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BACHELOR-OF-SCIENCE in Psychology at Besant Women's College
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology at Besant Women's College Dakshina Kannada?
This Psychology program at Besant Women''''s College, affiliated with Mangalore University, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and psychological principles. Embracing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, the curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s evolving mental health and behavioral science sectors. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and ethical practice, catering to the growing demand for skilled psychologists.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 seeking entry into the dynamic field of psychology, particularly those interested in human behavior, mental health, and research. It also suits individuals passionate about understanding societal issues, human development, and contributing to well-being. Specific prerequisite backgrounds include a minimum of 40% in 10+2, with or without Psychology as a prior subject, demonstrating academic capability and genuine interest.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various career paths in India, including roles as counselors, clinical psychologists (post-masters), HR professionals, market researchers, and social workers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15 LPA or more. Growth trajectories include specialization through master''''s and doctoral degrees, private practice, and leadership positions in healthcare or corporate sectors, aligning with professional certifications from bodies like the RCI.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Academic Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand core psychological concepts from General and Developmental Psychology. Actively participate in lectures, take detailed notes, and review material regularly to solidify theoretical knowledge. Utilize library resources and online academic journals to broaden perspectives beyond textbooks.
Tools & Resources
College Library (physical and digital), Online academic databases (e.g., JSTOR, ResearchGate), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust conceptual understanding is crucial for all advanced psychological studies and forms the bedrock for any specialization, enabling future professional competence and easier comprehension of complex topics.
Cultivate Critical Thinking & Research Mindset- (Semester 1-2)
Engage critically with psychological theories, questioning assumptions and evaluating evidence. Pay close attention during practical sessions, meticulously performing experiments and analyzing data. Begin developing a research mindset by observing psychological phenomena in daily life and framing simple research questions.
Tools & Resources
Psychology Practical Lab, Online research portals (e.g., Google Scholar), Discussion forums
Career Connection
Early development of critical thinking and research skills is indispensable for academic excellence, future research roles, and evidence-based practice in any psychology-related profession.
Enhance Communication and Digital Fluency- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving both written and verbal communication through AECC language courses and class presentations. Actively choose and pursue Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) like ''''Digital Fluency'''' or ''''Communication Skills'''' to build essential soft skills required in modern workplaces. Practice public speaking and structured writing.
Tools & Resources
College Communication Labs, Microsoft Office Suite, Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)
Career Connection
Strong communication and digital skills are vital for report writing, client interaction, academic presentations, and professional networking, significantly boosting employability across all sectors.
Intermediate Stage
Master Research & Statistical Application- (Semester 3-5)
Deepen understanding of research methodologies and statistical analysis, especially using software like SPSS. Apply these skills in practicals to design mini-experiments, collect and analyze data. Consider participating in a faculty-led research project or a small independent study to gain hands-on experience.
Tools & Resources
SPSS software, Online tutorials for statistical analysis, Departmental research projects
Career Connection
Proficiency in research and statistics is highly valued in academic research, market research, data analysis roles, and forms the basis for evidence-based practice in clinical or organizational psychology.
Gain Exposure to Diverse Specializations- (Semester 3-5)
Explore the various Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) such as Abnormal, Industrial, Health, or Counseling Psychology. Attend workshops, guest lectures, and seminars related to these areas. Network with faculty members and professionals working in different sub-fields to understand career trajectories and specialization requirements.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Professional psychology associations in India (e.g., IPA, IACP), LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
Early exposure helps in making informed decisions about future specializations for Master''''s degrees and subsequent career choices, aligning personal interest with market demand.
Develop Practical Assessment Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage in Psychological Assessment practicals, learning to administer, score, and interpret various psychological tests (e.g., IQ, personality, aptitude). Understand the ethical guidelines for testing and reporting. Seek opportunities to observe assessments conducted by professionals, if possible.
Tools & Resources
Psychological testing kits available in the lab, Ethical guidelines from RCI/APA, Supervised practice sessions
Career Connection
Competence in psychological assessment is a fundamental skill for aspiring counselors, clinical psychologists, and HR professionals, directly leading to roles requiring diagnostic and evaluative capabilities.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Comprehensive Project/Internship- (Semester 6-8)
Utilize the Project Work/Internship components of the 7th and 8th semesters to gain extensive real-world experience. Choose an internship in a reputed mental health facility, NGO, or corporate HR department in India. For a research project, focus on a novel, impactful area under expert faculty guidance, culminating in a strong thesis.
Tools & Resources
College Placement Cell, Internshala, Psychology faculty mentors, Thesis writing guides
Career Connection
High-quality internships and research projects are critical for practical skill development, professional networking, and often lead directly to placement opportunities or stronger applications for Master''''s programs.
