PSY 1103 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
Duration of the Course: The course is 3 Credit Units providing 45 Contact Hours.
Course Description: This is an introduction course to the discipline of psychology in general. It gives the historical
development of the discipline and some of its important schools of thought that have had significant influence on the
growth of the discipline. It explains the scientific bases of psychology as both an academic discipline and a
professional career. The course gives a foundation on the application of psychology in the description,
understanding and explaining, prediction, and control of human behaviour.
Course Objectives: By the end of the course students should be able to:
 Define Psychology and the key concepts used in the discipline
 Distinguish between nature and nurture concepts
 Categorize behaviour into its different forms
 Explain the different approaches to learning
 Discuss the different approaches to personality development
Course Outline/Content
The course will specifically cover the following topics:
Historical Development of Psychology, The Physiological basis of Behaviour, Sensation and Perception, Altered
states of Consciousness, Learning, Memory, Intelligence, Motivation and Emotion, Developmental Psychology,
Personality, Stress and Coping, Abnormal Behaviour, and Social Psychology.
Teaching /Delivery methods
Lectures, Class presentations, and Independent study
Assessment methods
Coursework /assignment, Tests, Presentation skills /class discussions, Attendance CW =30% Exam = 70%
Examination
Learning Resources
1. Kalat, J.W. (2008). Introduction to Psychology (8th Eds). Thomason: Wadsworth Publishing.
2. Nairne, J.S. (2009). Psychology (5th Eds.). Toronto: Thomson Nelson
3. Nevid, J.S. (2009). Essentials of Psychology: concepts and application. Toronto; Thomson Belson
4. Pastorino, E.E. & Doyle-Portillo, S.M. (2006). What is Psychology? Belmont, CA: Wadsworth / Thomson
Learning.
5. Plotnik, R. (2008). Introduction to Psychology. Thomason: Wadsworth Publishing