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B-SC in Psychology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This B.Sc. Psychology program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on building a strong foundational and applied understanding of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. With a curriculum designed to meet the evolving demands of the Indian psychological landscape, it covers diverse areas from general psychology to specialized fields like health, organizational, and counselling psychology, preparing students for varied roles in a rapidly expanding sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 graduates with a science background who possess a keen interest in understanding the human mind and behavior. It caters to aspiring psychologists, counsellors, researchers, and human resource professionals looking for a robust academic foundation. Individuals passionate about mental health, social dynamics, and cognitive processes will find this course deeply engaging and professionally rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as junior counsellors, research assistants, HR specialists, special educators, and mental health workers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in clinical, corporate, and academic settings. The program also serves as an excellent foundation for pursuing master''''s degrees and professional certifications in specialized psychological fields.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical Core- (Semester 1-2)
Focus diligently on understanding core psychological theories and concepts introduced in General, Cognitive, and Developmental Psychology. Engage actively in lectures, participate in discussions, and clarify doubts promptly to ensure a solid foundation.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Academic journals, Simply Psychology (online resource), Peer study groups, Faculty consultations
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for advanced studies, research, and for accurately diagnosing and formulating interventions in clinical or counselling settings. It forms the bedrock for all future specialization.
Master Basic Research and Statistical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Statistics in Psychology and Practicum I and II. Practice data collection, basic statistical analysis using tools like Excel or rudimentary SPSS, and experiment design. Understand the ethical considerations in psychological research.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for beginners, Coursera tutorials, Statistical textbooks, Practicum datasets
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methods and statistics is indispensable for any psychological role, enabling evidence-based practice, data interpretation, and contributing to new knowledge in the field.
Develop Foundational Communication and Life Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in language and life skills courses (English I & II, Life Skills, Environmental Science). Focus on improving written and oral communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. Engage in extracurricular activities to build confidence and teamwork.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking clubs, Debate societies, English language proficiency courses, University workshops
Career Connection
Excellent communication and life skills are vital for effective client interaction, collaborative research, academic writing, and successful professional development in any sector.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Applied Learning through Practicums- (Semester 3-4)
Maximize learning from Practicum III and IV (Social & Physiological, Personality & Abnormal Psychology). Apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, conduct simulated experiments, learn assessment tools, and refine report writing based on observational data. Seek out opportunities for minor projects or field visits if available.
Tools & Resources
Psychological assessment kits, Case studies, Lab manuals, Guidance from practical instructors
Career Connection
Hands-on experience in these practicums directly translates into practical skills required for roles in counselling, clinical assistance, and organizational psychology, providing a competitive edge in job applications.
Explore Diverse Psychological Fields- (Semester 3-4)
While focusing on core subjects like Social, Experimental, Physiological, Personality, Abnormal, and Counselling Psychology, utilize opportunities like Value Added Courses (Positive Psychology, Research Proposal Writing) to broaden your horizons. Attend seminars and workshops on niche areas to identify potential specialization interests.
Tools & Resources
Psychology department seminars, Guest lectures by industry professionals, Online courses (e.g., NPTEL, edX), Networking with senior students
Career Connection
Early exposure to various specializations helps in making informed decisions about future career paths and postgraduate studies, aligning academic pursuits with professional aspirations.
Cultivate Research and Analytical Acumen- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in the research proposal writing course, focusing on developing a strong research question, literature review, and methodology. Start identifying potential mentors for future research projects. Practice critical analysis of psychological studies.
Tools & Resources
Online research databases (PubMed, PsycINFO), Academic writing guides, EndNote/Zotero for referencing, Statistical software training
Career Connection
Strong research and analytical skills are essential for academic roles, market research, program evaluation, and any position requiring data-driven decision-making.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Major Project- (Semester 5-6)
Carefully choose Program Electives (e.g., Health, Organisational, Forensic, Consumer Psychology) based on career interests. Dedicate significant effort to the Major Project, conducting independent research, analyzing data, and writing a comprehensive thesis.
Tools & Resources
Advanced statistical software (SPSS, R), Academic databases, Institutional library resources, Mentorship from project supervisors, Thesis writing workshops
Career Connection
Specialization through electives and a robust project demonstrates expertise to potential employers or for higher education admissions. It provides a portfolio piece showcasing research capabilities and area of interest.
Prepare for Professional Assessments and Placements- (Semester 5-6)
Master the content of Research Methods in Psychology and Psychological Assessment. Practice administering and interpreting psychological tests. Actively participate in career counselling sessions, placement drives, and mock interviews organized by the university.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, Mock interview platforms, Resume building workshops, LinkedIn for professional networking, Practice with assessment instruments
Career Connection
Direct preparation for assessments and placements significantly increases the chances of securing desirable internships or full-time positions post-graduation, aligning skills with industry requirements.
