Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in General Psychology

at Ontario Tech University Canada

Crime is not committed in a vacuum. It occurs in a particular socio-economic and political context. Criminology examines the broader social and individual contexts that lead to criminal behaviour. It also examines how criminal justice is shaped by larger social, political and technological contexts, and how those contexts are translated into practice in agencies such as the police, courts, corrections, the juvenile system and various social and government service agencies.

Our program explores and critically analyzes criminological and sociological theories of why people commit crime. It also examines how societies define crime and who is considered a criminal. Our program approaches the study of crime from an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on a rich tradition from criminology, sociology, philosophy, psychology and law. In addition to examining why crime is committed, you will be encouraged to think about crime, criminal justice and its administration in ways that are consistent with the principles of fairness, equity, peace and justice.

You may pursue the comprehensive program or a specialization in:

• Criminal Justice
• Youth, Crime and Justice

Experiential learning

• A limited number of fourth-year students are granted an opportunity to participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The practicum is an experiential learning tool that provides students with opportunities to acquire workplace skills and knowledge, confront the relationship between theory and practice, and cultivate a sense of personal and professional development. The Practicum course consists of 100 hours of fieldwork, several in-class seminars and a set of academic assignments.

Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary area of science that involves the use of scientific principles to analyze evidence for legal investigations. Our program is fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) recognizing that our curriculum, labs, faculty and research have met the rigorous standards set by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

You will benefit from both a strong general scientific foundation and forensic courses. Students gain real-world experiences and unique hands-on training at the Crime Scene House, Forensic Ecology Research Facility and Forensic Teaching Laboratory.

At the end of first year, you will choose to specialize in one of the following areas:-
Forensic Biology:- Forensic biology spans a multitude of applications of biological evidence, such as blood and other body fluids, hairs, botanical remains, microbes and insects, to criminal, civil and regulatory law investigations and prosecutions. You will learn how forensic biology plays a crucial role in the justice system through courses such as Population Genetics and Forensic Biology.

Forensic Chemistry:- Forensic Chemistry encompasses numerous disciplines including paint analysis, arson and fire debris investigations, explosives analysis, fibre and textile testing as well as the subdiscipline of toxicology, the study of drugs and poisons.You will further your skills in analytical instrumentation, the analysis of fire accelerants and toxicology through courses such as Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Fire Investigation.

Forensic Physics:- The discipline of forensic physics describes the application of the scientific study of matter, motion and energy to forensic investigations of many types, including ballistics, accident reconstruction, metal strength and damage analysis, and optical and acoustic analyses. Courses such as Electricity and Magnetism, and Forensic Physics will help you understand forensic materials analysis as well as the mechanics of bloodstain patterns and vehicle collision investigations.

Experiential learning:-
Students in their graduating year will complete either an independent Thesis Research project, Directed Studies project, or Mock Crime Scenee Practicum.

The Thesis Research Project provides students with the opportunity, under the supervision of a faculty member or a forensic professional, to integrate and synthesize knowledge gained throughout their program of study. Students will prepare a written and oral thesis defense that includes a literature review, methods, results and significance of the research.

The Directed Studies Project requires independent research of a current topic in a specialized area of forensic science, including, but not restricted to, biology, chemistry, anthropology and the application of science to law. Students select topics from current research literature and prepare a review and critical appraisal of underlying experimental principles.

The Mock Crime Scene Practicum will allow students to investigate a simulated major crime scene, synthesizing the knowledge they have gained throughout the forensic science program. They will participate in all aspects of a forensic science investigation, from crime scene to lab, culminating with expert witness testimony in a mock court setting.

From the experimental to the theoretical, our program exposes you to all major fields of chemistry: physical, analytical, organic, inorganic and chemical biology.
Students in our program gain important problem-solving skills for the 21st century. Graduates may also pursue advanced degrees in medicine, law, business, education, and research-based Master of Science and PhD programs.

Pursue your studies through the Honours Chemistry program, or choose to specialize in one of the following areas:

• Chemical Biology
  • Chemical biology, at the interface of chemistry and biology, is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary area in science. Through the synthesis and use of small molecules, probes, or chemically?modified biological macromolecules, chemistry is applied to help answer questions of biological importance.
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry combines the study of drug discovery and development, pharmacology, analytical techniques, and drug chemistry. The chemical design process and evaluation of potential future medications will be a prime focus. 

Energy supply, medicine, agriculture, national security, manufacturing and resource-based industries are all examples of where the use of radioactive materials or radiation-generating machines are an essential part of operations. Radiation is also used to study materials and matter on the atomic scale. Our curriculum is a combination of fundamental radiation science, technological methods and applications to prepare you for a successful career.

Our programs are designed in consultation with key industry representatives, and will provide you with necessary theoretical and applied skills to meet employers' needs. 

Experiential Learning
We offer a wide range of optional internship and co-op opportunities to help you gain valuable, relevant work- experience to promote networking and lifelong career success.

