Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology

Transcription

1 Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology October 2010 Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology

2 Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Proposed Degree Title & Submission Information Introduction... 1 a. Background... 3 b. Student Demand... 3 c. Societal Need... 4 d. Duplication Degree Requirements... 8 a. Program Learning Outcomes... 8 b. Admission Requirements c. Program Structure Resource Requirement a. Faculty Members b. Additional Academic and Non Academic Resources c. Physical Resource Requirements Business Plan a. Statement of Funding Requirements Table I Forensic Psychology Projections Appendices Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology

4 Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology

5 Proposed Degree Title: Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology Contact Information: Person responsible for this submission: Brian Cutler, Professor and Associate Dean Faculty of Social Science and Humanities University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 7K4 Tel: x 3807 E mail: brian.cutler@uoit.ca Intended Start Date for Program: Fall, 2011 Proposed Program Title: Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology Proposed Credential Nomenclature: B.A. in Forensic Psychology 1. INTRODUCTION a. Background Rationale. UOIT s Strategic Plan includes the following elements: grow strategically; innovate in teaching and learning; strengthen and identify partnerships, and build research and graduate intensiveness. The proposed program will help achieve these strategic plans. As demonstrated below, Psychology majors attract students in large numbers, and adding Forensic Psychology to our inventory of majors will facilitate growth in a strategic manner as a complement to existing UOIT strengths and programs. The development of a bachelor s degree in Forensic Psychology would represent a significant innovation in teaching and learning, as no such program currently exists in Canada. UOIT s existing Forensic Psychology instruction and research programs have already facilitated and strengthened partnerships with international organizations such as the American Psychological Association and American Psychology Law Society and local organizations such as the Durham Regional Police Services. The development of the proposed program will help strengthen existing relationships and develop new partnerships through national organizations such as Corrections Canada and many regional organizations such as the Whitby Mental Health Centre. UOIT s Forensic Psychology Research Group is already research intensive. The research group faculty members regularly publish their research in refereed journals, books, and book chapters, apply for grants, engage in other high level scholarly activities, supervise master s students, serve as external readers on doctoral dissertations, and are internationally recognized for their research. UOIT students from existing majors in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities play major roles in the Forensic Psychology research programs. The addition of a Forensic Psychology major will mean the training of more students in a market oriented and unique program. These students will have the benefit of a thorough academic classroom curriculum. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the existing Forensic Psychology Research Group s research activities. Participation in research strengthens student training and makes students more competitive in the job market and for graduate training at UOIT or elsewhere. This program also has the potential to expand interdisciplinary activities for students from other Faculties especially from Health Sciences and Sciences. As the proposed program involves education in the core Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 1

6 areas and skill sets common of bachelor s programs in Psychology as well as the Forensic Psychology specialization, graduates will be eligible for jobs typical of Psychology majors and particularly competitive for positions in the social service and criminal justice sectors. The table below lists typical jobs of Psychology majors. Sample Career Options for Students with Bachelors Degrees in Forensic Psychology Assistant Youth Coordinator Law Enforcement Officer Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counselor Life Skills Coordinator Behaviour Analyst in Forensic Settings Mediator Case Worker Mental Health Technician Child Protection Worker Parole Officer Corrections Officer Private Security Officer Court Clerk Probation Manager Crime Prevention Coordinator Research Assistant in Forensic Settings Intelligence Officer Residential Counselor Juvenile Probation Officer Residential Youth Counselor Laboratory Assistant Statistical Assistant in Forensic Settings Brief program abstract. Forensic Psychology broadly refers to the application of core areas of Psychology to the legal system. All of the core areas of Psychology Biological, Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental and Social have both research and practice applications to the civil and criminal justice systems. Forensic Psychology is one of the fastest growing sectors in the professional practice of Psychology. The Forensic Psychology program will involve (1) training in the core areas of Psychology, (2) training in research methodology; (3) training in specialized areas of Forensic Psychology; (4) training in other relevant disciplines (e.g., criminology, legal studies, health, science); and (5) practical training (research and/or practice practica). The Program s distinguishing feature will be specialized coursework and practica in the application of Psychology to the justice systems and law. Description of the ways in which the program fits into the broader array of program offerings. The Forensic Psychology program complements the strength of the faculty. The FSSH has an active and productive Forensic Psychology Research Group that conducts Forensic Psychology research, teaches Psychology and Forensic Psychology courses, and supervises students in Forensic Psychology research. The program also complements and shares resources with the bachelors programs in Criminology, Legal Studies, and Community Development (under development). Students from the master s program in Criminology also participate in Psychology and Forensic Psychology research and teaching. The program also permits a number of interdisciplinary opportunities outside FSSH. For example, the Forensic Science program requires a Forensic Psychology course. Bachelor s students from the faculties of Business and IT, Health Sciences, and Sciences have served as Forensic Psychology Research Assistants, and we anticipate strengthened relationships between FSSH and especially the faculties of Health Sciences and Sciences through shared interests in Psychology. With respect to current resources, the FSSH already has four Forensic Psychologists and about 7500 square feet of laboratory space devoted to Forensic Psychological research. Many of the core Psychology courses and Forensic Psychology courses are already approved and are offered as part of other existing programs in FSSH. Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 2

