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BA-HONOURS in Psychology at Goswami Ganesh Dutta S.D. College
Chandigarh, Chandigarh
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology at Goswami Ganesh Dutta S.D. College Chandigarh?
This BA (Honours) Psychology program at Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Chandigarh, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of human mind and behavior. Aligned with Panjab University''''s curriculum, it delves into diverse psychological theories and applications. The specialization caters to the growing demand for mental health professionals, researchers, and counselors in the Indian market, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical skills.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 graduates with a keen interest in human behavior, cognitive processes, and mental well-being. It attracts students aspiring to pursue higher education in Psychology, enter counselling roles, or contribute to social work and human resource sectors. Individuals seeking to understand societal psychological dynamics and contribute to mental health awareness in India will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as counselors, clinical assistants, HR specialists, market researchers, and social workers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in clinical or corporate settings. The program lays a strong foundation for master''''s degrees (MA/MSc Psychology) and professional certifications in therapy or counseling, fostering significant growth trajectories.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core concepts in Introduction to Psychology and Biological Bases of Behaviour. Focus on understanding key theories, research methods, and biological underpinnings. Create detailed notes, diagrams, and flashcards. Participate in study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Psychology textbooks (Class 11 & 12) for revision, Standard university textbooks (e.g., Baron, Feldman), Online psychology encyclopedias and journals, Panjab University Library resources
Career Connection
A robust conceptual base is crucial for all advanced psychology studies and for understanding client cases or organizational behavior in future roles.
Develop Academic Writing & Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to assignments, essays, and reports. Learn to cite sources correctly (e.g., APA style) and structure academic papers. Seek feedback from professors on early assignments to refine writing skills. Understand basic statistical concepts for future research.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) for APA style, Grammarly for proofreading, Basic statistics tutorials on YouTube (e.g., Khan Academy), College''''s academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Effective communication and research skills are indispensable for any professional role, especially in psychology, where report writing and evidence-based practice are key.
Engage in Peer Learning & Discussion- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss course material, clarify concepts, and prepare for exams. Actively participate in classroom discussions and ask questions. Learning from peers can offer new perspectives and reinforce understanding.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated study group sessions, Online collaborative tools (e.g., Google Docs), Departmental notice boards for discussion groups
Career Connection
Collaborative learning enhances critical thinking and communication, skills highly valued in team-oriented professional environments like clinics or HR departments.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Statistical & Research Methods- (Semester 3-5)
Master the application of statistical methods learned in Statistics in Psychology and Research Methods in Psychology. Work on practical exercises using software like SPSS (if available) or even Excel. Design small-scale research projects, even if theoretical, to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/Jamovi (open-source alternative), Microsoft Excel for basic data analysis, Online datasets for practice (e.g., Kaggle), Mentorship from professors for research ideas
Career Connection
Proficiency in research and statistics is vital for roles in academic research, market analysis, policy development, and evidence-based practice in clinical settings.
Seek Practical Exposure & Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Look for short-term internships or volunteer opportunities at local NGOs, counseling centers, or hospitals during breaks. Even shadowing a professional can provide invaluable insights into real-world applications of psychology.
Tools & Resources
College''''s placement cell (if available), Online platforms like Internshala, LinkedIn for internships, Networking with alumni and faculty for leads
Career Connection
Early practical exposure helps in understanding career options, building a professional network, and acquiring hands-on skills crucial for placements.
Explore Specialization Interests- (Semester 3-5)
As you encounter subjects like Social, Developmental, Abnormal, and Cognitive Psychology, identify areas that resonate with you. Read advanced texts, attend webinars, and connect with professionals in those specific fields to understand career paths and further study options.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, edX for specialized short courses, Research papers from leading psychology journals, Informational interviews with psychologists
Career Connection
Identifying a specialization early guides your elective choices, postgraduate plans, and helps tailor your profile for specific career roles.
Advanced Stage
Master Psychological Testing & Assessment- (Semester 6)
Gain hands-on experience with various psychological tests and assessment tools. Understand their administration, scoring, and interpretation. Practice writing psychological reports. This is a crucial skill for clinical, counseling, and HR roles.
Tools & Resources
Lab sessions dedicated to psychological testing, Case studies and mock assessment scenarios, Books on psychological assessment and psychometrics
Career Connection
Proficiency in psychological testing directly prepares you for roles requiring assessment, such as psychometrician, clinical assistant, or HR assessor, common in India.
