New courses & special topics
New courses
PSYC 574A/492: Event-related Potentials (ERPs) in Cognitive Neuroscience - Dr. Jim Tanaka
Summer 2025
This class will be a theoretical and technical introduction to event-related potential research. As a research-based course, we will explore the neural correlates of reinforcement learning and object categorization.
In the first week, students will read selected chapters from Steve Luck's "Introduction to the Event-Related Technique." Next, students will be trained in the Brain and Cognition EEG Lab, where they will learn basic methods for acquiring electrophysiological data. In the lab, students will become familiar with the software routines used to filter and analyze EEG brain waves.
The class is open to both graduate and undergraduate students. It is limited to 12 students. Enrolment is by instructor permission. Please contact Jim Tanaka if interested.
: Psychology of Transformative Climate Action* - Sam Lloyd
Spring 2026 – Tuesday 2:30-5:20 p.m.
This course introduces students to the psychology of systemic, collective, and individual-level climate action. It will provide students with the tools to: integrate psychological perspectives into climate action strategies, collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary solution-seekers, critically assess existing psychological strategies, and adopt a hopeful vision of climate action.
*Counts as upper-level Psychology elective
Special topics
PSYC 493 A01: Flourishing Youth in Society - Dr. Frederick Grouzet
Fall 2025
In this course, students will engage with a youth-serving organization, a school, and/or a local community to address questions and implement/evaluate programs that promote the well-being of youth from diverse social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, across developmental transitions, and in evolving societal circumstances. Students will also learn about theories and methods related to community engage research, knowledge mobilization, and program evaluation. Pre-reqs: 4th year standing; PSYC300A; One of PSYC332, PSYC336, PSYC345A, PSYC366, PSYC375, PSYC385, PSYC386, PSYC387.
PSYC 493 A02: Different minds/different brains: Neurodiversity in the classroom - Dr. Jim Tanaka
Fall 2025
In this seminar, we will review and discuss research examining about how children think about their own mind and brain and explore thinking from the neurodiverse perspectives and Indigenous ways of knowing. We will develop hands-on activities in cognitive neuroscience that are intended to spark a child’s curiosity and imagination about the brain sciences. As a culminating event, we will pilot-test the exercises at a local middle school with Grade 6 and 7 students; Pre-reqs: PSYC300A and PSYC 251
PSYC 491 A01: Psychology for Instruction - Dr. Allyson Hadwin
Spring 2026
Psychological science has much to contribute to enhancing teaching and learning across a range of educational contexts. Drawing on contemporary research, this course will explore evidenced-based principles from psychology that inform the design of effective and responsive learning environments. Th