Build a Professional Network and Portfolio- (Semester 5-6)
Attend national/international psychology conferences (even online), connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and seek informational interviews. Start building a portfolio of practical reports, project work, and any certifications acquired.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists, Academic conferences (online/offline), Online portfolio platforms
Career Connection
A strong professional network opens doors to opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations, while a well-curated portfolio showcases skills and achievements to prospective employers or academic institutions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 / equivalent examination with a minimum of 60% aggregate. Mandatory to have studied one of the Science subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Botany/Zoology/Biology/Mathematics/Computer Science/Psychology) in 12th standard.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for Theory), 60% (for Practical), External: 60% (for Theory), 40% (for Practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LSH101J / 21LFR101J / 21LGE101J / 21LJA101J | Language I (Tamil I / French I / German I / Japanese I) | General Elective | 3 | Language Fundamentals, Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Basic Communication Skills, Cultural Aspects |
| 21LHS101J | English I | General Elective | 3 | English Communication Skills, Listening and Speaking, Reading and Writing Techniques, Basic Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary Building |
| 21PSY101J | General Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Psychology, Methods of Psychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, Consciousness and Sleep |
| 21PSY102J | Statistics in Psychology I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Statistics, Descriptive Statistics, Probability Theory, Normal Distribution, Introduction to Hypothesis Testing |
| 21PSY103J | Practicum I (General Psychology & Statistics) | Practical | 2 | Psychological Experiment Design, Data Collection Techniques, Statistical Analysis Software Basics, Observation and Report Writing, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| 21INT101J | Life Skills (Inter Disciplinary Open Elective Course - I) | Generic Elective | 2 | Communication Skills, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Stress Management |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LSH201J / 21LFR201J / 21LGE201J / 21LJA201J | Language II (Tamil II / French II / German II / Japanese II) | General Elective | 3 | Advanced Language Skills, Reading Comprehension, Composition and Writing, Oral Communication Practice, Cultural Context and Application |
| 21LHS201J | English II | General Elective | 3 | Advanced English Communication, Academic Writing Skills, Presentation Techniques, Critical Reading and Analysis, Argumentation and Persuasion |
| 21PSY201J | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Cognition, Attention and Perception, Memory Systems and Processes, Language Acquisition and Use, Problem Solving and Decision Making |
| 21PSY202J | Developmental Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Human Development, Theories of Development, Prenatal and Infancy Development, Childhood and Adolescence, Adulthood and Aging |
| 21PSY203J | Practicum II (Cognitive & Developmental Psychology) | Practical | 2 | Cognitive Task Design, Developmental Observation Techniques, Data Analysis in Cognitive Tasks, Experimentation in Psychology, Report Preparation and Presentation |
| 21INT201J | Environmental Science (Inter Disciplinary Open Elective Course - II) | Generic Elective | 2 | Environmental Concepts, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Pollution and its Impact, Climate Change and Solutions, Sustainable Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PSY301J | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Psychology, Social Cognition and Perception, Attitudes and Persuasion, Group Processes and Dynamics, Aggression and Prosocial Behavior |
| 21PSY302J | Experimental Psychology | Core | 4 | Research Methods in Psychology, Experimental Design Principles, Validity and Reliability, Data Collection Techniques, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| 21PSY303J | Physiological Psychology | Core | 4 | Neural Communication, Brain Structures and Functions, Sensory and Motor Systems, Motivation and Emotion, Biological Basis of Learning and Memory |
| 21PSY304J | Practicum III (Social & Physiological Psychology) | Practical | 2 | Social Psychology Experiments, Physiological Measurement Techniques, Data Interpretation and Analysis, Experimental Protocol Development, Lab Report Writing |
| 21PSY305J | Value Added Course - I (Positive Psychology) | Value Added Course | 2 | Foundations of Positive Psychology, Well-being and Happiness, Strengths and Virtues, Resilience and Optimism, Positive Interventions |
| 21GEN301J | Soft Skills - I (GE) | General Elective | 2 | Effective Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Time Management Strategies, Stress Management Techniques, Professional Etiquette |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PSY401J | Personality Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Personality, Psychodynamic Theories, Humanistic and Existential Theories, Trait Theories and Behavioral Genetics, Social-Cognitive Theories and Assessment |
| 21PSY402J | Abnormal Psychology | Core | 4 | Understanding Abnormality, Anxiety and Related Disorders, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Personality Disorders and Treatment |
