Overview

This online course is designed to introduce you to the diverse topics and key issues within the scientific field of psychology. Throughout the course, you will develop a fundamental understanding of influential theories and research related to essential aspects of psychology. By exploring the knowledge accumulated by psychologists, you will gain insights that may enhance your academic pursuits, interpersonal relationships, overall well-being, and other crucial areas of your life.

Syllabus

Course Introduction

In this introductory module, we will give you an overview of the eight modules that will be covered in this course. We will outline the structure of the course and set expectations for your learning outcomes. Each module will conclude with a quiz to assess your comprehension of the material. Let’s get ready to start an exciting journey into psychology, where we will explore the complexities of human mind and behavior.

W1: Introduction to Psychology

In this module, we will talk about psychology, exploring its definition, key research areas, and historical evolution. We will uncover the seven unifying themes that guide the field and explore significant milestones in the history of psychology. From the pioneering works of Wundt and James to modern perspectives such as positive psychology, we will shed light on the varied landscape of psychological exploration.

W2: Lifespan Development

In this module, we will join the journey of human development from conception to aging. We will explore prenatal development, emotional growth and changes, cognitive milestones, and the complexities of psychosocial development across the lifespan. From infancy through adolescence to adulthood and aging, we will discuss the characteristics in various life stages and transitions that shape the trajectory of each individual’s life.

W3: Learning and Memory

In this module, we will examine the processes of learning and memory. We will explore the fundamental principles of learning, including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning. Additionally, we will investigate the mechanisms of memory, from encoding and storage to retrieval, and discuss strategies for improving memory retention.

W4: Sleep, Stress, and Health

In this module, we will first look at different levels of consciousness and sleep, including sleep stages and sleep deprivation. We will then explore the various types of stress, appraisal processes, responses to stress, and the impact of stress on health outcomes. Most importantly, we will discuss how to improve sleep quality and cope with stress effectively.

W5: Personality

In this module, we will talk about personality, exploring various theories and perspectives that attempt to define and understand human personality. We will examine various perspectives, including Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, Erikson’s stage theory, and behavioral, social-cognitive, humanistic, and trait perspectives. We will explore the key concepts, stages, and mechanisms that shape individuals’ unique personality.

W6: Psychological Disorders

In this module, we will explore psychological disorders outlined in the DSM-5-TR. We will introduce the various types and symptoms of anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. We will then focus on the critical issue of suicide and how to prevent it.