2.5 to 3 Year Part-Time Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) / (B.A. Honors) Degree in Psychology and Behavioral Science
136 UG Credits, 680 Teaching / Lecture Hours, Part –Time Study Program
Academic Years 2016 – 2018
- Year 1: Diploma in Psychology and Behavioral Science (6 Months) 36 Credits- 180 Hrs.
1.1 Introduction to Biological and General Psychology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
1.2 Organization Theory and Behavior (6 Credits) 30 Hours
1,3. Developmental Psychology (6 Credits) 30 Hours
1.4 CounselingTheory and Practice 1(6 Credits) 30 Hours
1.5 Social Psychology(5 Credits)25 Hours
1.6 Abnormal Psychology(5 Credits) 25 Hours
- Year 2: Advanced Diploma in Psychology and Behavioral Science (9 Months)44 Credits- 220 Hrs.
2.1 Personality Theories (8 Credits) 40 Hours
2.2 Cognitive Psychology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
2.3 Psychology of Addiction (8 Credits) 40 Hours
2.4 Educational Psychology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
2.5 Industrial Organizational Psychology (6 Credits) 30 Hours
2.6 Behavioual Healthcare Systems (6 Credits) 30 Hours
- Year 3: B.A. (Honors) Degree in Psychology and Behavioral Science (9 Months + 6 Months)56 Credits- 280 Hrs.
3.1 Health Psychology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
3.2 Clinical Psychology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
3.3 Psychological Research Methods (8 Credits) 40 Hours
3.4 Psychopathology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
3.5 Counselling Theory and Practice 2(8 Credits) 40 Hours
3.6 Individual Differences and Assessment (6 Credits) 30 Hours
3.7 Interventions for Addictive Behaviors (6 Credits) 30 Hours
3.8 Applied Behavioural Sciences Capstone (4 Credits) 20 Hours
3.9 Optional Clinical Training in Counselling and Psychotherapy (5 to 6 MonthsDuration / 12 Credits) required for anHonors Degreeaward.
Entry Requirements / Criteria
- Diploma level entry:
Any two passes at the G.C.E. A/L’s with 6 passes at the G.C.E. O/L’s including Maths and English,
or 6 passes at the G.C.E. O/L’s including Maths and English with a recognized Certificate or Diploma in Psychology or in any Psychology related subject. Qualifications in other fields will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Advanced Diploma level entry:
Any two passes at the G.C.E. A/L’s with a recognized and accredited 9 Months to one year Diploma in Psychology,or 6 passes at the G.C.E. O/L’s including Maths and English with a recognized 9 Months to one year Diploma in Psychology.
- Third / Final Year BA Degree level entry:
Any two passes at the G.C.E. A/L’s together with a nationally or internationally accredited and recognized Higher National Diploma (HND) in Psychology or with an equivalent Advanced Diploma in Psychology of a minimum of 18 to 24 Months duration.
Program / Course Location / Sites and Suggested Start Dates:
- Colombo-04 (March 2016)
- 2. Kandy* (in January 2017)
- 3. Jaffna* (in January 2017)
*Subject to availability of suitably qualified and experienced Lecturers
Total B.A. Degree Program Level Cost / Charges:
6 Months Diploma programper student : Rs. 100,000/- (Payable in installments)
9 Months Advanced Diploma program per student : Rs. 150,000/- (Payable in installments)
9 Months B.A. Final Year program per student :Rs.250,000/- (Payable in installments)
Total Cost Payable (per student) : Rs. 665,500/- (Approx. Rs. 670,000/-)
Including OIUCM charges
Centrally Located Class Room Facility in Colombo-04
Second Floor,
No. 61, BauddhalokaMawatha
Colombo-04
Fully air-conditioned Classroom equipped with Multimedia Projector with a capacity of 36 desks and seats.
Minimum Class Attendance Requirements for eligibility to sit the final examination paper.
A minimum class attendance requirement of at least 80% is compulsory for a student to be eligible to sit the relevant subject final examination at the end of the term or semester. This is mandatory for the Diploma, Advanced Diploma and the final / third year B.A. Degree program. Medical certificates must be submitted in case of class absence due to sickness or ill-health.
Degree Program Course Structure
This is a two-and-a-half to three-year Bachelor of Arts Degree program where the core subjects include research, cognitive psychology, developmental and lifespan psychology, biological bases of behaviour, social psychology, personality and individual differences, educational psychology, counselling psychology, abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, psychopathology, health psychology, and organisational psychology.
This degree places particular emphasis on the application of psychology in the broader context of behavioural science. You will participate in experimental, practical, survey and observational work. This will allow the development of expertise in practical-based psychological methods while deepening your understanding of the theoretical knowledge you are acquiring. You will finally undertake an independent research project in Year Three, which will give you the opportunity to use these valuable skills.
In addition, you will be given the opportunity to apply and understand psychology in real life situations. The Third Year clinical training optional module(required for the award of a BA Honors Degree) is a practical work experience programme undertaken by students in Sri Lanka. This will comprise a practice placement that will provide you with complementary practical and professional development opportunities. These opportunities, combined with your academic programme of study, will enhance your motivation and assist in your exploration of potential careers in the field of psychology and counselling / psychotherapy.
An optional practice placement will be undertaken by students for one semester in their third year. The benefits of this placement are numerous and introduce the student to the many benefits, both practical and personal, of working as part of a team. Furthermore, it gives the student an opportunity to critically reflect on the theoretical perspectives they have learned and to experience first-hand how psychology influences and impacts upon every section and aspect of the jobs market.
- Year 1: Diploma in Psychology and Behavioral Science (6 Months) 36 Credits – 180 Hrs.
1.1 Introduction to Biological and General Psychology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
This course provides a solid foundation in the basic principles of Behavioral Science and an overview of its topics. Students will learn psychological, social, and biological factors interact to impact human behavior.
This course also introduces methods, findings, and theories of the biological basis of behavior. Students discover the basic structures and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems, as well as their contributions to cognition, emotion, and behavior.
1.2 Organization Theory and Behavior (6 Credits) 30 Hours
This course introduces the principles, philosophies, and theories of management and organizational behavior as used in both public and private organizations. Students explore these ideas through realistic case studies, group exercises, and self-assessment. Themes include organization theory, individual and group dynamics, conflict resolution, and decision making.
1,3. Developmental Psychology (6 Credits) 30 Hours
This course introduces human development from conception to death. Students will examine psychosocial, cognitive, and physical changes throughout the lifespan.
1.4 Counseling Theory and Practice 1 (6 Credits) 30 Hours
This course explores various theoretical approaches to counseling. Students examine case studies to discover various therapeutic techniques and ethical issues that guide counselors. Topics include fundamental counseling theories, person-centered approaches, and trends in psychological counseling.
1.5 Social Psychology (5 Credits) 25 Hours
This course surveys theories and methods in social psychology. Students determine the impact of social influences on self-concept and behavior. Subjects include interpersonal attraction, social perception, discrimination, and aggression.
1.6 Abnormal Psychology (5 Credits) 25 Hours
This course examines major categories of psychological disorders. Students study stress and other causes of mental health problems, including personality, mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders.Also discussed are diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and the techniques currently used.
- Year 2: Advanced Diploma in Psychology and Behavioral Science (9 Months) 44 Credits – 220 Hrs.
2.1 Personality Theories (8 Credits) 40 Hours
This course explores the theories that describe and define personality. Topics include social learning theories, psychodynamic theories, humanistic theories, behaviorist models, and the biological influences on personality.
2.2 Cognitive Psychology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
In this course students will examine a variety of theoretical perspectives on learning, cognition, and cognitive development. Topics include the scientific investigation of internal processes, such as object perception, attention, memory, problem solving, and decision making. Students will critically evaluate current cognitive theories and hypotheses and identify a range of tools that may be useful in understanding learning and thinking in both personal and professional settings.
2.3 Psychology of Addictionand Substance Abuse(8 Credits) 40 Hours
This course analyzes the development, intervention, and treatment of drug abuse, alcoholism, and codependency. Family dysfunction and its results are examined, as well as specialized techniques in counseling. Various intervention strategies are discussed.
2.4 Educational Psychology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
This course provides an introduction to concepts, theories, and research in educational psychology. The topics covered include cognitive development during the school years, learning theories, special problems of learning, instructional approaches, motivation, assessment, and individual differences.
2.5 Industrial Organizational Psychology (6 Credits) 30 Hours
This course surveys the application of psychological principles and methods to the workplace. Topics include personnel selection and evaluation, motivation, job satisfaction, and behavior; as well as the structure, function, and development of complex organizations. Students will learn about the improvement of workplace effectiveness – through research, assessment, and interventions – to enhance office climate, group and individual performance, and overall organizational goals.
2.6 Behavioual Healthcare Systems (6 Credits) 30 Hours
This course surveys historical and current contexts of community-based behavioral health systems. Topics include: mental health assessment, behavioral medicine and applied health psychology, addictions, professional counseling and social work, ethics, case management, and diverse patient populations. Students will explore the application of these topics within state, and local organizations, regulatory policies and system practices, advocacy issues, and general managed care systems issues.
- Year 3: B.A. / B.A. (Honors) Degree in Psychology and Behavioral Science (9 Months + Optional 5 to 6 Months Practical Clinical Training) 56 Credits – 280 Hrs.
3.1 Health Psychology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
Health psychology focuses on how biology, psychology, behavior and social-cultural factors influence health and illness. This course introduces you tothe health psychology models and their application in research and practice. Topics considered and discussed include such lifestyle habits as binge-drinking, smoking and other risky behaviours as well as methods to increase healthy behaviours, such as exercising and breast-feeding.
