Alexander College Logo

Overview

Learning MethodsMajor FocusThe AC DifferenceCareer Outlook

Learning Methods

Students can expect to use up to date technology and interactive online and in-class learning tools that engage students and promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Major Focus

The Associate of Arts Degree (Psychology) is 2-year, 60 credit, multidisciplinary program that includes arts courses with a focus on psychology (minimum 18 credits).

The AC Difference

AC students gain from small class sizes and access to instructors with varied expertise in psychology that guarantees AC offers students a wide range of transferable psychology courses.

Career Outlook

Graduating students may move to entry-level positions in health and social services, human resources, and sales, to name a few, or may also choose to work towards advanced degrees.

Course Descriptions

Select a course below to see full descriptions. (#) Indicates amount of credits per course

PSYC 101 Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology (3)

This course examines topics underlying basic psychological processes including the brain and nervous system, sensory processes, perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition and memory. Also examined are research methods and data analysis procedures used in psychology as well as the historical foundations of modern Psychology as a scientific discipline.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 098

Transfers to:

UBC PSYC 101 (3)
SFU PSYC 100 (3), B-Soc
UVIC PSYC 100A (1.5)
UNBC PSYC 101 (3)
TRU PSYC 1110 (3)

PSYC 102 Introduction to Developmental, Social, Personality, & Clinical Psychology (3)

This course examines topics related to applications of basic psychology including motivation, assessment, development, personality, clinical, and social Psychology. Also examined are research methods and data analysis used in Psychology as well as the historical foundations of modern Psychology, a scientific discipline.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 088 (formerly EASL 089, ENGL 097)

Transfers to:

UBC PSYC 102 (3)
SFU PSYC 102 (3), B-Soc
UVIC PSYC 100B (1.5)
UNBC PSYC 102 (3)
TRU PSYC 1210 (3)

PSYC 217 Thinking Clearly about Psychology (3)

Thinking about psychological science, with an emphasis on common errors of judgment.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, PSYC 101

Transfers to:

UBC PSYC 217 (3)
SFU PSYC 201 (3), Q
UVIC PSYC 201 (1.5)
UNBC PSYC 215 (3)
TRU PSYC 2110 (3)

PSYC 218 Analysis of Behavioural Data (3)

Introduces behavioural data analysis; the use of inferential statistics in psychology and conceptual interpretation of data; experimental design (laboratory, field research methods); presentation of data analyses in reports.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, PSYC 101

Transfers to:

UBC PSYC 218 (3)
SFU PSYC 210 (3), Q
UVIC PSYC 2XX (1.5)
UNBC PSYC 2XX (3) or PSYC 315 (4)
TRU PSYC 2100 (3)

PSYC 221 Cognitive Psychology (3)

Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of mental processes. This course will cover basic concepts and theories of cognitive psychology, such as some or all of the following; the neural basis of cognition, memory processes, perception, consciousness, problem solving, decision making, attention and language. The course also examines cognitive disorders and how cognition changes during development and aging.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, PSYC 101, PSYC 102

Transfers to:

UBC PSYC 2nd (3), Exempt PSYC 309A
SFU PSYC 221 (3)
UVIC PSYC 2XX (1.5); ALEX PSYC 221 (3) & ALEX PSYC 280 (3) = UVIC PSYC 251 (1.5) & UVIC PSYC 2XX (1.5)
UNBC PSYC 332 (3)
TRU PSYC 2210 (3)

PSYC 223 Psychological Tests and Measurement (3)

Psychological Tests and Measurement Introduction to the theory and practice of psychological measurement including: test administration, scoring, interpretation, reliability and validity, and application of tests of intelligence, abilities, personality, and interests in health, educational, clinical, and industrial/organizational psychology.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 098, PSYC 101 or PSYC 102

*The English prerequisite for this course will increase from ENGL 098 to ENGL 099 from Spring 2022 onward.

Transfers to:

UBC PSYC 2nd (3), Cannot be used to satisfy UBC Psychology Majors or Honours programs
SFU PSYC 2XX (3)
UVIC PSYC 2XX (1.5)
UNBC PSYC 2XX (3)
TRU PSYC 2XXX (3)

PSYC 241 Abnormal Psychology (3)

This course covers historical and contemporary models and epidemiology of deviant behaviour with emphasis on the psychological factors that contribute to its etiology and treatment. This course introduces an overview of the biological, psychoanalytic, cognitive, behavioural and psycho-social paradigms of maladaptive behavior in children and adult.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, PSYC 102

Transfers to:

UBC PSYC 2nd (3)
SFU PSYC 241 (3)
UVIC PSYC 260 (1.5)
UNBC PSYC 2XX (3)
TRU PSYC 2160 (3)

PSYC 250 Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence (3)

This course covers the major theories and research findings pertaining to the physical, cognitive, and social dimensions of childhood and adolescent.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, PSYC 102

Transfers to:

UBCV PSYC 2nd (3)
SFU PSYC 250 (3)
UVIC PSYC 243 (1.5)
UNBC PSYC 2XX (3)
TRU PSYC 2131 (3)

