Course Descriptions
Semester #1 Behavioural Science Technology
Behaviour Theory and Practice I: Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis
This course introduces the student to the principles and vocabulary of applied behaviour
analysis. Students are introduced to theories of learning and to the distinctions between
the respondent and operant conditioning models. The history of applied behaviour
analysis is presented. The course introduces the ethical and legal standards that
govern interactions with potential service recipients.
Life-Span Development
This course takes a biopsychosocial approach to human life-span development.
Students are introduced to various theories of human development and basic research
design while considering the interaction of physical environment, biological, social and
cultural factors impacting on development. Discussion of typical behaviours, thought
processes, physical and maturational issues will occur for each stage of development.
Individual differences in personality expressions, emotional development, psychological
growth, and moral / value development are explored.
Introduction to Psychology
This is a survey course designed to acquaint the student with the major topics,
concepts, and theories within psychology. The history of psychology as a discipline is
introduced, along with its predominant research principles and paradigms. The
biological bases of behaviour are presented, with particular attention to the role of the
brain and the central nervous system. Social influences on behaviour are also
discussed. The student is encouraged to develop a critical, analytical approach that
compares “common knowledge” about behaviour with theoretical explanations and
research evidence. Note that some topics, which are usually part of a survey course in
Psychology, such as human development, are not emphasized because these topics
are covered in depth in other course in the program.
Semester #2 Behavioural Science Technology
Behaviour Theory and Practice II: Behavioural Assessment
In this course, the student will be introduced to the basic tools and process of
behavioural assessment. The topics covered will include the purpose of assessment,
selecting and defining target behaviours, methods of measurement, functional
assessment and analysis, and other assessment techniques. Other topics included will
be client-focused goal setting and behavioural objectives, task analysis, and data
analysis and presentation.
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Introduction to Statistics
This course will focus on the application of the basic principles of data display and
interpretation and statistical reasoning and calculation. The student will demonstrate
the ability to design and interpret graphic displays of behavioural data. Further, the
student will be able to select, implement, and interpret statistical procedures appropriate
to the behavioural data.
Interviewing and Rapport Building
This course introduces the student to the micro-skills used in interviewing and
counseling. Through practical exercises such as role plays and the use of taping,
students will practice the skills, and will be encouraged to be part of each other’s
learning process by giving and receiving feedback about the skills they demonstrate.
They will also learn to explore their own values and attitudes towards counseling and to
examine the concept of themselves as agents of change.
Ethics and Legal Issues
This course will focus on introducing the foundations of creating an ethical sense and
will review the various perspectives on teaching the process of making ethical decisions
within a behavioural framework. This course will provide participants with the basis for
developing ethical guidelines for practice, examining areas related to legislative acts,
ONTABA standards of practice, and other current and controversial issues.
Field Placement 2
This course will focus on the application of direct observational and data recording
skills. The student will demonstrate the ability to operationally define behaviours, and
objectively describe events preceding and following behaviours. Students will practice
observing and recording occurrences of behaviours using a variety of data collection
systems (frequency, duration, interval recording, task related checklists, and A-B-C
sheets).
Field Seminar 2
This field seminar is intended to provide a supportive environment in which students
may integrate their academic studies and field practice. Within the seminar format,
students will have the opportunity to identify issues relevant to observing behaviours
and using various data collection systems related to the application of applied behaviour
analysis.
Semester #3 Behavioural Science Technology
Behaviour Theory and Practice III: Behavioural Techniques and Applications
This course presents a comprehensive review of the scientifically validated techniques
for behaviour change. Emphases will be placed on ethical considerations such as the
utilization of the least intrusive, least restrictive model and “effective treatment”.
Biological, developmental, and ecological determinants of behaviour will be discussed
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as pre-considerations to the development of behaviour change plans. Techniques
covered will include antecedent control strategies, schedules of reinforcement,
extinction, differential reinforcement strategies, decelerative procedures, and other
individual and group contingency-based procedures. This course also introduces the
applied skills of developing and writing behavioural change plans for others based upon
the student’s current level of knowledge in the principles of applied behaviour analysis
through use of provided case studies.
Research Design
This course will focus on the application of the basic principles of research design and
evaluation. The student will demonstrate the ability to describe, design, and evaluate
single-case experimental designs.
Documentation and Presentation Skills
This course introduces the concepts of writing and presenting within a clinical context.
Emphasis will be placed on the students ability to capture what they have observed in
writing, various clinical writing formats and styles and professional communications
within the field. This course will draw on the observational experiences of students in
their field placements as a framework for demonstrating communication skill
development. Presentation styles, sequencing and adult learning styles will be explored.