3.2 Clinical Psychology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
This course introduces you to the study of abnormal psychology and psychiatric disorders. The module will provide you with a thorough understanding of a variety of perspectives in psychology and how they apply to specific mental disorders. You will also develop your understanding and assess the relative merits of a medical/clinical model (diagnosis and treatment) of specific disorders, which will include schizophrenia (and other personality disorders), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, bipolar-mood disorders and cognitive disorders related to aging and autism. Overall, the module will encourage you to critically analyse the medical model of mental disorders, as seen from the historical, social, psychopharmacological (neuroscience/neuropsychological) and medical perspectives.
3.3 Psychological Research Methods (8 Credits) 40 Hours
An appreciation of research methods is critical for an understanding of psychology. This module introduces students to some of the basic concepts underlying research and provides a practical introduction to conducting research in psychology.
3.4 Psychopathology (8 Credits) 40 Hours
The course aims to provide a broad survey and analysis of the main psychiatric syndromes and symptoms, and the major forms of treatment – especially drug treatments but also psychological therapies.
3.5 Counselling Theory and Practice 2 (8 Credits) 40 Hours
This course builds on the Counselling Theory and Practice 1 module (in Year 1) and looks at the therapist/client relationship in a broader perspective. Modern and postmodern theoretical approaches will be considered. The literature around common factors in successful therapy will also be introduced. This subject has three main streams: the ongoing study and contextual application of counsellingmicroskills, an exploration of the links between various theories of counselling, and the facilitation of an awareness of the centrality of the therapeutic relationship. The idea of the ‘self as counsellor’ will be explored. The importance of self-care will also be emphasised.
3.6 Individual Differences and Assessment (6 Credits) 30 Hours
This course will survey instruments of psychometric assessment that are frequently used in education and clinical practice. Fundamental theory and research pertaining to the quantitative measurement of human traits will be reviewed. Psychometric instruments will include standardized neuropsychological tests, intelligence tests, and personality tests. Strengths and limitations of these instruments will be carefully examined.
3.7 Interventions for Addictive Behaviors (6 Credits) 30 Hours
This course provides an overview of the principles of substance‐related addictions and the processes and mechanisms that underlie addiction. Students will be introduced to the epidemiology and developmental course of addiction, risk and protective influences that act on the course of addiction and its adverse health consequences. Both genetic and environmental underpinnings will be discussed. The impact of policy and economics will be studied. Effective interventions and treatment modalities will also be briefly discussed.
3.8 Applied Behavioural Sciences Capstone (4 Credits) 20 Hours
This course provides the opportunity for the synthesis and application of content learned throughout the degree program. Students complete a specific individual or groupresearch based project under the guidance of a nominated supervisor that demonstrates application of psychological theories and concepts presented throughout the degree course work.
3.9 Optional Practical Clinical Training in Counselling and Psychotherapy (5 to 6 Months Duration / 12 Credits) required for an Honors Degreeaward.
An optional practice placement can be undertaken by students for 5 to 6 months duration in their third year. This is mandatory for the award of an Honors Degree. The benefits of this placement are numerous and introduce the student to the many benefits, both practical and personal, of working as part of a team. Furthermore, it gives the student an opportunity to critically reflect on the theoretical perspectives they have learned and to experience first-hand how psychology and psychotherapy influences and impacts upon every section and aspect of the jobs market.
Final Examination and Assessment Structure
The six Diploma level modules will be examined by a 2.5 Hour essay type final examination for each module whilst the Advanced Diploma and Final Year B.A. Degree modules will be examined by a 3 Hour essay type final examination per module. All examinations will be conducted in a closed book format under proper examination invigilation and supervision procedures by the IMH and OIUCMED.
Award of the Diploma, Advanced Diploma and B.A. Degree Certificates
The Diploma, Advanced Diploma and B.A. Degree Certificates will be awarded to graduates at an official Convocation and Graduation Ceremony held in Sri Lanka at the BMICH organized annually in the month of November by The Open International University for Complementary Medicines – OIUCMED (Colombo-07, Sri Lanka) –Charter of MedicinaAlternativa, Alma-Ata 1962.
Grading and Honors Degree Award Scheme
Overall Average Performance of 80% and above together with successful completion of the 12 Credits Practical Clinical Training Module (5 to 6 Months) qualifies for the award of a First Class Honors Degree.
Overall Average Performance of 70% and above (and below 80%) qualifies for the award of a Second Class Upper Division Degree award.
Overall Average Performance of 60% and above (and below 70%) qualifies for the award of a Second Class Lower Division Degree award.
Overall Average Performance of 50% to 59% qualified for the award of a General Pass Degree.
