A. Our Programs

B. Our Courses

C. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

D. Available Experiential Learning Opportunities: Research Courses; Co-op; Work Study; Volunteer, Mentorships, Conferences

E. Budding Scholars

F. Current Scholarships and Awards

G. Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (PNDA)

Our Programs

Psychology is that branch of science which seeks to understand behaviour and mind. Why organisms - human and infrahuman - act as they do is one of the most compelling and longstanding questions in the history of human thought, and psychology  addresses this question through scientific enquiry.  Our program in psychology offers the opportunity to understand and further inquire into various areas of psychology:  how humans learn, adapt, and remember; how they change over their lifetimes; how they are affected by the presence of others; and, how their behaviour relates to their physiological functions.

Mental health studies focuses on pathologies of the mind. It seeks to understand the causes of mental disorders from the level of the brain to the impact on everyday life. Some mental health challenges are normal and can arise as a result of certain life experiences whereas others are more severe, pathological and debilitating. Mental Health Studies explores this continuum and applies the science of psychology to their assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Neuroscience encompasses aspects of a variety of disciplines that have the common goal of understanding how the nervous system works. Techniques from constituent disciplines like anatomy, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology, psychology and zoology are used to unravel some of the mysteries of the brain and its mechanisms of action, including dysfunctions.

We offer the following program types:

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Our Courses

Our psychology courses build the foundation in psychological research, social psychology, developmental psychology, personality and abnormal psychology, learning, perceptual and cognitive neuroscience, and history or theoretical psychology.

Our neuroscience courses apply a reductionist approach in understanding affective, perceptual, motor, learning and other cognitive functions, by exploring the underlying neural bases.

Course descriptions and program requirements can be found in the University of Toronto Scarborough Calendar.

1. Psychology and Mental Health Studies Calendar Listing
2. Neuroscience Calendar Listing

Course offerings are posted on the Registrar’s website.  You can see the current Timetable, or past timetables in the Timetable Archive.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We are happy to answer all your questions… and chances are, we may already have answered them!  Check out the FAQs page and then, feel free to contact us if you still have questions, comments or concerns. 

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Experiential Learning

If you find your field of study exciting and would like to pursue it further, the University of Toronto provides countless opportunities to broaden your experience beyond the lecture (and exam) hall!

a. Research Courses

b. Co-op

c. Work Study

d. Volunteer, Mentorships, Conferences

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Research Courses

The research courses offered by our department give students  the opportunity to perform research under the guidance of a supervisor, who is typically also a UTSC professor.  This can be a great way to build skills for scientific inquiry, further advancing one’s knowledge and gaining relevant experience especially for those interested in pursuing a career in research. 
The Supervised Study is a C-level, year-long, 0.5 credit course.  The Honours Thesis is a D-level, year-long, 1.0 credit course with an in-class component.  Students are encouraged to secure their own supervisors, although, selection through a common application pool can also occur. 
To apply, please fill out the application form for Supervised Study or Honours Thesis.  (Forms will be available soon.)  You may also peruse the list of available faculty supervisors. 

Forms (please note the *new* application procedures for research courses):

1. List of faculty accepting undergraduate research students
2. Thesis Fall-Winter 2013-4
3. Supervised Study Fall-Winter 2013-4
4. Supervised Study Log
   
5. Undergraduate Ethics Review Protocol Form Student-Initiated Project

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Co-op

The co-op programs offered by our department combine academic studies in the field with practical paid work experience in settings where scientific knowledge from their studies is applied.  Students may apply for work term employment in settings such as research and development departments in industry, educational institutions, health care institutions and government agencies.  Work settings may also provide students with the opportunity to observe other professionals, hence providing a broader and more informed basis for the selection of a post graduate program appropriate to the student's talents and interests. Note that completion of the program does not, however, represent a professional qualification in psychology, which requires further study at the graduate level. For information on admissions, fees, work terms and standing in the Program, please see the Co-operative Programs section of the Calendar.

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Work Study

The University offers these part-time employment opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students registered in at least 40% of a full course load.  Work-study positions are created by UofT faculty and staff in a wide variety of offices and research labs throughout the campus, and offer students the opportunity to explore career options or gain experience in your field of study. These jobs can be found by logging into your Career Centre Online account.

