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BACHELOR-OF-ARTS-HONOURS in Psychology at Guru Nanak College
Dhanbad, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology at Guru Nanak College Dhanbad?
This Psychology Honours program at Guru Nanak College, Dhanbad, focuses on understanding human behavior, mental processes, and their real-world applications. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering diverse areas from biopsychology to abnormal psychology, preparing students for various roles in mental health, education, and industry. The program emphasizes theoretical knowledge and practical skills, aligning with the growing demand for mental health professionals and behavioral specialists in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 with an interest in human behavior, mental health, and social sciences. It suits individuals aspiring to pursue careers in counseling, clinical psychology, human resources, or research. Professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of psychological principles or transition into psychology-related fields will also benefit. A strong empathetic aptitude and analytical thinking are valuable prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including counseling, clinical assistance, HR management, social work, and educational guidance. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-12 LPA or more. The program provides a strong foundation for higher studies like MA/M.Sc. in Psychology, M.Phil., or Ph.D., opening doors to academic and specialized roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Conceptual Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core psychological concepts like learning, memory, perception, and research methods. Regularly review class notes and textbook chapters.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Psychology textbooks (Class 11 & 12), VBU e-resources, NPTEL online courses for foundational psychology
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is crucial for advanced subjects and for competitive exams for postgraduate studies or entry-level roles in psychology.
Develop Effective Study Habits and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics, prepare for internal assessments, and clarify doubts. Practice active recall and spaced repetition techniques.
Tools & Resources
College library resources, Group study rooms, Online collaboration tools for discussion forums
Career Connection
Cultivates teamwork, communication skills, and diverse perspectives, vital for collaborative work environments in clinical or organizational psychology.
Engage in Early Skill Building and Observation- (Semester 1-2)
Attend workshops on basic psychological testing or observation techniques. Read case studies and actively observe human behavior in everyday settings (ethically).
Tools & Resources
Departmental workshops, Relevant psychology journals, News articles on mental health, Basic psychological assessment demonstrations
Career Connection
Develops foundational observational and analytical skills essential for future clinical, counseling, or research roles, fostering an early understanding of practical application.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Practical Exposure and Internships- (Semester 3-4 (during breaks))
Actively look for short-term internships or volunteer opportunities at local NGOs, schools, or counseling centers during semester breaks.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Internshala, LinkedIn, Local directories of NGOs/hospitals
Career Connection
Provides real-world experience, helps understand diverse career paths in India, and builds a professional network for future placements or higher studies.
Specialise and Deepen Knowledge in Chosen Areas- (Semester 3-4)
Identify areas of interest (e.g., Abnormal, Social, Counselling Psychology) and read additional books, research papers, or online courses related to those specializations.
Tools & Resources
Online MOOCs (Coursera, edX) in specific psychology fields, Advanced psychology textbooks, Research databases (e.g., Google Scholar, PubMed)
Career Connection
Helps in choosing a postgraduate specialization and showcases focused interest to future employers or higher education institutions, making your profile more competitive.
Enhance Research and Statistical Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Participate in departmental research projects or conduct small-scale personal research under faculty guidance. Master statistical software for data analysis.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, Python (for data analysis), Research methodology books, VBU/GNC faculty mentors
Career Connection
Essential for academic pursuits, research roles, and data-driven decision-making roles in corporate or clinical settings, providing a critical analytical edge.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Placement/Higher Education Preparation- (Semester 5-6)
Attend workshops on resume building, interview skills, and group discussions. Prepare diligently for entrance exams for MA/M.Sc. Psychology or competitive exams for jobs.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling cell, Online aptitude test platforms, Mock interview sessions, Previous year question papers for entrance exams
Career Connection
Directly impacts success in securing desired postgraduate admissions or entry-level positions in the chosen field, maximizing career opportunities.
Undertake a Capstone Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Work on a significant research project or dissertation under faculty supervision, applying all learned theoretical and methodological skills to a real-world problem.
Tools & Resources
Research labs (if available), Departmental resources, Statistical software, Academic writing guides, Faculty expertise
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, highly valued in both academia and industry, making you a strong candidate.