7 b. Student Demand Statement on the general need and student demand. Student demand for the Psychology major runs high at most Canadian universities. As evidence for this assertion, consider the data reported in the Maclean s 2010 Guide to Canadian Universities. The Guide profiled universities throughout Canada and, for each university profiled, listed the five most popular majors. Of the 21 Ontario universities profiled, 17 list Psychology as among their five most popular majors. Of the remaining 4, 2 (UOIT, OCAD) do not offer the Psychology major. In short, Psychology is popular throughout universities in Ontario, and given UOIT s unique strengths in Forensic Psychology, we expect the proposed program to be popular at UOIT. As evidence of the popularity of Psychology among UOIT students, in the past two years more than 60 undergraduate students have worked as Forensic Psychology research assistants, each working on 5 10 hours per week for at least one semester on a voluntary basis, for hourly pay, or to fulfill requirements for a directed laboratory research course or an honour s thesis. University Algoma University Brock University Carleton University University of Guelph Lakehead University Laurentian University McMaster University Nipising University Ontario College of Art & Design University of Ontario Institute of Technology University of Ottawa Queens University Royal Military College of Canada Ryerson University University of Toronto Trent University University of Waterloo University of Western Ontario Wilfrid Laurier University University of Windsor York University Psychology among 5 most popular majors? No No No No Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 3

8 Projected enrolment levels for the first five years of operation. Projected enrolment and retention levels are presented in the following table. Projected Enrolment (headcount) Prog Yr Prog Yr Prog Yr Prog Yr Program Total Notes. Intake Growth = 25%; Average Retention = 80% Yr 1; 84% Yr2; 93% yr3. Estimates of demand through application statistics. Although the Registrar s office was not able to provide Psychology demand statistics for UOIT, the office did provide 2009 demand statistics for other Ontario universities. The following list of Ontario universities reported a total number of 19,259 applications for university programs with Psychology as a subject of major interest: Lakehead, Brock, Carleton, Western, Guelph, Algoma, Laurentian, McMaster, Windsor, Ottawa, Nipissing, Trent, Toronto, WLU, Waterloo, and York. A smaller subset reported 13,048 applications for university programs with Psychology in the description: Brock, Carleton, Laurentian, Trent, Ryerson, Toronto, WLU, and York. c. Societal Need Evidence of the need for graduates of the program. Forensic Psychology covers a broad range of topics that fulfill important societal needs. The need to improve mental health care in Canada, in Ontario, and particularly in the Durham region, perhaps ranks highest among these needs. The Forensic Psychology program will offer core training in mental health assessment and treatment with particular emphasis on subpopulations that interact with the justice systems. Although bachelor s trained students are not eligible for licensure as Psychologists or Psychology Assistants in Ontario (both require graduate degrees), there are many community health positions for which our students would qualify, as noted in the occupation list provided above. For example, a bachelor s degree in Forensic Psychology that includes course work in addictions (offered in FSSH and FHS) would well prepare our graduates to work as alcohol and drug abuse counselors. A bachelor s degree in Forensic Psychology that includes course work in youth justice (a specialty of FSSH) would well prepare our graduates to work as case workers, child protection workers, and youth counselors. Forensic Psychology also encompasses psychological aspects of crime investigations, a particular strength of the current Forensic Psychology faculty. Such training would give our graduates a competitive edge when applying for positions in policing and other law enforcement positions. Last, our program would have the potential to increase the number of students who enter the graduate pipeline to become licensed Psychologists and Psychology Assistants in Ontario. These professionals are in high demand in Ontario and the Durham Region. Corrections Canada has a strong need for full time Psychologists. Given Canada s pending investment in prisons, this need will only grow. d. Duplication Description of similar or complementary programs elsewhere in Ontario. As noted in the table above, Psychology is among the most popular bachelor s degrees at universities throughout Ontario. UOIT, however, will be the only university in Canada to offer a bachelor s degree in Forensic Psychology. The most closely related programs are summarized in the following tables. The following charts describe undergraduate programs with Psychology of Law/Forensic Psychology programs. Undergraduate programs in Forensic Psychology are rare, although they are beginning to take hold in the UK and US. Below we list the most closely related programs that we were able to find in Canada, the UK, and the US. Forensic Psychology, as a specialization, is more common at the graduate level. Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 4

