Course Fee: $459 (Canadian currency)
This is a specialist certificate course which provides an introduction to the central principles, terminology, theories, and knowledge base in psychology. The subject areas studied will include an introduction to methods of research in the human services, basic neuroscience, sensation and perception, emotion, motivation, intelligence, learning theories, personality theories, lifespan human development, cognitive and moral development, psychological disorders and therapy. Furthermore, the course includes a number of key assessment tools to increase your self-awareness and your self-understanding.
There is no prior knowledge or experience required to embark on this rewarding certificate course. It is designed for anyone with an interest in this field … or for anyone who interacts with others, day to day!
You are free to commence at a time that suits your schedule – and to continue at your pace for a period of six months. Full tutor support is provided for this course.
Note: The Online Counselling College uses a person-centred approach, and Egan’s The Skilled Helper Model.
SYLLABUS
Module 1: An Introduction to Psychology; and an Introduction to Neuroscience
Topics Studied
• What are the goals of psychology?
• The science of psychology
• Ethical guidelines in scientific research
• Research methods in psychology
• What is a neuron?
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Neuroplasticity and neurogenesis
• The major parts of the brain
• Two brains in one
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• List some of the main goals of psychology.
• Describe research methods in psychology.
• Identify the major parts of the brain.
Module 2: Sensation, Perception, Learning, and Intelligence
Topics Studied
• An introduction to sensation and perception
• Shining the spotlight on sensation
• What is synesthesia?
• Shining the spotlight on perception
• An introduction to learning
• Classical conditioning
• Instrumental (operant) learning
• Observational learning
• An introduction to memory
• The how, what and why of memory
• Learning styles and memory
• How are memories stored?
• Why do we forget?
• An introduction to intelligence
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe how memories are stored.
• Explain the difference between sensation and perception.
• Distinguish between classical conditioning, instrumental learning and observational learning.
Module 3: Lifespan Human Development
Topics Studied
• An introduction to lifespan human development
• The nature versus nurture debate
• Prenatal influences
• Cognitive development in children
• Moral development in children
• Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development
• The fundamental role of attachment
• Baumrind’s 3 Parenting Styles
• Gender and sexuality
• Confronting death
• Kubler-Ross’ stages model
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe the process associated with moral development in children.
• Outline Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development
• Summarise Kubler-Ross’ stages model
Module 4: Motivation, Emotion and Sleep
Topics Studied
• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
• Hunger and the drive to eat
• Eating disorders
• The drive to achieve
• Factors which contribute to achievement and success
• Introduction to emotion
• Cognition and emotion
• Physiology and emotion
• Behaviour and emotion
• The value of emotional intelligence
• Consciousness, sleep, and dreaming
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Paraphrase Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
• Describe the relationship between cognition, physiology, behaviour and emotion
• Debate the importance of sleep and dreaming.
Module 5: Psychological Disorders and Therapy
Topics Studied
• Introduction to mental illness and abnormal behavior
• Formal diagnosis and classification
• Anxiety disorders
• Mood disorders (depression)
• Schizophrenia
• Dissociative disorders
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Addictions
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Debate the value of formal diagnosis and classification
• Distinguish between anxiety disorders and mood disorders.
• Describe the three progressive stages of addictions.
Module 6: Personality
Topics Studied
• Personality: A case of nature or nurture?
• Sheldon’s body types
• The five factor theory of personality
• Psychoanalytic theories of personality
• Humanistic/ social cognitive theories of personality
• Biological theories of personality
• Personality assessment
• The Rorschach ink blot test
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe Sheldon’s body types.
• Explain the role of defense mechanisms in personality development.
• Summarise “The 5 Factor Theory of Personality”.
Suggested textbook for the course (to be purchased by the student)
Huffman, K. (2011). Psychology in action (11th Ed.). John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ.