Comprehensive Course Structure for Psychology Program
The Psychology program at Sai University Chennai is designed to provide students with a robust foundation in psychological principles while offering opportunities for specialization and research. The curriculum is structured across 8 semesters, with a blend of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory components.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PSY102 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | MAT101 | Mathematics for Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | BIO101 | Biological Bases of Behavior | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PSY103 | Psychological Statistics | 3-0-0-3 | MAT101 |
| 1 | PSY104 | Psychology Lab I | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 2 | PSY201 | Cognitive Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY101 |
| 2 | PSY202 | Developmental Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY101 |
| 2 | PSY203 | Social Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY101 |
| 2 | PSY204 | Personality Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY101 |
| 2 | PSY205 | Psychology Lab II | 0-0-3-1 | PSY104 |
| 2 | MAT201 | Advanced Mathematics for Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | MAT101 |
| 3 | PSY301 | Cognitive Neuroscience | 3-0-0-3 | PSY201 |
| 3 | PSY302 | Industrial-Organizational Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY101 |
| 3 | PSY303 | Health Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY101 |
| 3 | PSY304 | Psychopathology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY101 |
| 3 | PSY305 | Psychology Lab III | 0-0-3-1 | PSY205 |
| 3 | PSY306 | Research Design and Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | PSY103 |
| 4 | PSY401 | Behavioral Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | PSY301 |
| 4 | PSY402 | Forensic Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY101 |
| 4 | PSY403 | Human Factors and Ergonomics | 3-0-0-3 | PSY101 |
| 4 | PSY404 | Advanced Statistics for Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | MAT201 |
| 4 | PSY405 | Psychology Lab IV | 0-0-3-1 | PSY305 |
| 4 | PSY406 | Internship I | 0-0-0-2 | - |
| 5 | PSY501 | Advanced Cognitive Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY201 |
| 5 | PSY502 | Advanced Developmental Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY202 |
| 5 | PSY503 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY203 |
| 5 | PSY504 | Advanced Industrial-Organizational Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY302 |
| 5 | PSY505 | Research Ethics and Professional Development | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | PSY506 | Psychology Lab V | 0-0-3-1 | PSY405 |
| 6 | PSY601 | Special Topics in Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | PSY602 | Advanced Behavioral Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | PSY401 |
| 6 | PSY603 | Advanced Forensic Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | PSY402 |
| 6 | PSY604 | Advanced Human Factors and Ergonomics | 3-0-0-3 | PSY403 |
| 6 | PSY605 | Internship II | 0-0-0-2 | - |
| 6 | PSY606 | Psychology Lab VI | 0-0-3-1 | PSY506 |
| 7 | PSY701 | Capstone Project I | 0-0-0-4 | - |
| 7 | PSY702 | Advanced Research Methods | 3-0-0-3 | PSY102 |
| 7 | PSY703 | Specialized Electives I | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | PSY704 | Specialized Electives II | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | PSY705 | Psychology Lab VII | 0-0-3-1 | PSY606 |
| 8 | PSY801 | Capstone Project II | 0-0-0-6 | - |
| 8 | PSY802 | Professional Development and Career Planning | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | PSY803 | Psychology Thesis | 0-0-0-6 | - |
| 8 | PSY804 | Specialized Electives III | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | PSY805 | Psychology Lab VIII | 0-0-3-1 | PSY705 |
Detailed Course Descriptions for Advanced Departmental Electives
Advanced Cognitive Psychology: This course delves into the complexities of human cognition, including perception, attention, memory, language, and problem-solving. Students explore current theories and research methodologies in cognitive psychology, examining how cognitive processes are studied through experimental methods and neuroimaging techniques.
Advanced Developmental Psychology: Building upon foundational knowledge, this course examines human development across the lifespan with a focus on cognitive, emotional, and social changes. Students study developmental theories and empirical research to understand how individuals grow and change from infancy through old age.
Advanced Social Psychology: This advanced course explores complex social phenomena such as prejudice, conformity, group dynamics, and intergroup relations. Students examine theoretical frameworks and empirical studies that illuminate how social influences shape individual behavior and decision-making processes.
Advanced Industrial-Organizational Psychology: This course investigates the application of psychological principles to workplace issues. Students explore employee motivation, team dynamics, leadership effectiveness, and organizational behavior through case studies and research projects.
Research Ethics and Professional Development: This course addresses ethical considerations in psychological research and professional practice. Students examine ethical guidelines, regulatory frameworks, and professional standards that govern research conduct and clinical practice.
Special Topics in Psychology: This flexible course covers emerging areas and interdisciplinary topics in psychology. The content varies each semester based on faculty expertise and current research trends, allowing students to explore cutting-edge developments in the field.
Advanced Behavioral Analytics: This course focuses on applying psychological principles to analyze human behavior in digital environments. Students learn to use data analytics tools to study user interactions, decision-making patterns, and behavioral trends in online platforms and applications.
Advanced Forensic Psychology: This advanced course examines the intersection of psychology and law. Students explore topics such as criminal behavior assessment, witness testimony, and rehabilitation strategies within legal contexts.
Advanced Human Factors and Ergonomics: This course combines psychological principles with engineering concepts to optimize human performance in complex systems. Students study user interface design, workplace safety, and cognitive load management.
Advanced Research Methods: This course provides comprehensive training in research design and methodology. Students learn advanced statistical techniques, experimental design principles, and qualitative research methods to conduct rigorous psychological research.
Specialized Electives I-III: These courses allow students to explore specific areas of interest within psychology, with content determined by faculty expertise and current research trends. They provide opportunities for in-depth study and specialization in chosen fields.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's philosophy on project-based learning is rooted in the belief that active engagement with real-world problems enhances understanding and retention of psychological concepts. Projects are designed to mirror authentic research and professional scenarios, providing students with meaningful experiences that bridge theory and practice.
The structure of project-based learning includes both individual and collaborative components. Students begin by selecting projects based on their interests and career aspirations, working closely with faculty mentors who guide them through the research process. The projects typically span multiple semesters, allowing for in-depth exploration and development.
Evaluation criteria for projects are comprehensive, assessing not only the final outcomes but also the process of inquiry, critical thinking skills, and presentation abilities. Students must demonstrate their understanding of research methodology, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations throughout their project work.
The capstone project in the final year represents the culmination of students' learning experiences. It requires them to integrate knowledge from multiple areas of psychology while addressing a significant problem or question relevant to their specialization. This experience prepares graduates for graduate studies or professional careers by developing their research, analytical, and communication skills.