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Volunteer, Mentorships, Conferences

Volunteering is a great way to show your interest in your field while gaining some basic experience; it is also typically less demanding than a job and less competitive for those who are starting out.  Many organizations welcome volunteers – as do many faculty.  Most organizations have specific application procedures, typically posted on their website.  For volunteer research positions, the challenge is to actively seek these positions:  talk to professors who are doing work in your area of interest, actively engage with them in conversations about their research, tell them why you are interested in what they do, and finally, don’t be shy to ask to work with them!

Volunteer opportunities in psychology and neuroscience:

1. The For Youth Initiative is looking for a volunteer to support a community-based program for at-risk youth aimed at mental health promotion and substance abuse prevention. Check out the full job description here. Additional volunteer opportunities are also available.
2. Let's Talk Science is a non-profit, science outreach organization that is continuously looking for volunteers to share their passion for psychology or neuroscience with others.
3. The Association for Psychological Science (APS) has campus representatives each academic year. Apply for this position and hHelp your peers and yourself stay on top of the field of psychology!
4. The APS Undergraduate Update is an online publication that student affiliates can contribute to. Please see http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/members/apssc/undergraduate_update. The deadline for submission is 14th February.
5. The APS is accepting applications for volunteers at the 25th APS convention in Washington DC. More information can be found on the website:
   http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/members/apssc/travel.

Other volunteer opportunities:

1. UTSC Planning and Budget Committee and the UTSC Council have opportunities for undergraduate students. Please visit the Governance website to download the nomination form. Deadline to apply is October 15, 2012.
2. UTSC Academic and Advising Centre recruits senior students for Employment and Study Skills Peer Coaches.

Mentorships:

1. "Partners in Leadership" Mentorship Opportunity is available through the AA&CC.
2. Mentorship program by the APS pairs an undergraduate student with a graduate student. The undergraduate student may have questions about research or graduate schools. The graduate student is fresh out of the undergrad experience and will be able to help the students narrow down their interests and help them navigate.

Conferences (for undergraduate students) :

1. Everything N Conference - University of Toronto
2. South Ontario Neuroscience Association (hosted by various universities)
3. Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Healthcare (CUCOH) - McMaster University
4. NeuroXchange - McMaster University

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Budding Scholars

Are you a first or second year student in the Department of Psychology with a passion for neuroscience, psychology or mental health studies? If so, the Budding Scholars Program wants you!
Our program offers mentorship and research opportunities for promising students who aspire to become professionals in the field of psychology and neuroscience. The goals of the program are to enable students to explore the various facets of psychology and neuroscience, to build their professional network with scholars in the field (including faculty, graduate and senior students), and ultimately, to spark a career as a young scientist. As a Budding Scholar, you will have the opportunity to engage in the scientific community here at UTSC by being invited to participate in activities such as:

1. Departmental “mingles” which are informal social gatherings of faculty, staff, psychology graduate students, and executive members of the PNDA.
2. Guest lectures on topics of interest geared to junior students, such as career talks and research talks.
3. Mentored research opportunities in various labs on campus.

Application Process
The following are the requirements needed to be a part of the Budding Scholars program:

1. Minimum grade of 85% in PSYA01 and/or PSYA02
2. A first or second year student at UTSC
3. Registered in a psychology, neuroscience or mental health studies subject POSt at UTSC
4. Completed application form due March 15, 2013

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Scholarships and Awards

UofT has many scholarships, awards, grants and bursaries available, and these sources of educational funding can be further supplemented with external awards. 

You can find out more about the scholarships and awards offered at UTSC through the Registrar’s on the relevant webpage.

The following are upcoming awards:

1. 2013/14 Graduate Scholarship Application deadlines are fast approaching! Please view the Intranet Announcements page for up to date information on application procedures. More information on each granting agency can be found on the School of Graduate Studies website.
2. Nortel Institute Undergraduate Scholarship Deadline to apply: November 30, 2012
3. The Canadian Psychological Association Foundation is supporting student research in psychology. Ten awards are available at a value of $1000 per project. Visit their website for more information. Deadline to apply is November 1, 2012.
4. The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has announced a new research funding opportunity for second year HBSc students which will award $10,000 over 2 years. Qualifications and application information can be found on their website.
5. The APS has two upcoming research awards, including the Student Research Award and the RISE Research award. Applications are due in January.

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Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (PNDA)

The PNDA is an on-campus organization run by students to represent students just like you! They organize a variety of academic and social events and are a great way to stay connected to the department and campus life in general. Please visit their website for more information: www.thepnda.ca. The PNDA office is located in Portable 103, Room 112. Please note the portable is currently under renovations so its best you visit the website or email the executives for further information.

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