Learning Environment
Students have access to new, modern buildings, libraries and innovative labs including: 

• Corrosion and Electrochemistry Laboratory
• Energy Systems and Nuclear Science Research Centre (ERC)
• Environment Radiation Laboratory
• High-Performance Computing and Visualization Laboratory
• Nuclear Simulation Laboratory
• Radiation Protection Laboratory
• Scientific Instrumentation Laboratory 

The technology industry has long benefited from trained talents in Mathematics and Computer Science.  In recent years, there has been a steady increase in demand for individuals with skill sets that combine the two disciplines. New for the 2021-2022 academic year, the Integrated Mathematics and Computer Science program focuses on where these two disciplines converge, and the practical application of computer knowledge and mathematical principles. 

Through the Integrated Mathematics and Computer Science program, you’ll develop a strong foundation in both Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, with access to courses taught by area experts in both fields.  Building upon a comprehensive and integrated curriculum of mathematics, computer science, and statistics, you'll learn to solve complex and socially relevant problems using tools in computer programming and mathematical analysis in an immersive and experiential learning environment. 

The curriculum offers flexibility in upper-year courses, tailored for a wide range of career trajectories and interests. Through program-specific application and integration courses, you’ll engage in experiential learning through self-directed group projects inspired by industry problems and initiatives.

This specialization within the Biological Science program consists of an integrated and focused concentration on biology and chemistry, with additional courses in neuroscience, physiology, and human anatomy. You will gain a detailed understanding of the structure and functioning of the human body.

This program provides an excellent basis for writing the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) exam and for satisfying course requirements for applying to professional programs in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry.

Individuals interested in this specialization will apply directly to Life Sciences through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre using application code DSU.

Co-op Optional
Co-op work terms give you the opportunity to earn a competitive salary that will help pay for your university degree and the work experience to help clarify your career objectives. More importantly, a co-op degree gives you a distinct advantage that will assist your prospects for full-time employment after graduation or for being readily accepted into graduate school to pursue further studies. Studies have shown that university students who graduate with a co-op degree have lower debt loads, are employed faster and have higher starting salaries.

We are committed to providing you with outstanding opportunities to work with today’s highest-quality employers in business and industry. Our university has developed strong partnerships with leading employers in Durham Region and beyond to allow you to connect with experts in the field and gain hands-on, real-world experience.

Our program puts you one step ahead by combining the latest technology with the most current business and information technology trends. Integrating key business functions with the use and understanding of today’s latest technologies, this program provides you with the skills necessary for employment in a competitive market.

The first two years of the program have a common curriculum featuring simulations, teamwork and case studies. In your third year, you may choose one of the following five majors:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management
• Technology Management

Accounting

• The Accounting major provides excellent preparation for an exciting career as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Our program is accredited by CPA Ontario and students who complete all required courses are eligible to enter the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). Accounting graduates can also complete the first four modules of the CPA PEP at Ontario Tech University by obtaining the graduate diploma in Accounting during the summer following graduation. CPAs have a vast range of career opportunities in every industry and sector of the economy, including senior management positions. You will acquire the most up-to-date knowledge a CPA needs, including the skills and abilities required to pursue the CPA designation. 

Finance

• This major prepares you for the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) Global Education Inc. exam, the professional designation of Chartered Financial Analyst, and a successful career in the financial service industry.

Marketing

• This area of study develops and deepens your knowledge of consumer behaviour, marketing research, digital marketing and strategy formulation in a dynamic environment.

Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management

• This major will help you develop the skills and knowledge required to transform an organization's most important asset, human capital, into a sustainable competitive advantage. It prepares you for a human resources career, providing you with the courses needed to pursue the Certified Human Resources Leader professional designation. 

Technology Management

• The Technology Management major is for students interested in interdisciplinary studies in commerce and information technology.  The program will develop your skills in data analytics, information systems, change management, and data security.

Experiential learning

• You will gain firsthand business experience through internship work placements (locally or abroad) or Capstone study projects in which you work as a team to provide consulting services to one of our industry partners. Learn more on the faculty website.

Gain the skills and knowledge required to address global issues of escalating energy consumption and declining resources.

Individuals interested in this specialization will apply directly to Nanotechnology and Clean Energy through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre using application code DSG.

If you're interested in applying to the Nanotechnology and Clean Energy (Co-op) specialization, apply via OUAC code DGC.

The Nanotechnology and Clean Energy specialization within the Physics program is designed to meet the urgent demand for graduates with the knowledge and skills to address global issues of escalating energy consumption and declining resources. It emphasizes alternative and conventional energy, with a particular focus on the application of nanotechnology to developing clean energy solutions.

Students will learn the scientific principles underlying the field of nanotechnology along with the development of novel and economical means of generating and harvesting energy, while simultaneously minimizing the environmental impact.

The Electrical Engineering program focuses on the design and development of electrical and computer technologies and their component parts. The integration of electrical components into complex systems is also studied. You can choose the Smart Grid specialization or follow the comprehensive program. 

Foundation Year
All Engineering students begin with a common foundation year, regardless of the program of study. During the foundation year, you will learn about the various Engineering programs available.

Explore a breadth of computing fundamentals, such as artificial intelligence, data structures and more, in a variety of social, business and scientific contexts.

If you're interested in applying to the Computer Science program without co-op, apply via the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) using OUAC code DSD.If you're interested in applying to the Computer Science (Co-op) program, apply via OUAC code DCD.