- Program Length4 Years
- CredentialBachelor Degree
The Psychology (BSc) Program
The Bachelor of Science Major/Minor in Psychology places an increased emphasis on the role of biological factors in psychological phenomena. In particular, core courses/subject areas have been selected to develop a broad understanding of nervous system structure and function and its relation to normal behaviour in humans and nonhuman animals as well as its involvement in disease processes. The program should be of particular interest and value to students interested in health-related professional programs (e.g., medicine, chiropractic, optometry, physiotherapy, etc.) or graduate studies in psychology, neuroscience, or other areas of the life sciences. Small class sizes in the program enhance student opportunities for interactions with faculty and participation in laboratory research or other applied activities.
There is strong faculty expertise/interest in sleep and biological rhythms, learning and memory, sensory physiology, evolutionary psychology, neuropsychology and psychopharmacology, with associated active laboratories using techniques including electroencephalography, immunohistochemistry, and video behavioral analysis. The Psychology Department stresses hands-on learning and encourages student involvement in research and other applied activities either through course work or individual faculty supervision.
For additional information on the program, faculty, and undergraduate research please visit the VIU Psychology website.
All B.Sc. students interested in the Psychology Major or Minor should contact Dr. Elliott Marchant of the Psychology Department.
Requirements for a Major
Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
Core Courses
The Core component of the degree, combined with appropriate electives, gives students sufficient knowledge and experience in their field to facilitate entry into graduate or professional schools, or into employment in their field. Students must complete PSYC 204 with a minimum (“C+”) grade; and all first year core courses before registering for any upper-level Psychology courses unless permission is obtained from the instructor.
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
BIOL 121 - (Introductory Zoology) or, |
4 |
|
Select one of the following pairs: |
8 |
|
MATH 121 - (Calculus I) and, |
6 |
|
PSYC 111 - (Contemporary Psychology I) and, |
6 |
|
6 |
* Effective September 2011: CHEM 140 will replace CHEM 122, CHEM 141 will replace CHEM 111, and CHEM 142 will replace CHEM 121. Students who have already completed the old Chemistry courses can still use those courses to meet the 1st-year chemistry requirements.
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
BIOL 200 - (Principles of Cell Biology) |
3 |
|
BIOL 201 - (Principles of Biochemistry) |
3 |
|
CHEM 231 - (Organic Chemistry I) and, |
6 |
|
PHYS 111 - (Physics for the Life Sciences I) or, |
4 |
|
PSYC 204 - (Research Methods) |
3 |
|
PSYC 205 - (Introduction to Biopsychology I) |
3 |
Note: PSYC 210 - (History and Systems of Psychology) is recommended as an elective.
|
Years 3 and 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
BIOL 212 - (Genetics) |
3 |
|
PSYC 300A* - (Statistical Methods in Psychology I) |
3 |
|
PSYC 300B** - (Statistical Methods in Psychology II) |
3 |
|
PSYC 305 - (Introduction to Biopsychology II) |
3 |
|
PSYC 315 - (Introduction to Neuropsychology I) |
3 |
|
PSYC 323 - (Experimental Neuroscience) |
3 |
|
PSYC 345 - (Drugs and Behaviour - Basic Principles) or, |
3 |
|
Select four of the following electives: |
12 |
* Students with credit for MATH 211 may seek a waiver for PSYC 300A.
** Students with credit for MATH 203 may seek a waiver for PSYC 300B.
*** At least one of PSYC 345 or PSYC 445 is required.
Note: It is recommended that students wishing to enter a graduate program complete a Senior Research Project PSYC 490 and PSYC 491.
Note: For students pursuing Graduate School in Psychology, electives from each of the core groupings in Psychology are recommended.
Undergraduate Research Project
Directed studies courses (PSYC 301/302; 390/391) are in place to encourage students to participate in a research program by carrying out a research project under the direct supervision of a faculty member. It is recommended that at least one of the above courses be taken prior to the student's senior research project (PSYC 490/491). Students interested in research in general should consult a faculty member as early as possible in their academic career.
Students planning to take Psychology 490/491 in the Fall semester must have a Research Supervisor identified prior to registration. Details of the special registration process required for Psychology 490/491 may be obtained from the Psychology Chair or the Psychology B.Sc. Advisor.
Requirements for a Minor
Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
|
Years 1 and 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Minimum"C-" in each of the following courses: |
12 |
|
Years 3 and 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Minimum"C-" in each of at least eighteen credits of upper–level Psychology courses numbered 300 and above, with at least nine credits selected from the B.Sc. Psychology core courses as follows: |
18 |
- General admission requirements apply.
- A minimum "B" grade in either Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12.
Notes on Admission
- Courses in first year have different prerequisites. To satisfy all first year course prerequisites, students must complete all of the following B.C. Secondary School course requirements:
- A minimum grade of “C” in English 12;
- A minimum grade of “C+” in each of Biology 11 or 12, Chemistry 11 and 12 and Physics 11 (Principles of Physics 11); and,
- A minimum grade of “B” in Mathematics 12 (Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12).
- Some seats are available for students who have only completed Chemistry 11 with a minimum “C+”.
- Students who do not satisfy all of the first year course prerequisites will not likely be able to complete the full degree program in four years. Students who are lacking any or all of the first year course prerequisites should speak with a VIU Advisor about upgrading courses.
- Students with a two-year diploma in a field related to the Biological Sciences may receive advanced standing, depending upon their program.
- Transcripts from other institutions for courses used towards the B.Sc., Major in Psychology degree must be received by VIU’s Records office by August 15 for the Fall semester, and November 30 for the Spring semester.
Domestic Fees | International Fees
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) |
4,992.00 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
199.68 |
|
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit) |
220.50 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
7,397.98 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters. For programs that require 4-credit courses, students should adjust the fee totals accordingly.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.43 per course.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester) |
23,993.10 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) |
926.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
26,905.70 |
Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.43 per course.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
UpdatedThe Program
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. The goal of the program is to cultivate a broad and multidisciplinary perspective on human behaviour spanning levels of analysis from the molecular and cellular to broad external factors, including the social and natural environment, as well as growth in general intellectual skills including communication, numeracy, critical thinking, and learning ability. The program prepares students well for graduate studies in psychology, professional programs in health-related disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, occupational therapy, etc., and a wide range of potential careers that benefit from an improved understanding of human behaviour (e.g., human services, counseling, banking, retail, law, business, education, management, etc.).
Students will attend an “Honours seminar” which takes place weekly in the fall semester. In the spring semester, the group typically meets for the first few weeks and then disband until ready to practice their presentations.
Program Outline
Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
Core Courses
The Core component of the degree, combined with appropriate electives, gives students sufficient knowledge and experience in their field to facilitate entry into graduate or professional schools, or into employment in their field. Students must complete PSYC 204 with a minimum (“C+”) grade; and all first year core courses before registering for any upper-level Psychology courses unless permission is obtained from the instructor.
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
BIOL 121 - (Introductory Zoology) or, |
4 |
|
Select one of the following pairs: |
8 |
|
MATH 121 - (Calculus I) and, |
6 |
|
PSYC 111 - (Contemporary Psychology I) and, |
6 |
|
6 |
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
BIOL 200 - (Principles of Cell Biology) |
3 |
|
BIOL 201 - (Principles of Biochemistry) |
3 |
|
CHEM 231 - (Organic Chemistry I) and, |
6 |
|
PHYS 111 - (Physics for the Life Sciences I) or, |
4 |
|
PSYC 204 - (Research Methods) |
3 |
|
PSYC 205 - (Introduction to Biopsychology I) |
3 |
Note: PSYC 210 - (History and Systems of Psychology) is recommended as an elective.
|
Years 3 and 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
BIOL 212 - (Genetics) |
3 |
|
PSYC 300A* - (Statistical Methods in Psychology I) |
3 |
|
PSYC 300B** - (Statistical Methods in Psychology II) |
3 |
|
PSYC 305 - (Introduction to Biopsychology II) |
3 |
|
PSYC 315 - (Introduction to Neuropsychology I) |
3 |
|
PSYC 323 - (Experimental Neuroscience) |
3 |
|
PSYC 345 - (Drugs and Behaviour - Basic Principles) or, |
3 |
|
Select six of the following electives: |
18 |
|
PSYC 490 - (Honours Proposal) |
3 |
|
3 |
* Students with credit for MATH 211 may seek a waiver for PSYC 300A.
** Students with credit for MATH 203 may seek a waiver for PSYC 300B.
*** At least one of PSYC 345 or PSYC 445 is required.
Completion Requirements
Honours students need an average GPA of 3.33 (B+) in all 3rd and 4th year courses taken within the psychology discipline in order to graduate from an Honours program. Further, a minimum grade of B- must be obtained in PSYC 490 and PSYC 491 to fulfill requirements for completion of the Honours program in psychology.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum "B+" average on the most recent 30 credits attempted and completed.
- A minimum combined average of a 3.33 ("B+") in the following courses: PSYC 204, PSYC 300A, and PSYC 300B.
Notes on Admission
- To apply to the Psychology Honours program, an application form is submitted to the Psychology Chair on or before March 31st of the year preceding the student’s final year of study. An Honours Committee comprised of three faculty members, including the Chair, will ascertain whether the student has completed the application requirements including grade requirements.
- The Degree Advisor will be notified in the fall semester, likely the second week, when students have completed their Registration form which must be signed by the Chair. This will allow the Chair to collect the list of students who actually begin the Honours program.
Start Date and Application Deadline
Applications are to be submitted on or before March 31st of the year preceding the student’s final year of study. Late applications may be accepted on a case by case basis.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Aug 10, 2025
|
||
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Comments
|
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025
|
||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Yuzo Ishida Comments
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.