Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - PSYC 457 D100

Behavioural Neuroscience Undergraduate Honours Thesis Proposal (3)

Class Number: 3315

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    75 units, including PSYC 301 with a minimum grade of B and permission of a Co-Chair of the Behavioural Neuroscience Program Committee.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An in-depth investigation of a topic in behavioural neuroscience, culminating in a critical literature review and the formulation of a research proposal. Students with credit for BPK 457 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will focus on developing your written and verbal communication skills in psychology. Depending on the stage of your honours project, you may prepare a proposal or you may prepare part of a manuscript. You will also develop presentation skills for academic and lay audiences. You will create a community and practice of writing. We will also discuss important issues related to research in psychology such as ethical principals, diversity, the replication crisis, and methods.

Topics:
Research issues (e.g., replication crisis, ethics, research design, pre-registration), writing for diverse audiences, presenting to diverse audiences, preparing for graduate school, creating a writing community and practice.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• Communicate about psychological research effectively through different mediums and to diverse audiences.
• Understand and critically evaluate issues relevant to research practice (e.g., ethical issues, replication and transparency, diversity)
• Demonstrate critical understanding of the theoretical, data analytic, and practical aspects of psychological research in the area of the honours project
• Develop a writing practice and the skills necessary to complete the honours thesis
• Present your research, academic, and volunteer experiences effectively in graduate school applications

Grading

  • Participation: 10 - 25%
  • Projects: 30 - 50%
  • Thesis proposal and ethics: 25 - 45%
  • Graduate school materials: 6%
  • Plagiarism tutorial: 2%
  • Totalling: 100%

NOTES:

The evaluative components and weight for each element of your grade will be partially based on your choices.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Calarco, J. (2020). A Field Guide to Grad School: Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum (Skills for Scholars). American Psychological Association.
ISBN: 9780691201092

American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
ISBN: 9781433832178

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html