Refine Counseling and Therapeutic Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Focus intently on Psychotherapy and Counseling Techniques courses, practicing role-plays and case formulations. Seek opportunities for supervised peer counseling or volunteer at helplines/NGOs to apply learned therapeutic skills in a safe environment. Develop strong empathy and active listening abilities.
Tools & Resources
College counseling cell (if available), NGOs for volunteering, Supervised peer practice groups
Career Connection
These skills are essential for roles in counseling, clinical psychology, and mental health support, directly enhancing effectiveness in client-facing roles and building a foundation for further clinical training.
Engage in Professional Development & Networking- (Semester 6-8)
Attend national/international psychology conferences and workshops held in India. Join student chapters of professional bodies and actively participate. Build a professional network with faculty, alumni, and industry experts. Stay updated with contemporary issues in psychology and ethical guidelines for practice.
Tools & Resources
Indian Psychological Association (IPA), Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP), LinkedIn Professional Groups, University alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborative projects. Continuous professional development ensures relevance in a rapidly evolving field and positions graduates for leadership roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- PUC/10+2 with Psychology as one of the subjects OR any student who has completed PUC/10+2 with at least 40% marks in aggregate.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 176 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-DSC1.1 | General Psychology I | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Psychology, Methods of Psychological Research, Sensation and Perception, Attention and Consciousness, States of Consciousness |
| PSY-DSC1.2 | General Psychology I (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Experiments on Sensory Thresholds, Experiments on Perceptual Organization, Experiments on Attention Span, Reaction Time Experiments, Observation and Case Study Basics |
| AECC-LANG1.1 | Language I (Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi/Malayalam/Tamil/Telugu/Additional English) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Language Comprehension, Basic Grammar and Composition, Prose and Poetry, Functional Communication, Cultural Contexts of Language |
| AECC-LANG1.2 | English I | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Reading Comprehension, Essay Writing, Vocabulary and Grammar, Literary Appreciation, Communication Skills |
| AECC-ENV1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources Management, Climate Change and Global Warming, Sustainable Development |
| OE-1 | Open Elective 1 | Open Elective | 3 | Subject chosen from other faculties as per university guidelines |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-DSC2.1 | General Psychology II | Core | 4 | Learning Theories, Memory and Forgetting, Motivation and Emotion, Thinking and Problem Solving, Language Acquisition and Development |
| PSY-DSC2.2 | General Psychology II (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Experiments on Learning Curves, Experiments on Memory Recall, Assessment of Motivational Levels, Problem-Solving Tasks, Word Association Tests |
| AECC-LANG2.1 | Language II (Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi/Malayalam/Tamil/Telugu/Additional English) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Advanced Communication Strategies, Literary Analysis, Report Writing, Critical Reading, Cultural Communication |
| AECC-LANG2.2 | English II | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Advanced Writing Skills, Public Speaking, Literary Criticism, Professional Communication, Current Affairs Analysis |
| AECC-IC2 | Indian Constitution | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Preamble and Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Parliamentary System and Federalism, Judiciary and Electoral System, Constitutional Amendments |
| OE-2 | Open Elective 2 | Open Elective | 3 | Subject chosen from other faculties as per university guidelines |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-DSC3.1 | Developmental Psychology | Core | 4 | Theories of Development, Prenatal and Infancy Development, Childhood and Adolescence, Adulthood and Aging, Socio-emotional Development |
| PSY-DSC3.2 | Developmental Psychology (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Observational Studies of Child Behavior, Case Studies of Developmental Stages, Assessment of Developmental Milestones, Parenting Style Inventories, Adolescent Self-Concept Scales |
| SEC-3.1 | Skill Enhancement Course 1 (Choice) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Communication Skills, Professional Skills, Digital Fluency |
| VE-3.1 | Vocational Education 1 (Choice) | Vocational Education | 2 | Data Science, Retail Management, E-Commerce |
| OE-3 | Open Elective 3 | Open Elective | 3 | Subject chosen from other faculties as per university guidelines |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-DSC4.1 | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Social Cognition and Perception, Attitudes and Persuasion, Social Influence and Conformity, Group Dynamics and Leadership, Prejudice, Discrimination, and Aggression |
| PSY-DSC4.2 | Social Psychology (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Sociometric Studies, Attitude Measurement Scales, Group Performance Tasks, Experiments on Social Conformity, Intergroup Relations |
| SEC-4.1 | Skill Enhancement Course 2 (Choice) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Leadership and Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence |
| VE-4.1 | Vocational Education 2 (Choice) | Vocational Education | 2 | Financial Literacy, Tourism and Hospitality, Web Designing |
| OE-4 | Open Elective 4 | Open Elective | 3 | Subject chosen from other faculties as per university guidelines |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-DSC5.1 | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 4 | Information Processing Approach, Attention and Selective Attention, Memory Systems and Processes, Language and Thought, Problem Solving and Decision Making |
| PSY-DSC5.2 | Research Methodology & Statistics in Psychology | Core | 4 | Scientific Method in Psychology, Research Designs (Experimental, Correlational), Sampling Techniques and Data Collection, Descriptive Statistics (Measures of Central Tendency, Dispersion), Inferential Statistics (t-test, ANOVA, Correlation) |
| PSY-DSC5.3 | Cognitive Psychology (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Experiments on Attention and Concentration, Memory Recall and Recognition Tasks, Problem-Solving Strategies Assessment, Concept Formation Experiments, Decision-Making Biases Studies |
| PSY-DSC5.4 | Research Methodology & Statistics in Psychology (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Data Entry and Analysis using SPSS, Hypothesis Testing Procedures, Interpretation of Statistical Results, Developing Research Proposals, Report Writing of Research Findings |
| PSY-DSE5.1 | Discipline Specific Elective 1 (Choice) | Elective | 4 | Abnormal Psychology, Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Health Psychology, Counseling Psychology |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-DSC6.1 | Biological Psychology | Core | 4 | Neurons and Neurotransmitters, Brain Structure and Function, Sensory Systems (Vision, Audition), Endocrine System and Hormones, Genetics of Behavior |
| PSY-DSC6.2 | Psychological Assessment | Core | 4 | Principles of Psychological Testing, Test Construction and Standardization, Reliability and Validity, Intelligence and Aptitude Testing, Personality and Clinical Assessments |
| PSY-DSC6.3 | Biological Psychology (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Identification of Brain Structures (Models), Physiological Response Measurement (e.g., GSR), Case Studies of Neurological Disorders, Brain Imaging Techniques Overview, Genetic Influences on Behavior Discussion |
| PSY-DSC6.4 | Psychological Assessment (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Administration and Scoring of IQ Tests, Personality Inventories, Attitude and Interest Scales, Report Writing for Assessment Results, Ethical Considerations in Testing |
| PSY-DSE6.1 | Discipline Specific Elective 2 (Choice) | Elective | 4 | Guidance and Counseling, Psychopathology, Positive Psychology, Consumer Psychology |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-DSC7.1 | Advanced Cognitive Processes | Core | 4 | Advanced Theories of Memory and Amnesia, Higher-Order Thinking and Reasoning, Cognition and Emotion Interaction, Cognitive Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence and Cognition |
| PSY-DSC7.2 | Psychotherapy and Counseling Techniques | Core | 4 | Counseling Skills and Ethics, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Approaches, Humanistic and Existential Therapies, Family and Group Therapy |
| PSY-DSC7.3 | Advanced Cognitive Processes (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Experiments on Complex Cognitive Tasks, Neuropsychological Assessment Interpretation, Cognitive Training Interventions, ERP/fMRI Data Interpretation, Computational Models of Cognition |
| PSY-DSC7.4 | Psychotherapy and Counseling Techniques (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Role-playing Counseling Scenarios, Case Formulation and Treatment Planning, Practicing Therapeutic Skills, Ethical Dilemmas in Counseling, Supervised Counseling Sessions |
| PSY-DSE7.1 | Discipline Specific Elective 3 (Choice) | Elective | 4 | Sports Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Educational Psychology, Neuropsychology |
| PSY-PRJ7.1 | Project Work / Internship I (B.Sc. Honours) | Project | 4 | Literature Review for Research Project, Developing Research Design and Methodology, Pilot Study Implementation, Internship Experience and Report, Ethical Approval Procedures |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-DSC8.1 | Applied Psychology | Core | 4 | Community Psychology Interventions, Legal and Criminal Psychology, Environmental Psychology Principles, Health Psychology Applications, Crisis Intervention and Disaster Mental Health |
| PSY-DSC8.2 | Contemporary Issues in Psychology | Core | 4 | Cross-Cultural Psychology, Cyberpsychology and Digital Well-being, Positive Psychology Applications, Ethics in Psychological Practice, Advocacy and Policy in Mental Health |
| PSY-DSC8.3 | Applied Psychology (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Field Studies in Community Settings, Designing Behavior Change Interventions, Legal Psychology Case Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessments, Developing Health Promotion Programs |
| PSY-DSC8.4 | Contemporary Issues in Psychology (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Debate on Ethical Dilemmas, Presentation on Current Research Trends, Mental Health Awareness Campaigns, Developing Advocacy Strategies, Cross-Cultural Sensitivity Training |
| PSY-DSE8.1 | Discipline Specific Elective 4 (Choice) | Elective | 4 | Human Resource Management, Rehabilitation Psychology, School Psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychology |
| PSY-PRJ8.1 | Project Work / Internship II (B.Sc. Honours) | Project | 4 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis/Dissertation Writing, Research Presentation, Internship Final Report and Presentation, Publication Ethics and Dissemination |