Abnormal Psychology
This course is designed to study the biological, cognitive and emotional processes
within a context that appreciates the contributions of biological and social factors to
psychological and psychopathalogical expression. It is an accessible, integrative
approach in examining the various psychological manifestations. Starting with a
historical context for understanding psychopathology and moving through the genetic,
behavioural and cognitive sciences to a broader understanding that encompasses
cultural, social, emotional and interpersonal contexts.
Crisis Intervention
This course will provide participants with a theoretical framework and corresponding
intervention strategies for intervening in crisis and complex, distressing situations for
clients. Emphasis will be placed on practical application of various intervention
strategies, which empower clients, families and service providers to become both
proactive and responsive to various rapidly changing situations. Participants will have
the opportunity for applying theory to practice and to begin to develop
assessment/intervention skills through the use of case studies, peer consultation and
role-playing.
Field Placement 3
This course will focus on the application of the basic principles of applied behaviour
analysis. The student will demonstrate the ability to develop a rudimentary behaviour
change plan. The development of the behaviour change plan will include a behavioural
assessment, data collection system, an intervention plan, and presentation of baseline
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and intervention data. The student will develop a client-focused behaviour change plan
in collaboration with the agency’s consumers and team members. An emphasis will be
placed on the integration of this introductory level of theory with clients in various clinical
settings.
Field Seminar 3
This field seminar is intended to provide a supportive environment in which students
may integrate their academic studies and field practice. Within the seminar format,
students will have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to present and explain a
behavioural assessment and intervention plan; to develop skills in working in small
groups; to increase their knowledge of community resources; and to gain skills in
articulating the theoretical and practical issues related to the application of applied
behaviour analysis. A major focus of the seminar will be the identification and
description of issues related to the application of behavioural principles.
Semester #4 Behavioural Science Technology
Behaviour Theory and Practice IV: Specialized Instructional Methods
Topics that will be examined include: Discrete Trial Training, Prompting techniques (e.g.
errorless learning), Manding Model, basic terminology of Skinner’s Verbal Behaviour,
Stimulus equivalence and Relational Frame Theory, Incidental Teaching, Direct
Instruction (Precision Teaching) and Fluency. Students learn to apply these techniques
directly and to coach others [e.g., parents, classroom teachers, educational assistants]
in their appropriate use.
Introduction to Group Process
This course introduces students to the dynamics of working in groups. Students learn
about group membership, the stages of group development, and common styles of
group facilitation. Effective interpersonal behaviour is emphasized, both for the students
themselves and for potential clients. The role of group dynamics in establishing and
managing group contingencies is also discussed.
Pharmacology and Physiology
This course will focus on basic principles of pharmacology and physiological processes
impacted by the use of psychopharmacological, psychoactive agents and alternative
therapies. Understanding of the basic physiological concepts supporting drug ingestion,
absorption, distribution and excretion will be emphasized. Psychotherapeutic
classifications of drugs will be examined including their target symptoms, side and
adverse effects, and withdrawal and overdose symptoms. Psychoactive agents will be
examined including their long and short-term physiological effects, withdrawal
symptoms and interventions and overdose profiles. An emphasis will be placed on the
integration of this theory with clients in various clinical settings.
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CPR, First Aid and Back Care
This 3-day workshop will provide participants with certification in infant, child and adult
CPR as well as provide Standard First Aid certification. The goal of this workshop is to
provide participants with standard certifications that are required for practice in a variety
of clinical settings. An additional component will provide participants with education and
training of a preventative nature to reduce the likelihood of personal back injury while in
the workplace.
Working with Specific Populations I: Acquired Brain Injury and Geriatrics
This course will focus on key concepts and current issues in acquired brain injury and
geriatric populations. The student will demonstrate the ability to select and design
assessments and interventions appropriate to the needs of older individuals and
individuals with ABI.
Field Placement 4
This course will focus on the application of the principles of applied behaviour analysis.
The student will demonstrate the ability to develop a moderately complex behaviour
change plan. The development of the behaviour change plan will include a behavioural
assessment, data collection system, an intervention plan, and presentation of baseline
and intervention data. The student will develop a client-focused behaviour change plan
in collaboration with the agency’s consumers and team members. An emphasis will be
placed on the integration of clinically relevant theory and procedural descriptions with
clients in various clinical settings.
Field Seminar 4
This field seminar is intended to provide a supportive environment in which students
may integrate their academic studies and field practice. Within the seminar format,
students will have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to present and explain a
behavioural assessment and intervention plan; to develop skills in working in small
groups; to increase their knowledge of community resources; and to gain skills in
articulating the theoretical and practical issues related to the application of applied
behaviour analysis. A major focus of the seminar will be the identification and
description of issues related to the application of behavioural principles.
