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B-A-HONS in Psychology at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College Mayurbhanj?
This B.A. (Hons) Psychology program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and mental processes. It blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s growing psychological services and research sectors. The curriculum is designed to meet contemporary demands in psychological counseling and industrial applications.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a keen interest in human behavior, mental health, and research. It also suits individuals looking to pursue higher education in clinical, counseling, or industrial psychology. Students from Arts, Science, or Commerce backgrounds who aspire to contribute to mental well-being and organizational development in India can find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various India-specific career paths, including junior counselor, research assistant, HR associate, or special educator. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, with significant growth potential up to 8-15 LPA with experience and advanced degrees. The program aligns with requisites for pursuing an M.A. in Psychology for professional roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding core psychological theories and concepts from subjects like Introduction to Psychology and Biopsychology. Utilize college library resources and online platforms like NPTEL for supplementary learning. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts, reinforcing foundational knowledge.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Psychology textbooks, College library resources
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for advanced studies and provides the conceptual framework necessary for any role in psychology, aiding in competitive exams and higher education entrance.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively in basic research methods and statistical concepts taught in early semesters. Practice data interpretation using small datasets and simple statistical software. Participate in departmental workshops on research ethics and academic writing to hone initial analytical abilities.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel for data organization, Online tutorials for basic statistics
Career Connection
Early exposure to research methods and statistics is vital for future academic pursuits, research assistant roles, and any data-driven decision-making positions in Indian industries.
Cultivate Critical Thinking & Observation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions and analyze case studies presented in Developmental and Social Psychology. Practice observing human behavior in everyday settings and reflecting on underlying psychological principles. This develops a keen analytical mind essential for psychological assessment.
Tools & Resources
Psychology journals and articles, Online news portals discussing societal behavior
Career Connection
Sharpened critical thinking and observation skills are fundamental for effective problem-solving, counseling, and understanding diverse human perspectives in professional settings.
Intermediate Stage
Master Statistical Analysis Tools- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond theoretical knowledge, gain hands-on proficiency with statistical software like SPSS (if available in labs) or R/Python for analyzing psychological data. Practice interpreting complex statistical outputs from SEC-1 and SEC-2 to apply them in research projects.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R/Python (basic packages), YouTube tutorials for statistical software, Online datasets
Career Connection
Proficiency in statistical software is a highly demanded skill for research roles, data analysis positions, and for pursuing M.A./Ph.D. in Psychology in India.
Engage in Practical Application & Field Visits- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities for field visits to local NGOs, schools, or counseling centers as part of course requirements or independent initiative. Apply concepts from Counselling Psychology and Educational Psychology to real-world scenarios, fostering practical insight into societal issues.
Tools & Resources
Departmental network for field visits, Volunteer opportunities at local mental health initiatives
Career Connection
Practical exposure bridges academic learning with real-world challenges, enhancing problem-solving skills and providing valuable experience for entry-level positions in social work or counseling.
Network with Professionals & Seniors- (Semester 3-5)
Attend departmental seminars, workshops, and guest lectures to interact with psychology professionals and senior students. Build connections that can provide mentorship, internship leads, and insights into various career paths in psychology within India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni network, Professional psychology associations (e.g., Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists)
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, research collaborations, and mentorship, significantly improving placement prospects and career guidance in a competitive job market.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Projects- (Semester 6)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) based on your career interests (e.g., I/O Psychology, Health Psychology). Dedicate significant effort to the Internship/Project paper, using it to delve deep into a specific area and produce high-quality research or practical work.
Tools & Resources
Academic advisors, Online research databases (e.g., Jstor, Google Scholar), Statistical software
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a more attractive candidate for targeted roles and postgraduate programs, demonstrating expertise in a niche area highly valued by employers in India.
Prepare for Higher Education & Placements- (Semester 6)
Start preparing for postgraduate entrance exams like CUET-PG or specific university tests for M.A. in Psychology. Update your resume, practice interview skills, and attend college placement drives. Focus on showcasing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained.
Tools & Resources
Entrance exam coaching materials, Mock interview sessions, Career services cell of the college
Career Connection
Proactive preparation significantly increases chances of securing admission to reputable M.A. programs or landing desirable entry-level positions in the counseling, HR, or research sectors.
Develop Professional Ethics and Soft Skills- (Semester 6)
Internalize ethical guidelines for psychology professionals and integrate them into your project work and interactions. Continuously work on communication, empathy, and teamwork skills through group projects and extracurricular activities. These soft skills are critical for client-facing roles.