9 Canadian Schools Institution: Dalhousie University Program Name and Credential: HONOURS PROGRAM WITH A CERTIFICATE IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY Program Description: "With the view that undergraduate education in forensic psychology will provide an important foundation for the development of professional skills in this area, Dalhousie became the first university in Canada to offer such a program. The Forensic Certificate program at Dalhousie University now provides psychology undergraduate students the opportunity to concentrate their studies in forensic psychology, complementing their standard BA/BSc honours program requirements. This program provides students with information about the various roles that psychologists play in the justice system, psychological aspects of criminal behaviour and investigation, the assessment of risk for violence, and the psychology of crime victims and witnesses." Similarities and Differences: This forensic psychology certificate is a specialized stream that only 3 4 eligible students in the BA/BSc enter into after their third year. The proposed program would be open to considerably more students than the Dalhousie certificate. For the certificate, students at Dalhousie must take four specialized forensic psychology courses in their third and fourth year (e.g. forensic psychology, senior seminar in forensics, special topics in forensics course and honours thesis), whereas our proposal requires 8 forensic psychology courses, giving students a stronger foundation in the field. Both our proposal and Dalhousie's certificate incorporate sociology and criminology as well as psychology and offer practicum/placement. Practicum/placement is offered. Institution: University of Toronto Program Name and Credential: Bachelor of Sciences (double major) in Forensic Sciences & Psychology Program Description: "U of T Mississauga's Forensic Science BSc program, the first of its kind in Canada, is designed to provide the student with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques while allowing the student to emphasize one particular area in greater detail. This is accomplished through the requirement of completing the Forensic Science (Double)Major program as a "Double Major Program" the Forensic Science Major MUST be pursued together with a second science major in an approved area of study Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Psychology OR student can pursue a stream of specialization in one of our Forensic Science Specialist programs in Forensic Science Anthropology, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Psychology." Similarities and Differences: Students pursuing a BSc in Forensic Science at University of Toronto's (Mississauga) may opt to take a double major in Forensic Science and Psychology. The forensic component, however, is part of their forensic science education and the psychology component is a regular psychology degree. The current proposal is a specific forensic psychology program something that is different from both forensic science degrees and psychology degrees, as it focuses specifically on the application of psychology to the law. In addition, the University of Toronto program does not make mention of a practicum/placement, whereas this is offered in the proposed program. No mention of placement. Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 5

10 UK Schools Institution: University of Kent Program Name and Credential: BSc (Hons) Joint Honours Psychology and Law Program Description: "Psychology is the study of people: how they think, act, react and interact. Psychologists scientifically study all kinds of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivations underlying behaviour. Psychology examines questions like: how do people act on a first date? How can we ease the effects of parental divorce on children? How can we make teams work efficiently? How can we help people to overcome depression or phobias? By collecting information about what people do, think, perceive and feel, psychologists answer questions about human behaviour, cognition and development." Similarities and Differences: Being a joint honours in psychology and law, Kent appears to blend the two subjects quite well. There are quite a few social psychology courses offered (psychological explanations of criminal behaviour, psychology and law). An emphasis seems to be on the applied psychology and law. Placement is offered. Institution: University of Plymouth Program Name and Credential: BSc (Hons) Psychology with Law Program Description: "Psychology is the study of people: how they think, act, react and interact. Psychology is concerned with all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivation underlying such behaviour... Law is concerned with the analysis of legal rules and principles and their application to a wide range of human activity. As a minor subject area, law includes study of the English legal system and method, law in context, plus choices from a wide range of other legal subjects including contract, property law, constitutional law, European law, and media and information law. Similarities and Differences: This program seems to really separate the two fields. On the course website, the modules for both topics are given. It does not appear that the two fields blend. Placement is offered. Institution: University of Central Lancashire Program Name and Credential: BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology Program Description: "The course covers all the main aspects of forensic psychology from juvenile delinquency to profiling offenders, examining the roles of the perpetrator, the victim, and the witness in the psychology of crime and criminal behaviour. Core areas of the British Psychological Society curriculum are covered in years 1 and 2 (identical to BSc Psychology). However, in year 2 you take the specialist Forensic Psychology module. In year 3 you complete an empirical project related to a psychological aspect of crime or law, and select from a range of forensic psychology topics." Similarities and Differences: This honours program is 3 years full time. In the second year module an emphasis seems to be placed on psychological research methods and report writing. Does not appear to offer a placement. Institution: Sheffield Hallam University Program Name and Credential: BSc (Honours) Psychology and Law Program Description: "The course is a first step to careers in either discipline, and has an equal split of psychology and law modules. In the first three years, you study each subject separately to standards laid down by these professional bodies. This allows you to apply to them for graduate membership. In the final year, you take a research project in law and psychology and study optional modules from both subjects. Similarities and Differences: Looking at the course content, there does not appear to be any courses specifically aimed at psychology and law. Instead, the program just blends traditional psychology courses (e.g. evolutionary psychology, psychology of sexuality) with law courses (e.g. English legal system, constitutional law, law of EU). Does not offer a placement. Instead, a full year psychology and law research project is assigned. Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 6