PSYC 260 Social Psychology (3)

The course description is: This course introduces theories, research findings, and research methods as well as issues and problems encountered in the study of people as social beings. It addresses the scientific investigation of human cognition and behaviour in social contexts by examining topics such as self-concept, social influence processes (e.g., conformity, compliance, and obedience), altruism, interpersonal attraction, aggression, attribution theories, attitude formation and attitude change, and leadership.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, PSYC 102

Transfers to:

UBC PSYC 308 (3)
SFU PSYC 260 (3)
UVIC PSYC 231 (1.5)
UNBC PSYC 207 (3)
TRU PSYC 2220 (3)

PSYC 280 The Brain and Behaviour (3)

This course will focus on understanding the brain and its underlying structure to explain behaviour in humans and animals. Students will examine the neural basis of sensation, perception, learning, memory as well as behavioural, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders that arise from nervous system dysfunction. Students will learn to identify and describe parts of the nervous system, the neural basis of behaviour and to evaluate and give examples on how malfunctioning of the nervous system affects behaviour.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, PSYC 101

Transfers to:

SFU PSYC 280 (3)
UVIC PSYC 2XX (1.5); ALEX PSYC 221 (3) & ALEX PSYC 280 (3) = UVIC PSYC 251 (1.5) & UVIC PSYC 2XX (1.5)
UNBC PSYC 2XX (3)

Faculty

Dr. Bahman Najarian (PhD, MA, BSc)

Instructor

Dr. Bahman Najarian (PhD, MA, BSc)

Instructor

Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Psychology (1977), Master of Arts in Behavioural Science (1979), and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (1989).

Courses Taught at AC: PSYC101: Introductory Psychology (I), PSYC102: Introductory Psychology (II), PSYC217: Thinking Clearly about Psychology (Research Methods), PSYC218: Analysis of Behavioural Data, PSYC241: Abnormal Psychology, and PSYC260: Social Psychology.

Dr. Kevin Hamilton (PhD, MEnvSc, BA)

Psychology SASC Member

Dr. Kevin Hamilton (PhD, MEnvSc, BA)

Psychology SASC Member

I am interested in a broad range of topics in applied psychology which fall under the general themes of Human Factors, Ergonomics and Environmental Psychology Educational background: B.A. (Philosophy / Psychology-Honours: University of Prince Edward Island); M.E.S (Environmental Studies: York University); Ph.D. (Expt. Human Factors Psychology-York University), Postdoc (NSERC-Defence Canada – Toronto). Professor: Department of Psychology Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Adjunct Professor: Department of Psychology University of British Columbia

Adjunct Professor: Royal Roads University

Member: Standing Academic Standards Committee Alexander College

Courses Taught at AC: PSYC 101: Introductory Psychology (basic processes and applications), PSYC 102: Introductory Psychology (Areas of Application), PSYC 218 Analysis of Behavioural Data

Dr. Lina Sweiss (PhD, MA)

Instructor

Dr. Lina Sweiss (PhD, MA)

Instructor

In addition to my passion for teaching, I enjoy doing research in psychology. When I am not teaching, I run my own consulting business where I use my research skills to assist organizations with their research needs.

Educational background: B.A. (Psychology; Justice Studies – Honours: Northeastern Illinois University); M.A. (Social Sciences / Human Development: University of Chicago); Ph.D. (Educational Psychology: University of British Columbia).

Instructor: School of Computing and Academic Studies: Psychology at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

Instructor: Psychology at Alexander College

Courses Taught at AC: PSYC 101: Introductory Psychology (Basic Processes and Applications), PSYC 102: Introductory Psychology (Areas of Application)

Jasdev Makkar (PhD)

Instructor

Jas Makkar (PhD)

Instructor

Courses Taught: Introductory Psychology, Introductory Psychology- areas related to Applied Psychology, Life-span Development, Health Psychology, Seminar in Behavior Disorders.

Areas of Interest: stress; health psychology; coping with chronic illness; social support; behavioral disorders, and development of social cognition.

Dr. Wendy Comeau (PhD, MSc, BA)

Social Sciences Coordinator

Dr. Wendy Comeau (PhD, MSc, BA)

Social Sciences Coordinator

I am interested in the relationship between the brain and our behavior, ultimately asking the question of why we behave the way that we do.

Educational Background: B.A. (Psychology- Honours at Okanagan University College – transferred to University of British Columbia B.A. degree); MSc. (Psychology/Neuroscience: University of Lethbridge, CCBN); PhD. (Neuroscience: University of Lethbridge, CCBN); Postdoc (Neuroscience, Physiology and Behaviour, UBC); Research Associate (Neuroscience, Physiology and Behaviour, UBC); Instructor: Department of Psychology University of British Columbia; Instructor: Psychology Department Thompson Rivers University

Instructor: Corpus Christi College

Instructor: Alexander College

Courses taught at AC: Psyc 101: Introductory Psychology (basic processes and applications, Psyc 102: Introductory Psychology (Areas of Application), Psyc 217: Thinking Clearly about Psychology (Research Methods)

`

Renira Vellos (PhD, MA, BA)

Instructor

Renira Vellos (PhD, MA, BA)

Instructor

As an educator I believe every student should experience a classroom environment that draws from the extensive research about learning and school climate.