| 21PSY403J | Counselling Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Counselling, The Counselling Process, Therapeutic Relationships, Major Counselling Theories, Ethical Issues in Counselling |
| 21PSY404J | Practicum IV (Personality & Abnormal Psychology) | Practical | 2 | Personality Assessment Tools, Case Study Analysis, Diagnostic Interviewing Skills, Clinical Observation, Report Documentation and Interpretation |
| 21PSY405J | Value Added Course - II (Research Proposal Writing) | Value Added Course | 2 | Elements of Research Proposal, Literature Review Techniques, Methodology Design, Data Analysis Plan, Budgeting and Ethics Approval |
| 21GEN401J | Soft Skills - II (GE) | General Elective | 2 | Advanced Communication Strategies, Leadership Skills, Teamwork and Collaboration, Conflict Resolution, Interview and Presentation Skills |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PSY501J | Health Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Health Psychology, Stress and Coping Mechanisms, Health Behaviors and Promotion, Chronic Illness and Management, Pain Management and Intervention |
| 21PSY502J | Organisational Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Organizational Psychology, Job Analysis and Design, Employee Motivation and Engagement, Leadership Theories and Styles, Group Dynamics and Organizational Culture |
| 21PSY503J | Educational Psychology | Core | 4 | Learning Theories in Education, Child Development in Educational Context, Motivation in Learning, Classroom Management, Assessment and Evaluation in Education |
| 21PSY504J | Program Elective I (Forensic Psychology) | Program Elective | 3 | Psychology and the Legal System, Eyewitness Testimony, Criminal Profiling, Victimology, Correctional Psychology |
| 21PSY505J | Program Elective I (Consumer Psychology) | Program Elective | 3 | Consumer Behavior Theories, Decision Making Processes, Marketing Strategies and Impact, Brand Loyalty and Perception, Advertising and Persuasion |
| 21PSY506J | Program Elective I (Sports Psychology) | Program Elective | 3 | Mental Toughness in Sports, Motivation and Performance Enhancement, Stress and Anxiety in Sports, Team Dynamics and Cohesion, Psychological Skills Training |
| 21PSY507J | Program Elective II (Parapsychology) | Program Elective | 3 | Nature of Parapsychology, Extrasensory Perception (ESP), Psychokinesis, Altered States of Consciousness, Research Methods in Parapsychology |
| 21PSY508J | Program Elective II (Media Psychology) | Program Elective | 3 | Media Effects on Behavior, Digital Communication, Social Media Psychology, Gaming Psychology, Advertising and Persuasion |
| 21PSY509J | Program Elective II (Political Psychology) | Program Elective | 3 | Political Attitudes and Beliefs, Leadership in Politics, Group Behavior in Political Contexts, Decision Making in Politics, Conflict Resolution |
| 21PSY510J | Practicum V (Organisational and Educational Psychology) | Practical | 2 | Organizational Interventions, Educational Assessment Tools, Data Collection in Field Settings, Applied Report Writing, Ethical Considerations in Applied Psychology |
| 21PROJ01J | Project Based Learning (PBL)/Industrial Training / Field Project | Project | 2 | Research Design and Planning, Data Collection and Analysis, Project Execution and Management, Report Writing and Documentation, Presentation Skills and Problem Solving |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PSY601J | Research Methods in Psychology | Core | 4 | Quantitative Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods, Mixed Methods Research, Survey Research and Design, Advanced Experimental Designs and Interpretation |
| 21PSY602J | Psychological Assessment | Core | 4 | Principles of Psychological Assessment, Test Construction and Standardization, Intelligence Testing, Personality Assessment, Neuropsychological Assessment |
| 21PSY603J | Program Elective III (Neuropsychology) | Program Elective | 3 | Brain and Cognition, Neurological Disorders, Assessment of Brain Damage, Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Neuroimaging Techniques |
| 21PSY604J | Program Elective III (Child and Adolescent Psychopathology) | Program Elective | 3 | Developmental Psychopathology, Anxiety Disorders in Children, Mood Disorders in Children, ADHD and Conduct Disorder, Interventions for Child Disorders |
| 21PSY605J | Program Elective III (Geriatric Psychology) | Program Elective | 3 | Psychology of Aging, Cognitive Changes in Elderly, Mental Health in Older Adults, Dementia and Alzheimer''''s Disease, Caregiving Issues and Interventions |
| 21PSY606J | Program Elective IV (Human Resource Management) | Program Elective | 3 | Human Resource Functions, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Management, Compensation and Benefits |
| 21PSY607J | Program Elective IV (Psychopathology of Criminal Behavior) | Program Elective | 3 | Theories of Criminality, Forensic Assessment, Mental Illness and Crime, Risk Assessment in Offenders, Rehabilitation of Offenders |
| 21PSY608J | Program Elective IV (Cyber Psychology) | Program Elective | 3 | Online Behavior and Cognition, Internet Addiction, Cyberbullying and Online Aggression, Digital Identity and Self-Presentation, Online Relationships and Privacy |
| 21PSY609J | Practicum VI (Research Methods & Psychological Assessment) | Practical | 2 | Advanced Statistical Analysis, Psychometric Testing Administration, Interpretation of Assessment Results, Ethical Practice in Assessment, Research Data Management |
| 21PSY610J | Project Work (Major Project) | Project | 6 | Independent Research Design, Literature Review, Methodology Development, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Oral Presentation |
