and communication technology.

Prerequisites:

Minimum grade of C- in at least one 200-level course in psychology and consent of the department.

PSYC 406 – Advanced Experimental Psychology
Neuroscience of the Zebrafish (New Topic)
Dr. Trevor Hamilton and Dr. Melike Schalomon, TR 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Course Description:

Over the past 10 years, the zebrafish has become one of the most used research animal models in neuroscience, partly because its genetics are well known and its neurochemistry is similar to that of humans. This course will examine research on zebrafish genetics and development as well as the anatomy and neurochemistry of the adult zebrafish nervous system. Behavioural research on zebrafish embryos will be dicussed prior to an in-depth discussion of behavioural methodology and findings in adult zebrafish. The course will include some hands-on work with zebrafish brains, zebrafish husbandry, and methods of behavioural testing in adult zebrafish.

Prerequisites:

Minimum grade of C- in at least one 300- or 400-level course in psychology or consent of the department.

PSYC 437 – Topics in Forensic Psychology
Eyewitness Testimony (New Topic)
Dr. Kristine Peace, TR 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Course Description:

This seminar course will focus on applied aspects of how memory phenomena intersect eyewitness contexts (including memory for crime and then identifying the perpetrator). We will review issues pertaining to a variety of major topic areas, and students will do at least one presentation/ lecture concerning one of these areas, which incorporates research articles and chapters that cover the topic (e.g., estimator/system variables, weapon focus effect, cross-race bias, line-up types, expert testimony, interviewing, etc.). Research readings also may be assigned throughout the term. The format of the class is a senior seminar and students will be expected to participate through discussion, presentation, and a research paper.

Prerequisites:

Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 337.

PSYC 467 – Special Topics in Perception
Cognitive Neuroscience of Perception and Action (New Topic)
Dr. Chris Striemer, TR 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Course Description:

This course will examine advanced topics on how the brain uses visual information to control aspects of conscious visual perception, visual attention, and visually guided actions. Students will be introduced not only to the cognitive mechanisms involved in these different processes, but also to the functional neuroanatomy that underlies these critical functions. To facilitate this, students will be assigned readings which examine these topics from a wide variety of perspectives including human neuropsychology, functional brain imaging, and single cell recordings in animals. The format of the course is a senior seminar, therefore, students will be expected to present topics in class, participate in weekly discussions about the readings, and write a formal research proposal based on topics examined in the course.

Prerequisites:

Minimum grade of C- in PSYC 212 and in PSYC 267 or PSYC 275.

Field Placement in Clinical Psychology

The Field Placement in Clinical Psychology (PSYC 439) is designed for Psychology Majors who are entering the 3rd or 4th year of their studies.

Why enrol in the Field Placement In Clinical Psychology?

• Students who are hoping to establish careers in the practice of psychology in a mental health setting will benefit from the opportunity to participate in and observe the activities of registered psychologists in health and mental health settings. Students are provided relevant practical experience in a mental health agency.
• Students who are intending to pursue graduate studies will benefit from the opportunity to develop and apply psychological knowledge and/or research skills in clinical settings.
• Participation in this program enhances CVs and resumes and may provide students with valuable contacts and professional references. Students are given the opportunity to develop their CV and job interview skills.

Requirements:

A complete course description and course prerequisites are listed under PSYC 439. Applicants must be declared as a Psychology Major or enrolled in the Honours Psychology program.

How to apply:

Submit a Field Placement in Clinical Psychology Application Form by the appropriate deadline.

• Winter semester: November 9, 2012
• Fall semester: March 18, 2013

Attach the following documents to your application:

1. One typed, single-spaced page that responds to the following questions:

• Explain why you want to enroll in the Field Placement in Clinical Psychology.
• What benefit would this course be to you?
• What benefit would you be to an organization or agency to which you might be assigned (e.g. skills, abilities, previous experience)?

2. Your resumé with 3 references listed.

3. A signed Personal Information Disclosure Request and Consent form (page 2 of the application).

Next Steps

Applications are reviewed in April for the Fall semester, and in late October, early November for the Winter semester. If you are conditionally selected, an interview will be arranged with the field supervisor. A final decision will be made within 4 - 6 weeks of the application deadline. Given that the selection process may take from 4 - 6 weeks, it is important for students to fully enroll in regular program courses for the Fall and Winter semesters. If selected for a field placement, it is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from one of their other courses to make room for their enrolment in PSYC 439.

For more information contact:
Dr. Lori Harper, Clinical Field Placement Coordinator
Room 6-329, City Centre Campus
780-497-5320 • psychologyplacement@macewan.ca