Semester #5 Behavioural Science Technology
Behaviour Theory and Practice V: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
In this course, students learn to apply cognitive behavioural principles and interventions
to a variety of clinical problems. The course focuses on the application of cognitive
behavioural principles to private (i.e., thoughts, feelings) and public behaviours.
Students are expected to build on the knowledge gained in previous courses to design
and evaluate cognitive behavioural interventions.
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Mediator Training
This course presents a review of the techniques for training others to implement
behaviour change plans. These will include techniques for individual and group training
and the training of families or professionals. Issues such as procedural integrity,
program evaluation, performance feedback, and the monitoring of training and the
challenges that may impact the success of interventions will be discussed. Emphasis
will be placed on in-class presentations and practice.
Behaviour and Cognition
This course for students in the Behavioural Science Technology program examines
associative and cognitive theories of learning and models that provide a synthesis of
associative and cognitive approaches to the understanding of human behaviour.
Research on animal and human learning and its practical application is reviewed.
Topics to be covered include theories of conditioning, applications of reinforcement,
memory and attention, concept learning, and neural network models.
Working with Special Populations II: Developmental Disabilities and Autism
This course will focus on key concepts and current issues regarding the application of
applied behaviour analysis with individuals with autism spectrum disorders,
developmental disabilities, and dual diagnosis. The student will demonstrate the ability
to select and design assessments and interventions appropriate to the needs of these
individuals.
Field Placement 5
This course will focus on the application of the principles of applied behaviour analysis.
The student will demonstrate the ability to develop a complex behaviour change plan.
The development of the behaviour change plan will include a behavioural assessment,
data collection system, an intervention plan, and presentation of baseline and
intervention data. The student will develop a client-focused behaviour change plan in
collaboration with the agency’s consumers and team members. An emphasis will be
placed on the integration of clinically relevant theory and procedural descriptions with
clients in various clinical settings.
Field Seminar 5
This field seminar is intended to provide a supportive environment in which students
may integrate their academic studies and field practice. Within the seminar format,
students will have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to present and explain a
behavioural assessment and intervention plan; to develop skills in working in small
groups; to increase their knowledge of community resources; and to gain skills in
articulating the theoretical and practical issues related to the application of applied
behaviour analysis. A major focus of the seminar will be the identification and
description of issues related to the application of behavioural principles.
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Semester #6 Behavioural Science Technology
Behaviour Theory and Practice VI: Group Behaviour Therapy
In this course, students learn to apply behavioural principles and interventions in group
settings. The course focuses on the application of behavioural principles to some
common types of group work, such as anger management and social skills training. The
course emphasizes applying principles of group dynamics and group facilitation in
carrying out behaviour change procedures. Students are expected to build on the
knowledge gained in previous courses to design and evaluate interventions appropriate
for working with groups in specialized settings.
Organizational Behaviour Analysis
This course introduces the student to the field of Organizational Behaviour Management
(OBM) and how applied behaviour analysis is utilized within an organization to bring
about performance change for individuals or groups. Students will gain an
understanding of common organizational practices, performance management systems,
and designing evaluation processes within organizations. Students will apply their
previous and parallel course work in discussions and in-class projects.
Working with Specific Populations: Mental Health and Addictions
This course provides an introduction to clinical issues within the special populations of
addiction and mental health clients. Frameworks for viewing clients on a continuum,
with contextual understanding will be examined within a bio-psycho-social framework.
Emphasis will be placed on the student’s capability to observe patterns in behaviour and
to understand it within the context of that individual, their cultural norms, developmental
expectations, environmental and social contexts. Accepted treatment strategies for
addiction and mental health issues will be discussed, with particular focus on research
findings and best practices.
Current Issues in Behavioural Science
This course presents a review of current trends and developments in the field of applied
behaviour analysis. Emphasis will be placed on topics covered in recent literature and
on issues relevant to modern society.
Field Placement 6
This course will focus on the application of the principles of applied behaviour analysis.
The student will demonstrate the ability to develop a comprehensive behaviour change
plan. The development of the behaviour change plan will include a behavioural
assessment, data collection system, an intervention plan, and presentation of baseline
and intervention data. The student will develop a client-focused behaviour change plan
in collaboration with the agency’s consumers and team members. An emphasis will be
placed on the integration of clinically relevant theory and procedural descriptions with
clients in various clinical settings.
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Field Seminar 6
This field seminar is intended to provide a supportive environment in which students
may integrate their academic studies and field practice. Within the seminar format,
students will have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to present and explain a
behavioural assessment and intervention plan; to develop skills in working in small
groups; to increase their knowledge of community resources; and to gain skills in
articulating the theoretical and practical issues related to the application of applied
behaviour analysis. A major focus of the seminar will be the identification and
description of issues related to the application of behavioural principles.
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