Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - PSYC 476 B100

Advanced Topics in Law and Forensic Psychology (4)

Eyewitness Identification

Class Number: 3757

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Jun 19, 2026: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 11 – Jun 19, 2026: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Ryan Fitzgerald
    rjfitzge@sfu.ca
    Office: RCB 7323
    Office Hours: Mondays, 1:30pm —2:30pm

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, 210, 268, 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines eyewitness identification evidence in criminal investigations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

(a) to develop a broad understanding of the field of eyewitness identification,
(b) to conduct and report a systematic literature search,
(c) to acquire in-depth expertise in a specific topic within the field,
(d) to effectively communicate scientific findings from the field.

Grading

  • Literature Search: 15%
  • Quizzes: 20%
  • Data Blitz Presentation: 30%
  • Literature Review Presentation: 35%

NOTES:

PREREQUISITES: PSYC 201, PSYC 210, PSYC 268, 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.
PREREQUISITE WAIVERS: No prerequisite waivers are accepted for this course.
WAITLIST POLICY: This course uses standard departmental waitlist policies (see the Undergraduate FAQ).
 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for this course.  Required reading materials will be assigned in class.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.