Bachelor of Arts (Major) in Psychology

at University of Guelph Canada

College of Biological Science, Department of Integrative Biology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ontario Veterinary College and Ontario Agricultural College, School of Environmental Sciences

The One Health degree offers students the opportunity to explore animal, environmental and human health from both the scientific and socio-cultural perspectives. One Health is an approach to research and problem-solving that brings together different knowledge systems and perspectives in order to find solutions that ensure people, animals, and our environment stay healthy.

Students in the One Health degree are required to complete a One Health core, comprising required courses and restricted electives. Students will also be required to declare one of four areas of emphasis by the end of the first year of their program. As part of the OH core, students will complete a set of preparation courses, in year 1 and 2, for their preferred Area of Emphasis (hereafter referred to as sub-core)

The Major in Biodiversity offers a broad education in the diversity and evolution of life while providing a more specialized understanding of biology at the level of the organism. It is the most flexible of the majors offered by the Department of Integrative Biology and as such, it allows students the opportunity to design a customized program around their interests. The major qualifies students for postgraduate work in biodiversity, botany, zoology, and other life sciences and provides a sound science background for students wishing to pursue professional life science degrees or careers in teaching, government service or the private sector.

Biodiversity impacts every aspect of our planet. To maximize a student’s exposure to biodiversity we strongly encourage students to consider an international exchange in their fifth semester. An increase in global awareness of the diverse issues facing biodiversity from different economic, social, environmental and biological landscapes will help students to critically think, analyze and recognize the inherent complexities within the field.

Classical Studies is the study of cultural achievements of the ancient Greeks and Romans from the earliest records to the Middle Ages. Their development of critical thinking, political organization and the arts was of the greatest importance in forming the cultural tradition of the West. The Classical Studies student will come to understand the value of the Greek and Roman contribution to modern humanism.

This investigation involves various kinds of inquiry into language, history, literature, philosophy and fine art, among others. The variety of this inquiry imparts a fuller understanding of its subject-matter than any single line of inquiry could, and the student develops the various skills appropriate to the investigation of the different areas.
For this reason Classics is the “discipline of disciplines;” it is the original, and remains the pre-eminent, interdisciplinary study. The study of Classics accordingly makes a central and comprehensive contribution to the integration of many separate disciplines.

The Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology program allows students to explore human societies and cultures within contemporary global structures through Anthropology. Courses include Contemporary Native Peoples of Canada; Kinship, Family, and Power; Culture, Rights and Development; and the Anthropology of Health, giving you a critical understanding of issues of multiculturalism and the globalization of our daily experience. You can also choose to continue on in graduate studies in anthropology, law, public health, and social work.

Explore the ways writing can drive social justice and environmental awareness. Create meaning through your writing and storytelling. You will take courses in speculative fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting and writing for the inclusive stage. You will develop a body of creative work that includes writing exercises, short creative pieces and a portfolio. 

Food has a powerful influence on the lives of individuals and populations. The Applied Human Nutrition program provides a thorough understanding of all aspects of human nutrition. Lectures provide core learnings that are grounded in the biological and social sciences. Labs allow for the application of classroom instruction. New topics and emerging research are explored in small group seminars. Students may enrol in an area of emphasis in dietetics. This dietetic education program is accredited under the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) and prepares students for eligibility for registration with a provincial dietetics regulatory body.

Explore the powerful inner workings of the human mind, how it works and how it affects behaviour. Analyze the emotions and motivations of individuals and groups. You'll gain a broad understanding of psychological theory and methodology including courses in research methodology, social psychology, cognitive psychology and behavioural neuroscience. Learn what makes us human and how the principles of psychology can be used to improve life.

Discover how mathematics and statistics can be applied to the sciences can solve real world issues. Combine your studies with a secondary field of interest to customize your degree to your interests and career goals. Mathematical science is key to understanding and changing the world around us, and will prepare you for a wide range of opportunities. Areas of emphasis: Bioinformatics; Biological Modeling; Computer Science.

Study in both the arts and the sciences - at the same time! In BAS, you don't have to choose! You will pick one minor in the arts and one in the sciences, and study courses that consider current and historical issues, integrating the two discplines.  Then you can go on to make a real difference as a veterinarian, archaeologist, doctor, communication and PR professional, lawyer or teacher! You choose your career path.

Sample Minor Combinations and Future Career Choices:

• Chemistry + Art history   
• Computing + Psychology
• Ecology + International Development Studies
• Biochemistry + Criminal Justice and Public Policy
• Physics + Theatre Studies

Participate in unique courses that investigate how cultural, social and scientific endeavours confront world issues. Critically analyze historical and current case studies to complete volunteer placements at local agencies.

Want a commerce degree, but not ready to commit to a specialized major? Begin with courses that foster a smooth transition to a specialization in second year. Choose your major in the winter semester of your first year. To pursue co-op, we recommend that you apply to the co-op stream of the program that most interests you directly from high school; space in co-op can be limited. Entrance into co-op for in-course students is subject to availability and your University of Guelph average.