11 US Schools Institution: John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) Program Name and Credential: Forensic Psychology (BA) Program Description: "This course is designed for students who are interested in the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. The program offers training in psychological theory, research methods and the application of psychological principles to specific areas in the legal system. The major provides an interdisciplinary background appropriate for students who intend to pursue careers in psychology, social work, law enforcement, or other criminal justice professions." This program is similar to the proposed program. One important difference is that students in the proposed program will have a broader array of complementary courses to draw upon, such as those in UOIT s Faculties of Science and Health Sciences. Similarities and Differences: This program seems to be very orientated towards US criminal justice employment. Quite a few political science, law, public administration and anthropology courses mixed in with psychology. Course has a full year fieldwork placement. Institution: Loyola University Chicago Program Name and Credential: Minor in the Psychology of Crime & Justice Program Description: "This program is attached to the undergraduate B.S in Criminal Justice. The program strives to teach students the intricacies of the US criminal justice system while maintaining a strong background in liberal arts. The minor in psychology of crime and justice is awarded to criminal justice majors who complete 6 psychology courses in specific fields like Psychology and Law and Principles of Criminal Behaviour. " Similarities and Differences: This program is basically a Criminal Justice major with a Psychology minor. Other than a few relevant courses, the program bears little resemblance to the proposed Forensic Psychology program. Institution: University of Southern California Program Name and Credential: Bachelor of Psychology, Minor in Psychology and Law Program Description: "This interdisciplinary minor brings together courses in psychology that focus on the social, clinical, cognitive and societal aspects of psychology and how it relates to law. This knowledge is augmented with courses from the Gould School of Law that identify the relationship between mental health, social psychology and law." Similarities and Differences: The coursework of the combined major and minor are similar to the proposed major in Forensic Psychology, though our program offers more forensic psychology courses. One major difference is that the proposed program offers a field placement course. Institution: Southern New Hampshire University Program Name and Credential: Psychology / Forensic Psychology (B.A.) Program Description: "Forensic psychologists work at the intersection between psychology and law. SNHU's bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology concentration challenges students to apply their research skills, psychological knowledge and critical thinking abilities to a variety of issues facing the legal system. " Similarities and Differences: The core psychology courses of this program are similar, but the proposed program offers a richer array of Forensic Psychology courses plus a field placement course. Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 7

12 Justification for stand alone program. The Durham Region and Ontario in general have a growing demand for the expertise a Forensic Psychology degree can provide. The consolidated court house in Oshawa, the mental health needs of the prison population, the growing visibility of illicit drug and alcohol addiction, and the expanded demand on deinstitutionalizing youth are all factors contributing to the increasing needs of such skills. UOIT has invested in the resources to offer a stand alone program in Forensic Psychology with minimal additional costs in the coming 2 4 years 2. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS a. Program learning outcomes Program Level Learning Outcomes 1. Depth and breadth of knowledge 2. Knowledge of methodologies Program requirement(s) or segments of requirements, that contribute to this outcome Students will develop knowledge and critical understanding of the key concepts, major fields in the discipline, methodologies, current advances, and theoretical approaches and assumptions in Psychology through the core Psychology courses and in Forensic Psychology through the Forensic Psychology specialization courses. Students will develop an interdisciplinary perspective on the discipline through elective courses offered in FSSH (e.g., Criminology, Legal Studies), FS (e.g., courses in Biology and Forensic Sciences), and FHS (e.g., courses on substance abuse and addictions). Students will develop the ability to gather, review and evaluate, and interpret information, compare the merits of alternative hypotheses relevant to the major fields in Psychology through the Research Methods course, the core Psychology and Forensic Psychology specialization courses, and hands on research (e.g., Directed Laboratory Research course, Research Practicum, Honours Thesis). Students will develop knowledge of and have experience in research in an area of the discipline through the Research Methods course and hands on research (Directed Laboratory Research course, Forensic Psychology Research Course, Research Practicum, Honours Thesis). Students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills inside and outside the discipline. They will develop these skills inside the discipline through the core Psychology and Forensic Psychology courses and outside the discipline through carefully planned electives in the FSSH, FS, and FHS. Students will learn to apply learning from one or more areas outside the discipline in their electives in FSSH, FS, and/or FHS and through the Forensic Psychology Practicum Students will learn to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems using well established ideas and techniques in the required Research Methods course, elective methods courses, and quantitative methods courses. Students will learn to devise and sustain arguments or solve problems using these methods in their term papers for Forensic Psychology courses and in more depth in the hands on research courses (Directed Laboratory Research course, Forensic Psychology Research Course, Research Practicum, Honours Thesis). Students will learn to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research in their term papers for Forensic Psychology courses and in more depth in the hands on research courses (Directed Laboratory Research course, Forensic Psychology Research Course, Research Practicum, Honours Thesis). Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 8

