Courses (Graduate Research)
Level-5000 Courses (Biological, Cognitive and Developmental Group)
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s): PL3233/PL3103 or consent of instructor
Preclusion(s): PL6222
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course surveys recent advances in cognitive psychology and is targeted at graduate students and advanced undergraduates who have an interest in cognitive science. Students will be introduced to the foundations and basic philosophy behind contemporary approaches to cognition such as the symbolic, connectionist, ecological, dynamic, and embodied movements. We will examine the applications of these approaches to recent research in selected topics from the areas of perception, memory, language, creativity, consciousness, and intelligent behaviour. Prior exposure to cognitive psychology at the undergraduate level is required.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s): PL3234/PL3104 or consent of instructor
Preclusion(s): PL6205
Cross-listing(s): Nil
The course explores current research in developmental psychology and is relevant to students with research interests in this area. Current research and research methodology will be covered from selected topics in the areas of infant, child, and/or adolescent development. Contemporary issues, such as those relating to the ethics of research, may also be covered. Prior exposure to developmental psychology at the undergraduate level is strongly advised.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-5-2
Prerequisite(s): PL3232/PL3102 or consent of instructor
Preclusion(s): PL6204
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Over the last decades, the study of human cognition has extended its focus to include neuroimaging techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) among others. This allowed researchers to investigate cognitive processes as they unfold in time and to relate these processes to neuronal structures and networks. In this course, students will review this research and critically evaluate whether and how it advanced our understanding of human cognition.
Level-5000 Courses (Abnormal/Clinical, Social and Applied Group)
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-5-2
Prerequisite(s): PL2101Y/PL2131 and PL2132 or consent of instructor
Preclusion(s): PL5102/PL6102
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course addresses the use of the general linear for the analysis of psychological data including multiple regression and various forms of analysis of variance. Among the topics that may be covered are correlation and multiple regression, randomized groups analysis of variance, repeated measures analysis of variance, and mixed models. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills through hands-on data analysis and interpretation.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-5-2
Prerequisite(s): PL2101Y/PL2131 and PL2132, or consent of instructor
Preclusion(s): PL4204
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course introduces students to the use of multivariate methods for the analysis of psychological data. Included among the methods to be covered may be canonical correlation, discriminant function analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills for multivariate data analysis through hands-on analysis and interpretation of datasets.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-5-2
Prerequisite(s): PL2101Y/PL2131, PL2132 and PL5221, or consent of instructor
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course with introduce the ideas of structural equation modelling and its relationship to other current statistical models. Specifically, regression analysis, path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis will be formulated within the general framework of structural equation modelling. Advanced topics, such as ordinal data analysis, missing data, multiple-group analysis and latent growth models, will also be covered. After the course, students are expected to know how to conduct the analysis and interpret the results themselves.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-3-4
Prerequisite(s): PL3235/PL3105 or consent of instructor
Preclusion(s): PL6223
Cross-listing(s): Nil
The aim of this course is to provide postgraduate students with an in depth knowledge of selected topics in social psychology, such as social influence, interpersonal relationships and applied social psychology. This knowledge is based on both a historical perspective and an overview of the current research and theory in this field. Students will read a sampling of classic articles as well as review current research and theory on selected topics. Classes will consist of lectures, discussion and student presentations.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-2-5
Prerequisite(s): PL3236/PL3106 or consent of instructor
Preclusion(s): PL6210
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course provides students with advanced knowledge in clinical psychology from historical as well as from the latest conceptual and empirical perspectives. The implications of life-span psychology, psychopathology, personality theory, neuropsychology, and competing systems of clinical psychology for multi-cultural clinical understanding, clinical epistemology, and clinical judgment will be critically reviewed.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-2-5
Prerequisite(s): PL3242 or consent of instructor
Preclusion(s): PL6202
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course provides an overview of current research being undertaken in health psychology. Topics to be covered will vary from semester to semester but may include, health behaviour, stress and its relationship to health, illness cognition, illness behaviour, patient-practitioner interaction, psychological factors in hospitalization, chronic illness, death and dying, psychological research on pain as well as applications of health psychology for cancer, heart disease and other health conditions.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s): For graduate students: Consent of instructor
For Honours year students: Enforced pre‐requisites: PL2131, PL2132, PL3235/PL3105, and consent of instructor.
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Effective teachers, leaders, entrepreneurs, and advertisers have one thing in common – they have mastered the skill of motivating others. Whether you are trying to persuade people, inspire teams, negotiate strategically, or nudge people towards better decisions, you need to understand what drives people. In this course, we will read research papers on motivation theories, ranging from the older classics to more cutting‐edge research. We will also learn about interventions that successfully motivate behaviour change and apply this knowledge to addressing realworld issues.