As a researcher I strive to constantly explore how educational policy plays a role in the experiences of students in school. My areas of interest include, alternative learning environments, critical discourse analysis, educational policy, sociocultural theory, and development.

Educational Background: B.A. (Psychology: Wheeling Jesuit University); M.A. (Human Development: University of British Columbia); Ph.D (Educational Psychology: University of British Columbia)

Courses Taught at Alexander College: PSYC101: Introductory Psychology (basic processes and applications), PSYC102: Introductory Psychology (Areas of Application), PSYC217: Thinking Clearly about Psychology (Research Methods)

Benjamin Wong (MA, BSc, BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellor)

Instructor

Benjamin Wong (MA, BSc, BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellor)

Instructor

Benjamin Wong has been a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC since 2005. A doctoral student at the University of Illinois, and holder of degrees from the University of British Columbia and Colorado Christian University, Benjamin held clinical positions in sectors including vocational rehabilitation, school counselling, education consultancy, and addictions. A sought-after advocate in the mindful use of digital technologies, he has spoken at professional conferences throughout North America on the prevention and treatment of Gaming Disorder. Over the past several years, Benjamin has focused his efforts on clinical supervision and teaching, with ongoing appointments at Alexander College. He is also a contractor of outreach services with the BC Government’s Responsible Gambling Program.

Emre Aydin (MA)

Instructor

Emre Aydin (MA)

Instructor

Coming Soon.

Andrea Albonico (PhD)

Instructor

Andrea Albonico (PhD)

Instructor

Coming Soon.

Pocholo Velasquez (PhD, MA, BSc)

Instructor

Pocholo Velasquez (PhD, MA, BSc)

Instructor

Coming Soon.

Jame Batara (MA, BSc, PIDP)

Instructor

Jame Batara (MA, BSc, PIDP)

Instructor

Coming Soon.

Erica Nye (MCP, BA, BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellor)

Sessional Instructor

Erica Nye (MCP, BA, BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellor)

Sessional Instructor

Erica Nye is a sessional instructor teaching psychology courses for Alexander College’s Social Science Department. She also teaches career counselling and provides counselling skills supervision to Master of Counselling Psychology students at Adler University. In addition to being an instructor, Erica provides psychotherapy and career counselling services through her online private practice, Connect Student Therapy. She is passionate about supporting students in improving their mental health so they can make the most out of their post-secondary experience. Outside of work, Erica spends most of her free time doing outdoor activities and especially loves to go on long hikes with her two dogs.

Navdeep Kaur (PhD, BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellor)

Sessional Instructor

Navdeep Kaur (PhD, BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellor)

Sessional Instructor

Navdeep holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a practising Registered Clinical Counsellor in the province of British Columbia. Her professional experience covers clinical counselling and post secondary teaching. She has recently co-authored a book chapter in “Teaching in the Post COVID-19 Era: World Education, Dilemmas, Teaching Innovations and Solutions in the Age of Crisis”- Springer: Switzerland- 2021. Her amin research interests are cross cultural psychology and social psychology.

Resources

AC provides a wide range of library and online resources to help students explore psychology literature both in and beyond the classroom. Our two libraries offer a range of reference material which includes the Publication Manual for the American Psychological Association, Psychology Dictionaries, and Guides to Scientific Writing for Students and Researchers. Online resources include research access to ‘Academic Search Premier’, ‘ERIC’, ‘PsychArticles/ PsychINFO’, ‘General Sciences Index’, and ‘Social Sciences Index’.

The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)

The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) is the national association for the science, practice and education of psychology in Canada. With over 7,000 members and affiliates, CPA is Canada’s largest association for psychology. The website includes information on a variety of psychology topics as well as a section devoted to students of psychology.
www.cpa.ca

Show more
Show less

AllPsych Online Psychology Dictionary

AllPsych Online Psychology Dictionary defines and provides examples for 521 psychology related terms.
www.allpsych.com

Show more
Show less

The American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 122,500 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members. The website includes up to date information on a variety of psychology topics as well as links to publications and data bases.
www.apa.org

Show more
Show less

Looking to start the application process? Apply to AC here
You can apply online above or request additional information below.

Request Enrolment Information

More Programs and Courses
Associate of Science Program
Associate of Science Program
Natural and applied sciences, and develop their critical thinking and research skills…
Associate of Science Mathematics Program
Associate of Science (Mathematics) Program
Mathematics, analysis, programming…
Associate of Science Computer Science Program
Associate of Science (Computer Science) Program
Programming, data structures, critical thinking…
Ready to Apply?

You can now Apply Online to AC or request more information.
You can also contact us Monday to Friday 9am-5pm PST or email info@alexandercollege.ca

Apply Online Request Info

Looking to start the application process? Apply to AC here
You can apply online above or request additional information below.

Request Enrolment Information