13 3. Application of knowledge 4. Communication skills 5. Awareness of limits of knowledge 6. Autonomy and professional capacity Students will learn to develop lines of argument, make sound judgments in accordance with major theories, concepts and methods of Forensic Psychology, apply underlying concepts, principles, and techniques of analysis both within Forensic Psychology and in other disciplines, and appropriately use this knowledge in the create process in the hands on research courses in their term papers for Forensic Psychology courses and in more depth in the hands on research courses (Directed Laboratory Research course, Forensic Psychology Research Course, Research Practicum, Honours Thesis) and in the Forensic Psychology Practicum. Students will gain the ability to use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical evaluation of arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and information, propose solutions, frame appropriate questions for the purpose of solving a problem, in their Forensic Psychology courses. They will learn to solve a problem or create a new work in their hands on research courses (Directed Laboratory Research course, Forensic Psychology Research Course, Research Practicum, Honours Thesis) and in the Forensic Psychology Practicum. Students will achieve the ability to make critical use of scholarly reviews and primary sources in their core Psychology courses, Forensic Psychology courses, elective courses, and hands on research courses (in which they are required to write manuscripts describing their research). Students will attain the ability to communicate information, arguments, and analyses accurately and reliably, orally and in writing to a range of audiences in the Writing for the Social Science course, Research Methods course, Psychology and Forensic Psychology courses, and in the hands on research courses. Students will learn the limits of their own knowledge and ability and gain an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits to knowledge in core Psychology and Forensic Psychology in particular in their respective courses in these fields. They will also learn about limits in the Research Methods and quantitative methods courses. Students will gain qualities and transferable skills necessary for further study, employment, community involvement and other related activities, including the exercise of initiative, personal responsibility, and accountability in both individual and group contexts, the ability to work effectively with others, and the capacity to make decisions in complex contexts through a graduated progression from core coursework, specialized coursework in Forensic Psychology, and hands on work such as research courses and the practicum experience. Students will gain the ability to manage their own learning in changing circumstances, both within and outside the discipline and to select an appropriate program of further study through their experience within the program, particularly through the activity of designing a unique set of electives to complement the required courses under the guidance of a trained academic advisor. Students will learn to exhibit the behaviour consistent with academic integrity and social responsibility through their coursework and progressively more responsible activities, the hands on research courses and Forensic Psychology practicum. Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 9

14 b. Admission requirements Admission requirements are in line with Faculty of Social Science and UOIT practices. Please see the University catalogue, Section 4.5. c. Program structure Overview. The Forensic Psychology bachelor s program curriculum can be divided into the following subcategories: FSSH Core Courses. Forensic Psychology majors will take most of the first year core and some secondyear courses required of Criminology and Legal Studies students, including courses in Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Law, Writing, Research Methods, and Quantitative Methods. There are nine such courses, and they are all in the University Calendar. Biological Science Courses. Forensic Psychology is a science. Since the 1990s the Biological basis of Psychology has flourished. A great deal of contemporary Psychology and therefore Forensic Psychology focuses on the Biological basis of behavior, cognition, and affect, and the Biological perspective has permeated each of the five core areas of Psychology (see below). Accordingly, all Forensic Psychology students should obtain basic education in the Biological Sciences to properly prepare them for careers in Forensic Psychology. In consultation with the FS, we are requiring the following two courses: BIOL 1010 Biology 1 and FSCI 1010 Introduction to Forensic Science. Both of these courses are in the University Calendar. Core Psychology Courses. Although this program is not a general Psychology degree, it is essential that Forensic Psychology students obtain knowledge of the five core areas of Psychology. Accordingly, we require students to take one course in each core area. The core Psychology areas (and the required course in each area) are as follows: Biological (Brain and Behavior), Clinical (Abnormal Psychology), Cognition (Cognitive Psychology), Human Development (Developmental Psychology), Social (Social Psychology). These required courses are taken in the second year so that students are well grounded in Psychology before they complete the Forensic Psychology courses. Of the five core courses, three (Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology) are in the University Calendar, the remaining two will be added. It should be noted that a general Psychology degree would involve more core Psychology courses (e.g., History of Psychology, Learning, Motivation, Perception, Personality, Psychology of Gender, and more specialized courses in the core areas). Forensic Psychology Courses. The Forensic Psychology courses are the specialized courses that make this program unique and innovative. These courses are designed to reflect cutting edge issues in Forensic Psychology and currently include Psychology of Law (required of all students in the second year), Restorative justice, Justice Theory and Policy, Confessions and Interrogations, Eyewitness Psychology, Investigative Psychology, Stereotypes and Prejudice, Psychology of Deviance, Clinical Forensic Psychology, and Treatment in Forensic Settings (students will be required to take a minimum of six of these courses in their third and fourth years). This set of electives will be updated from timeto time in order to reflect changing trends in this young field. All Forensic Psychology courses but the last two are in the University Calendar; the Clinical Forensic Psychology and Treatment in Forensic Setting courses are to be added. We also include in this category Directed Laboratory Research (see below), as the focus of the research is Forensic Psychology. The two semester Honours Thesis may substitute for two Forensic Psychology electives. Electives. One of our objectives is to encourage students to pair their Forensic Psychology requirements with minors and concentrations in other fields to further differentiate themselves from traditional Psychology majors and from one another. In order to achieve this objective, we have left ample room in the curriculum for students to take elective courses. We classify these electives as Forensic Psychology electives (see above), FSSH electives (any courses offered by FSSH including Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 10