Network and Professional Development- (Semester 5-6)
Attend psychology conferences, seminars, and webinars. Connect with professionals and alumni in the field to gain insights and explore opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional psychological associations (e.g., Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists), College alumni network events
Career Connection
Builds a valuable professional network, opens doors to mentorship, job referrals, and ensures you stay updated with industry trends, accelerating career growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC1 | Environmental Studies | Compulsory | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Natural Resources, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and Environment, Human Population and Environment |
| CC1 | Introduction to Psychology | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, Sensation, Perception and Attention, Learning Theories, Memory and Forgetting |
| CC2 | Biopsychology | Core | 6 | Neurons and Synapses, Central Nervous System, Endocrine System, Sleep and Wakefulness, Motivation and Emotion, Higher Cognitive Functions |
| GE1 | Elective from other discipline (e.g., Sociology/History) | General Elective | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC2 | English Communication / MIL (Modern Indian Language) | Compulsory | 2 | Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Grammar and Usage, Oral Communication, Presentation Skills |
| CC3 | Social Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Social Psychology, Social Cognition and Perception, Attitudes and Persuasion, Social Influence and Group Processes, Interpersonal Attraction, Prosocial Behavior and Aggression |
| CC4 | Developmental Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Human Development, Theories of Development, Prenatal Development and Birth, Infancy and Childhood, Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood, Adulthood and Aging |
| GE2 | Elective from other discipline (e.g., Political Science/Economics) | General Elective | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC5 | Abnormal Psychology | Core | 6 | Concepts of Abnormality, Classification Systems (DSM-5), Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders, Personality Disorders |
| CC6 | Psychological Research | Core | 6 | Scientific Method in Psychology, Research Design, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods, Ethical Issues in Research, Report Writing |
| CC7 | Statistical Methods for Psychological Research I | Core | 6 | Introduction to Statistics, Descriptive Statistics, Probability and Normal Distribution, Hypothesis Testing: Basic Concepts, Correlation and Regression, Z-test and T-test |
| SEC1 | Stress Management (Example choice from SEC options) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Nature and Types of Stress, Sources and Effects of Stress, Coping Strategies, Relaxation Techniques, Time Management, Building Resilience |
| GE3 | Elective from other discipline (e.g., English/Hindi) | General Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC8 | Organizational Behaviour | Core | 6 | Introduction to Organizational Behaviour, Perception and Attribution, Motivation in Organizations, Group Dynamics and Team Building, Leadership Theories, Conflict Management |
| CC9 | Counselling Psychology | Core | 6 | Nature and Goals of Counselling, Counselling Process, Counselling Approaches (Psychodynamic, Humanistic, CBT), Therapeutic Relationship, Ethical Issues in Counselling, Assessment in Counselling |
| CC10 | Statistical Methods for Psychological Research II | Core | 6 | Inferential Statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Chi-Square Test, Non-parametric Tests, Advanced Correlation Techniques, Introduction to Statistical Software |
| SEC2 | Basic Research Skills (Example choice from SEC options) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Literature Search, Referencing Styles, Questionnaire Construction, Interviewing Skills, Data Entry and Cleaning, Research Ethics and Plagiarism |
| GE4 | Elective from other discipline (e.g., Philosophy/Sociology) | General Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC11 | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Cognitive Psychology, Attention and Consciousness, Perception and Pattern Recognition, Memory Systems and Processes, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Language and Thought |
| CC12 | Psychology of Individual Differences | Core | 6 | Concept of Individual Differences, Theories of Intelligence, Personality Theories, Creativity and Aptitude, Assessment of Individual Differences, Nature vs Nurture Debate |
| DSE1 | Health Psychology (Example choice from DSE options) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to Health Psychology, Stress, Illness and Coping, Health-Promoting Behaviors, Chronic Illness and Pain Management, Adherence to Medical Regimens, Community Health Psychology |
| DSE2 | Industrial Psychology (Example choice from DSE options) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to Industrial Psychology, Personnel Selection and Recruitment, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal, Job Satisfaction and Motivation, Work-Life Balance |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC13 | Understanding Psychological Disorders | Core | 6 | Etiology of Mental Disorders, Assessment and Diagnosis, Psychotherapy Approaches, Pharmacotherapy, Rehabilitation and Recovery, Prevention Strategies |
| CC14 | Applied Social Psychology | Core | 6 | Social Psychology in Action, Intergroup Relations and Conflict, Environmental Psychology, Legal and Forensic Psychology, Consumer Behavior, Health Applications of Social Psychology |
| DSE3 | Educational Psychology (Example choice from DSE options) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Learning Theories in Education, Motivation in Classroom, Classroom Management, Individual Differences in Learning, Assessment in Education, Guidance and Counselling in Schools |
| DSE4 | Forensic Psychology (Example choice from DSE options) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology, Eyewitness Testimony, Criminal Profiling and Offender Behavior, Competency to Stand Trial, Correctional Psychology, Victimology and Victim Support |