Network and Prepare for Higher Education/Placements- (Semester 6)
Attend university career fairs, workshops on interview skills, and resume building. Connect with alumni and industry experts via LinkedIn. Research postgraduate programs (MA/MSc) and prepare for entrance exams if pursuing further studies. Tailor your resume/CV for specific job applications.
Tools & Resources
College''''s career counseling services, LinkedIn for professional networking, Mock interview sessions, Graduate entrance exam guides (e.g., DUET, CUET for PG)
Career Connection
Strategic networking and dedicated preparation are vital for securing admissions to top postgraduate programs or landing desired entry-level positions.
Undertake a Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
If offered, actively participate in or lead a final year research project or dissertation under faculty guidance. This provides invaluable experience in independent research, data analysis, and academic writing, culminating your undergraduate learning.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors and supervisors, University library and online research databases, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R)
Career Connection
A strong research project enhances your academic profile for postgraduate admissions and demonstrates advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to potential employers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 Examination or an equivalent examination recognized with at least 40% Marks in aggregate. (As per College Prospectus for BA/BSc I, Panjab University generally requires 50% in the subject for Hons).
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 (approx. based on CBCS structure) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-101 | Introduction to Psychology | Core | 6 | Nature and Schools of Psychology, Methods of Psychological Research, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Motivation and Emotion |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Human Population and the Environment |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 6 | Students choose one course from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, Sociology, History, Economics, English) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-202 | Biological Bases of Behaviour | Core | 6 | Nervous System Structure and Function, Endocrine System, Genetics and Behaviour, Sleep and Waking, Sensory and Motor Systems |
| AECC-2 | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Listening and Speaking Skills |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 6 | Students choose one course from other disciplines |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-303 | Social Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Social Psychology, Social Cognition and Perception, Social Influence and Conformity, Attitudes and Prejudice, Interpersonal Attraction and Relationships |
| PSY-C-304 | Statistics in Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Statistics, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Variability, Correlation and Regression, Hypothesis Testing: T-test, ANOVA |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course - I | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Students choose one course from a pool of skill-based subjects (e.g., Psychological Testing, Counselling Skills, Digital Marketing) |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 6 | Students choose one course from other disciplines |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-405 | Developmental Psychology | Core | 6 | Theories of Development, Prenatal and Infancy Development, Childhood and Adolescence, Adulthood and Aging, Socio-emotional Development |
| PSY-C-406 | Research Methods in Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Psychological Research, Research Designs (Experimental, Correlational), Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods (Observation, Surveys), Ethical Issues in Research |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course - II | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Students choose one course from a pool of skill-based subjects (e.g., Life Skills Education, Stress Management, Basic IT Skills) |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 6 | Students choose one course from other disciplines |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-507 | Abnormal Psychology | Core | 6 | Concepts of Abnormality and Mental Disorders, Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders, Personality Disorders, Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders |
| PSY-C-508 | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Cognitive Psychology, Attention and Perception, Memory Systems and Processes, Language Development and Cognition, Problem Solving and Decision Making |
| DSE-1 (e.g., PSY-DSE-501) | Discipline Specific Elective - I (e.g., Health Psychology) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Students choose one from options like Health Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Counselling Psychology. For Health Psychology: Stress and Coping, Health Behaviours, Chronic Illness, Pain Management. |
| DSE-2 (e.g., PSY-DSE-502) | Discipline Specific Elective - II (e.g., Industrial-Organizational Psychology) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Students choose one from available DSE options. For Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Job Analysis, Personnel Selection, Training and Development, Work Motivation, Leadership. |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-609 | Psychological Testing | Core | 6 | Principles of Psychological Assessment, Test Construction and Standardization, Reliability and Validity of Tests, Intelligence and Aptitude Testing, Personality Assessment Techniques |
| PSY-C-610 | Positive Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Positive Psychology, Concepts of Happiness and Well-being, Strengths, Virtues and Resilience, Optimism and Hope, Positive Emotions and Interventions |
| DSE-3 (e.g., PSY-DSE-601) | Discipline Specific Elective - III (e.g., Clinical Psychology) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Students choose one from options like Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Environmental Psychology. For Clinical Psychology: Nature of Clinical Psychology, Assessment, Psychotherapeutic Approaches, Child and Adolescent Disorders. |
| DSE-4 (e.g., PSY-DSE-602) | Discipline Specific Elective - IV (e.g., Educational Psychology) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Students choose one from available DSE options. For Educational Psychology: Theories of Learning, Motivation in Education, Intelligence and Creativity, Classroom Management, Guidance and Counselling in Schools. |