15 additional Forensic Psychology courses), and university electives (any courses offered by UOIT but we are particularly interested in courses offered by FOS, FHS, and FBIT). The program requires completion of 15 total FSSH and University electives and includes electives in each year of the program so that students can meet elective course pre requisites if needed. We intend to administer the elective courses as follows. First, as currently the case with FSSH majors, students will have professional advisors and faculty members to assist them with their curriculum choices. Second, we have begun to partner with other faculties to establish pre set concentrations of electives that will be available to our students, such as alcohol and drug dependence addictions (with FHS) and neuroscience (with FOS). Third, we will encourage students to develop their own unique concentrations that take advantage of their academic and career interests and create unique sets of qualifications. For example, a student can create unique and complementary concentration involving Forensic Psychology, Communication, and Legal Studies a concentration that no other program offers. Applied Learning Opportunities. As noted in the learning objectives above and consistent with UOIT s orientation, this program puts a high priority on practical application of academic knowledge. In the third and fourth years of the program, students have some required and some optional practical application courses. All students are required to complete a one semester Practicum placement in a Forensic Psychology practice (e.g., community mental health centre) or research setting (Forensic Psychology laboratory). As options, students may enroll in the Directed Laboratory Research course and obtain hands on experience in a faculty led Forensic Psychology research laboratory. Students may also qualify to conduct a Forensic Psychology Honours Thesis. Such experiences are highly valued with Psychology departments. Research experience increases students job related skills and qualifications and enhances their qualifications for graduate study. Although the Practicum and Honour s Thesis courses exist in the FSSH programs, we have included new course proposals so that students in the Forensic Psychology program will have access to these courses with a PSYC prefix. The Directed Laboratory Research Course is already in the Course Calendar. Calendar copy. Program Information: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Forensic Psychology General Information. The Forensic Psychology program at UOIT prepares students for leadership roles in the interface between Psychology and Law. The Forensic Psychology program combines disciplinary study in Psychology, specialized study in Forensic Psychology, study in related fields at UOIT, and applied learning experiences to prepare students to work in a variety of settings and for post secondary study in fields associated with Forensic Psychology. The first and second years of study are common to all Forensic Psychology. In the third and fourth years, students develop unique knowledge bases and skills through carefully selected elective coursework in Forensic Psychology and related disciplines and applied learning experiences. Field work practicum. See Section d. Program content: New courses page 21 Careers. The Forensic Psychology program will prepare students for the wide variety of careers that are available to students with bachelors degrees in general Psychology but will particularly emphasize bachelors level careers in which Psychology intersects with the legal systems. When taken in combination with other courses and concentrations available at UOIT as part of the degree program, Forensic Psychology graduates will be eligible for careers associated with alcohol and drug abuse counselling, case worker, child protection worker, corrections officer, crime prevention officer, family service worker, intelligence officer, law enforcement officer, mediator, mental health technician, private security officer, probation officer, research assistant, residential youth counselor, social services assistant, and statistical assistant. The Forensic Psychology program will also prepare students for graduate level training in Psychology and Forensic Psychology. Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 11

