Course Introduction

Psychology Fundamentals introduces students to numerous viewpoints, from Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory, up to current perspectives on psychology. The fundamental structure of neurons and the brain’s physiology is introduced to provide a basis for comprehending how we sense the world around us. Students learn about pain management, sleep conditioning, and cognitive learning. Lecture topics include problem-solving, memory function, motivation, emotions and intellectual ability, and how these factors develop and influence our personalities. This course consists of 15 days (75 hours) of daily, participative learning sessions.

Course Prerequisites

Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, 19 years of age or older (varies, depending on province-specific ministry requirements), Grade 12 or equivalent, or Mature Student Status with successful completion of CAST testing, Completion of Wonderlic SLE admission test with minimum score of 18, Adequate level of physical health to be able to fulfill job requirements, Other medical tests (e.g., TB Test) or proof of vaccinations (e.g., Hep B) may be required by industry prior to placement, Good command of the English language – both written and oral, Completion of standard registration form, Completion of all ILS courses in the Community Service Worker program

Course Notes

Students are supplied with textbooks for ongoing reference. In addition to quizzes, tests, and assignments, there is a Final Exam upon completion of the course. Students must achieve a mark of 75% overall and on the Final Exam to successfully complete the course.

Course Breakdown

Introduction to Psychology: Why psychology, psychology’s family tree, working at psychology, and today’s perspectives

Neuroscience and Behaviour: The structure of the neuron, where neurons meet, our old brain, our new brain, and two brains or one

Sensation and Perception: Sensing the world around us, the skin senses, and managing pain

States of Consciousness: The stages of sleep, function and meaning of dreams, sleep disturbances, and hypnosis and meditation

Learning: Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and cognitive learning

Memory: Memory, recalling long-term memories, and why we forget

Thinking, Language, and Intelligence: Solving problems, practical and emotional intelligence, and intellectual ability

Motivation and Emotion: Motivation, Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs,” and understanding emotions

Personality: Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory, Neo-Freudian Psychoanalysts, placing labels on personality, and assessing personality