Tools & Resources
Ethical guidelines from professional bodies, Workshops on communication and interpersonal skills
Career Connection
Strong ethical conduct and soft skills are paramount for building trust and rapport in psychological practice and are highly sought after by employers in all sectors, ensuring professional growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in Higher Secondary (+2) or equivalent examination in Arts/Science/Commerce streams from CHSE, Odisha or any other recognized Board.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural resources and associated problems, Ecosystems and their functions, Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental pollution and control |
| CC-1 | Introduction to Psychology | Core Course | 6 | Nature and scope of psychology, Schools of psychology (Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism), Methods of psychological research, Biological bases of behavior, Sensation and perception |
| CC-2 | Biopsychology | Core Course | 6 | Structure and functions of neuron, Synaptic transmission and neural communication, Organization of the nervous system, Structure and functions of the brain, Endocrine system and behavior |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective 1 (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 | Varies based on student''''s choice from other departments |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-2 | MIL (Oriya)/Alternative English | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Reading comprehension and critical thinking, Grammar and vocabulary, Writing skills (essays, letters, reports), Communication skills development, Introduction to literature/language structure |
| CC-3 | Psychology of Individual Differences | Core Course | 6 | Nature and assessment of intelligence, Theories of intelligence, Nature and assessment of personality, Major theories of personality (Freud, Rogers, Eysenck), Creativity and emotional intelligence |
| CC-4 | Developmental Psychology | Core Course | 6 | Nature versus nurture debate, Theories of human development (Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg), Prenatal and infancy development, Childhood and adolescence development, Adulthood, aging, and death |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective 2 (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 | Varies based on student''''s choice from other departments |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC-1 | Statistical Methods for Psychological Research I | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Introduction to statistics in psychology, Scales of measurement and data organization, Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), Measures of variability (range, standard deviation), Normal distribution and correlation |
| CC-5 | Social Psychology | Core Course | 6 | Introduction to social psychology, Social cognition and attribution, Attitudes and attitude change, Prejudice, discrimination, and aggression, Prosocial behavior and group dynamics |
| CC-6 | Research Methods in Psychology | Core Course | 6 | Fundamentals of scientific method, Ethical issues in psychological research, Types of research designs (experimental, correlational, descriptive), Sampling techniques and data collection methods, Reliability and validity of psychological measures |
| CC-7 | Cognitive Psychology | Core Course | 6 | Nature and scope of cognitive psychology, Attention and its types, Memory systems and processes, Problem-solving and decision making, Language and intelligence |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective 3 (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 | Varies based on student''''s choice from other departments |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC-2 | Statistical Methods for Psychological Research II | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Hypothesis testing and inferential statistics, t-tests (independent and dependent samples), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Chi-square test, Introduction to statistical software (e.g., SPSS) |
| CC-8 | Educational Psychology | Core Course | 6 | Nature and scope of educational psychology, Theories of learning (behavioral, cognitive, social), Motivation in learning, Individual differences in learning, Classroom management and guidance |
| CC-9 | Counselling Psychology | Core Course | 6 | History and scope of counseling, Ethical considerations in counseling, Counseling process and skills, Person-centered therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| CC-10 | Environmental Psychology | Core Course | 6 | Introduction to environmental psychology, Person-environment interaction theories, Environmental stress and coping, Perception of environment, Environmental conservation and sustainable behavior |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective 4 (from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 | Varies based on student''''s choice from other departments |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-11 | Psychological Testing | Core Course | 6 | Principles of psychological testing, Test construction and standardization, Reliability and validity of tests, Intelligence tests (e.g., IQ tests), Personality assessment methods |
| CC-12 | Health Psychology | Core Course | 6 | Introduction to health psychology, Biopsychosocial model of health, Stress, coping, and illness, Health behaviors and risk factors, Chronic illness and pain management |
| DSE-1 (a) | Organizational Behavior | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Foundations of organizational behavior, Individual behavior (personality, perception, motivation), Group dynamics and teamwork, Leadership theories and styles, Organizational culture and change |
| DSE-1 (b) | Human Resource Management | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to HRM, Job analysis and design, Recruitment and selection processes, Training and development, Performance appraisal and compensation |
| DSE-2 (a) | Psychology of Stress and Well-being | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature and sources of stress, Models of stress, Coping strategies and resilience, Concept of well-being, Mindfulness and positive interventions |
| DSE-2 (b) | Positive Psychology | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Foundations and concepts of positive psychology, Subjective well-being and happiness, Character strengths and virtues, Flow and optimal experience, Optimism, hope, and gratitude |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-13 | Abnormal Psychology | Core Course | 6 | Concept of abnormality and mental disorders, Classification of mental disorders (DSM-5), Anxiety disorders and phobias, Mood disorders (depression, bipolar), Schizophrenia and personality disorders |
| CC-14 | Industrial & Organizational Psychology | Core Course | 6 | Introduction to I/O psychology, Work motivation and job satisfaction, Leadership and decision making in organizations, Personnel selection and training, Performance appraisal and organizational development |
| DSE-3 (a) | Internship/Project | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Formulating research proposals, Data collection and analysis techniques, Report writing and presentation, Practical application of psychological theories, Field experience in a psychological setting |
| DSE-3 (b) | Neuropsychology | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Brain-behavior relationships, Neurological disorders and cognitive deficits, Neuropsychological assessment, Rehabilitation of cognitive functions, Brain imaging techniques |
| DSE-4 (a) | Community Psychology | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Principles of community psychology, Community intervention and prevention programs, Social change and empowerment, Diversity and cultural competence, Program evaluation in community settings |
| DSE-4 (b) | Sports Psychology | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Role of psychology in sports performance, Motivation and goal setting in sports, Anxiety, stress, and coping in athletes, Imagery, attention, and concentration techniques, Team cohesion and leadership in sports |