16 Admissions requirements. Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications. Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U). All other applicants should refer to Section 4.5 of this calendar for the requirements for their specific category of admission. Degree Requirements. To be eligible for the BA (Hons) degree in Forensic Psychology, students must successful complete 120 credit hours, including all courses outlined in the following program map. Each year prior to course registration the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students. For course descriptions, see Section d. Program content: New Courses, page 21. YEAR 1 (30 CREDIT HOURS) PHIL 1010U Ethical Reasoning and Critical Thinking POSC 1000U Political Science PSYC 1000U Introductory Psychology SOCI 1000U Introductory Sociology SSCI 1000U Introduction to Criminal Justice SSCI 1010U Introduction to Canadian Legal System SSCI 1910U Writing for the Social Sciences BIOL 1010 Biology 1 FSCI 1010 Introduction to Forensic Science University Elective (see below) YEAR 2 (30 CREDIT HOURS) SSCI 2900U Research Methods SSCI 2910U Quantitative Methods PSYC 2030U Abnormal Psychology PSYC 2020U Social Psychology PSYC 2010U Developmental Psychology PSYC 2060U Cognitive Psychology PSYC 2050U Brain and Behavior LGLS 3210 Psychology of Law 2 University Electives YEAR 3 (30 CREDIT HOURS) SSCI 3910U Advanced Quantitative Methods 4 Forensic Psychology Electives (defined below) 3 FSSH Electives (defined below) 2 University Electives YEAR 4 (30 CREDIT HOURS) PSYC 4101 Forensic Psychology Honours Thesis I (or Forensic Psychology Elective) PSYC 4102 Forensic Psychology Honours Thesis II (or Forensic Psychology Elective) PSYC 4098 Forensic Psychology Field Work Practicum Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 12

17 3 FSSH Electives 4 University Electives ELECTIVE DEFINITIONS Forensic Psychology Electives: Courses from the following list PSYC 2830U Justice Theory and Policy PSYC 3040U Restorative Justice PSYC 3310U Confessions and Interrogations PSYC 3320U Eyewitness Psychology PSYC 3400U Investigative Psychology PSYC 3500U Stereotypes and Prejudice PSYC 3820U Psychology of Deviance PSYC 3050U Clinical Forensic Psychology PSYC 3055U Treatment in Forensic Settings SSCI 3039U Children, Psychology, and the Law PSYC 3100U Directed Laboratory Research (can repeat with no limit but only one per semester) Other courses as approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Science & Humanities FSSH Electives: Courses offered by the Faculty of Social Science & Humanities UOIT Electives: Courses offered by any UOIT faculty. Honour s Thesis and Directed Laboratory Research Courses FORENSIC PSYCHOLOOGY HONOUR S THESIS I AND II (PSYC 4101, 4102) In order to be considered for the Forensic Psychology Honour s Thesis I students must apply during their sixth semester to begin their Forensic Psychology Honours Thesis I in semester seven. To proceed to Forensic Psychology Honours Thesis II a student must have successfully completed Forensic Psychology Honours Thesis I with a minimum A. Please note, only a limited number of applicants will be admitted to the Honours Thesis. Instructor and dean s consent required. DIRECTED LABORATORY RESEARCH (PSYC 3100) In order to be considered for the Directed Laboratory Research students must complete an application form at least one week before the beginning of the semester in which they wish to take the course. The course will involve routine contact and communication between the student and faculty member, during which time the research will be planned, goals established, and progress tracked. The faculty member will provide ongoing guidance and feedback. Depending upon the nature of the research, students may be engaged in collaborative work with other students, graduate students and/or other faculty. Students who successfully complete the course will gain practical research experience. This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply the course concepts and theories from their courses to actual research projects. This course will also provide students with the opportunity to work as part of a research team. Eligibility to enroll in this course includes successful completion of the course prerequisite and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 13

18 Program maps. The following table shows the courses taken by year. The semester schedules require coordination with other programs. As there are very few strict course sequences, in the semester in which a course is taken within a year is not critical. The course divisions by year, however, are critical and will be enforced. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Forensic Psychology Electives Forensic Psychology Course Map PHIL 1010U Ethical Reasoning and Critical Thinking POSC 1000U Political Science PSYC 1000U Introductory Psychology SOCI 1000U Introductory Sociology SSCI 1000U Introduction to Criminal Justice SSCI 1010U Introduction to Canadian Legal System SSCI 1910U Writing for the Social Sciences BIOL 1010 Biology 1 FSCI 1010 Introduction to Forensic Science University Elective SSCI 2900U Research Methods SSCI 2910U Quantitative Methods PSYC 2030U Abnormal Psychology PSYC 2020U Social Psychology PSYC 2010U Developmental Psychology PSYC 2060U Cognitive Psychology PSYC 2050U Brain and Behavior LGLS 3210 Psychology of Law 2 University Electives SSCI 3910U Advanced Quantitative Methods 4 Forensic Psychology Electives (defined below) 3 FSSH Electives 2 University Electives PSYC 4101U Forensic Psychology Honours Thesis I (or Forensic Psychology Elective) PSYC 4102U Forensic Psychology Honours Thesis II (or Forensic Psychology Elective) PSYC 4098U Forensic Psychology Practicum 3 FSSH Electives 4 University Electives PSYC 2830U Justice Theory and Policy PSYC 3040U Restorative Justice PSYC 3310U Confessions and Interrogations PSYC 3320U Eyewitness Psychology PSYC 3400U Investigative Psychology PSYC 3500U Stereotypes and Prejudice PSYC 3820U Psychology of Deviance PSYC 3050U Clinical Forensic Psychology PSYC 3055U Treatment in Forensic Settings SSCI 3039U Children, Psychology, and the Law PSYC 3100U Directed Laboratory Research (can repeat with no limit but only one per semester) Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 14