Level-5000 Courses (Research)
Units: 4
Workload: 0-0-0-0-10
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): PL5220
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Independent research plays an important role in graduate education. The Independent Study Course is designed to enable the student to explore an approved topic in Psychology in depth. The student should approach a lecturer to work out an agreed topic, readings, and assignments for the course. A formal, written agreement is to be drawn up, giving a clear account of the topic, programme of study, assignments, evaluation, and other pertinent details. Head's and/ or Graduate Coordinator's approval of the written agreement is required. Regular meetings and reports are expected. Evaluation is based on 100% Continuous Assessment and must be worked out between the student and the lecturer prior to seeking departmental approval.
Level-6000 Courses
Units: 4
Workload: 0-0-0-10-0
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the NUS psychology PhD program
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
The ability to conduct independent psychological research is a prerequisite for embarking on a doctoral dissertation. As such the course is aimed at advancing the research skills of doctoral students prior to their qualifying examinations. They will achieve this advancement by working on a research project under the close supervision of their doctoral supervisor. All doctoral students must take this course.
Units: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-2-5
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Various courses requiring applied expertise in the selected fields of psychology will be offered from time to time by visiting or local staff.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-0-0-0-10
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): PL6220, PL6220A, PL6220B.
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Independent research plays an important role in graduate education. The Independent Study Course is designed to enable the student to explore an approved topic in Psychology in depth. The student should approach a lecturer to work out an agreed topic, readings, and assignments for the course. A formal, written agreement is to be drawn up, giving a clear account of the topic, programme of study, assignments, evaluation, and other pertinent details. Head's and/ or Graduate Coordinator's approval of the written agreement is required. Regular meetings and reports are expected. Evaluation is based on 100% Continuous Assessment and must be worked out between the student and the lecturer prior to seeking departmental approval.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s): Postgraduate status
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This is a required course for all research Masters and Ph.D. students admitted from AY2004/ 2005. The course provides a forum for students and faculty to share their research and to engage one another critically in discussion of their current research projects. The course will include presentations by faculty on research ethics and dissertation writing. Each student is required to present a formal research paper. Active participation in all research presentations is expected. The course may be spread over two semesters and will be graded "Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory" on the basis of student presentation and participation.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-5-2
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the NUS psychology graduate program or approval by the lecturer.
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course is designed to cover selected topics in cognitive psychology, which include, but are not limited to, attention, perception, memory, language, consciousness, reasoning, problem-solving, judgement, and decision-making. The topic(s) to be covered in any particular year that the course is offered will depend on student demand, faculty expertise, and faculty availability. This course will follow a seminar format, requiring high levels of student participation, writing-intensive assignments, and analytic skills.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-3-4
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the NUS psychology graduate program or approval by the lecturer.
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course is designed to cover selected topics in the broad disciplines of social, personality, and/or industrial-organizational psychology. Topics in social psychology may include social attitudes, emotion and cognition, and motivation. Topics in personality psychology may include personality structure and processing dynamics. Topics in industrial-organizational psychology may include personnel selection, human performance, and job analysis. The topic(s) to be covered in any particular year that the course is offered will depend on student demand, faculty expertise, and faculty availability. This course will follow a seminar format, requiring high levels of student participation, writing-intensive assignments, and analytic skills.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-3-4
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the NUS psychology graduate program or approval by the lecturer.
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course is designed to cover selected topics in social and cognitive neuroscience, which include, but are not limited to, affective neuroscience, decision making neuroscience, and neuroscience of attention and/or memory. The topic(s) to be covered in any particular year that the course is offered will depend on student demand, faculty expertise, and faculty availability. This course will follow a seminar format, requiring high levels of student participation, writing-intensive assignments, and analytic skills.
Units: 4
Workload: 0-3-0-3-4
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the NUS psychology graduate program or approval by the lecturer.
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
The field of emotion contributes too many subdisciplines within psychology including cognitive, social, clinical, and health psychology. This course aims to provide students with a solid foundation in emotion by introducing them to relevant research done internationally and within the Department of Psychology. Topics to be covered will include, but not limited to, emotion theories, the interplay between cognition and emotion, the physiological underpinnings of emotion and its associated outcomes. A range of formats, including lectures, student presentations, and guest seminars, will be used to engage students on these topics.
Workload Components: A-B-C-D-E
A: no. of lecture hours per week
B: no. of tutorial/seminar hours per week
C: no. of lab hours per week
D: no. of hours for projects, assignments, fieldwork etc. per week
E: no. of hours for preparatory work by a student per week