19 BA (Hons) Forensic Psychology Program Map Year 1 1 Biology 1 Political Science Year 1 2 Year 2 1 Year 2 2 Year 3 1 Year 3 2 Year 4 1 Year 4 2 Ethical Reasoning & Critical Thinking Research Methods Psychology of Law Advanced Quantitative Methods Forensic Psychology Elective Forensic Psychology Honour s Thesis I or Forensic Psychology Elective Forensic Psychology Honour s Thesis I or Forensic Psychology Elective Introductory Psychology Quantitative Methods Brain and Behavior Forensic Psychology Elective Forensic Psychology Elective Forensic Psychology Field Work Practicum FSSH Elective Intro to Criminal Justice Introductory Sociology Developmental Psychology Abnormal Psychology Forensic Psychology Elective FSSH Elective FSSH Elective FSSH Elective Intro to Canadian Legal System Introduction to Forensic Science Social Psychology University Elective FSSH Elective FSSH Elective University Elective University Elective Writing for the Social Sciences University Elective Cognitive Psychology University Elective University Elective University Elective University Elective University Elective Intellectual quality of the student experience. Several mechanisms are in place to safeguard intellectual quality. First, most of the required and elective courses have been approved by UOIT s curriculum process and therefore meet UOIT s quality assurance standards. Any new courses will be required to meet those standards as well. The Forensic Psychology faculty members individually and collectively have distinguished research records, as evidenced by peer reviewed publication and other quality indicators; hence, the research experiences provided to students will be of the highest intellectual quality. FSSH also has established an excellent reputation for applied learning experiences; the same practicum standards will be applied to the Forensic Psychology program. d. Program content New course proposals for the following courses follow: Cognitive Psychology; Brain and Behaviour; Clinical Forensic Psychology; Treatment in Forensic Settings; Forensic Psychology Honour s Thesis I and II; and Forensic Psychology Field Experience Practicum. Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 15

20 Course Title: PSYCH 2060: Cognitive Psychology New Course Proposal Calendar Level Course Description: This course provides an in depth exploration of human cognition, focusing on both classic and current issues. The study of cognition relies heavily on experimental research designed to test models and theories of cognitive processes. Topics will include attention, perception, memory, knowledge, language, reasoning, decision making, and other cognitive psychological topics. Pre requisite(s) and co requisites: PSYC1000U: Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3 Length in Contact Hours: Class: 1 hr 20 minutes to 3 hours; Other: up to 1 hr 20 minutes on line Delivery Mode and Teaching Method(s): Primarily lecture; there is the potential for up to one half of class time to be devoted to online activities in which students will use/apply the relevant course materials and concepts. These may involve individual or group activities engaging in problem solving, discussion, debate, application of concepts, etc. Intended Learning Outcomes: Students who successfully complete the course have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 1. Summarize orally, in writing, or in response to specific questions about theories of cognitive processes; 2. Summarize orally, in writing, or in response to specific questions about research methods used in cognitive psychology; 3. Summarize orally, in writing, or in response to specific questions about how cognitive psychology can be applied in everyday life. Evaluation of student learning: Students learning will be assessed through a combination of exams, written assignments, class participation, presentations, and term papers. Course materials: Standard Cognitive Psychology textbook (in print or online); original research articles; other readings; lectures; learning modules; web based resources. Course Outline: The course outline may vary by instructor and selected learning materials, but a sample of topics to be covered include: history of cognitive psychology; neural processing; psychophysics; pattern recognition; the Gestalt approach; intelligence; models of attention; stages and forms of memory; categorization; semantic networks; imagery; consciousness; language comprehension; reasoning; and decision making. This is a: New Course This course is: Core Forensic Psychology Program; Elective Available to any students in any program. Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology 16