.png&w=1920&q=75)
B-SC in Psychology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
.png&w=1920&q=75)
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 the scientific understanding of mind and behavior, drawing from biological, cognitive, developmental, and social perspectives. The curriculum is meticulously designed to meet the growing demand for competent mental health professionals and researchers in India, offering a robust foundation in psychological theories and practical applications, emphasizing critical thinking and research skills.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for recent 10+2 graduates with a genuine curiosity about human behavior, mental processes, and societal interactions. It suits individuals aspiring to foundational careers in counseling, clinical psychology, human resources, or social work. Working professionals seeking a strong base to transition into psychology-related fields or enhance their current roles, particularly in education or social services, will also benefit significantly.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as junior counselors, HR assistants, research associates, or rehabilitation assistants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, growing substantially with experience, further education, and specialization. The program aligns well with requirements for pursuing Master''''s degrees and various professional certifications in counseling and therapy within the dynamic Indian mental health landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical Core in Psychology- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding foundational psychological concepts across General, Cognitive, Developmental, and Social Psychology, alongside statistical principles. Create detailed, organized notes, use flashcards for memory recall, and actively participate in classroom discussions to solidify comprehension.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses for core psychology, online statistical calculators, peer study groups, SRMIST library resources and e-journals
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for advanced studies, research, and evidence-based practice, laying the groundwork for all future psychological specializations.
Hone Observational and Analytical Skills in Labs- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply in basic psychological processes and cognitive-social psychology lab sessions. Practice systematic observation, meticulous data recording, and preliminary analysis. Maintain a reflective journal to document insights from experiments and observations of human behavior in various everyday contexts.
Tools & Resources
Official lab manuals, basic statistical software (e.g., PSPP), academic journals on psychological research, personal reflective journaling apps
Career Connection
These skills are essential for research roles, clinical assessment, and understanding client behavior, leading to data-driven psychological interventions and accurate assessments.
Develop Effective Academic and Communication Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate rigorous study routines, effective time management, and strong academic writing skills through English Language and Environmental Studies. Actively practice effective communication by participating in presentations and group projects, consistently seeking constructive feedback on all written assignments.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly premium, academic writing guides and workshops, public speaking clubs or workshops, SRMIST writing center support
Career Connection
Robust communication is vital for client interaction, precise report writing, clear academic presentations, and successful professional networking in any psychological field.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Practical Exposure and Mentorship- (Semester 3-5)
Actively search for and pursue short-term internships, volunteer opportunities, or shadowing experiences in local counseling centers, NGOs, or hospitals. Connect regularly with faculty mentors to discuss career paths, research interests, and postgraduate opportunities, seeking their expert guidance.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST career services portal, LinkedIn for professional networking, local mental health organizations (e.g., NGOs, hospitals), regular faculty office hours and mentorship programs
Career Connection
Early practical exposure helps clarify career goals, builds a valuable professional network, and provides hands-on experience highly valued by employers and postgraduate programs.
Master Research Design and Advanced Data Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Excel in Research Methods I & II and Psychometrics. Actively participate in designing small-scale research studies, meticulous data collection, and analyzing data using advanced statistical tools. Consider presenting a poster or paper at internal college symposia or local conferences.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R/JASP for statistical analysis, advanced research methodology textbooks, SRMIST research labs and facilities, online tutorials for statistical software
Career Connection
Proficiency in research and data analysis is essential for roles in psychological research, data science, academic pursuits, and developing evidence-based practices in clinical or organizational settings.
Strategically Specialize through Electives and Skill Courses- (Semester 3-5)
Carefully select electives (e.g., Clinical, Forensic, Industrial and Organizational Psychology) that align with emerging career interests and passions. Attend external workshops or pursue certificate courses in areas like psychometric testing, basic counseling skills, or specific therapy modalities to deepen expertise.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST elective offerings catalogue, online certification platforms (e.g., Coursera, Udemy) for specialized skills, department-organized workshops and guest lectures
Career Connection
Strategic specialization makes you significantly more competitive for specific job roles and provides a clearer, more defined pathway for competitive postgraduate studies, enhancing overall employability.
Advanced Stage
Execute a Comprehensive Final Year Project/Internship- (Semester 6)
Devote significant and sustained effort to the final year project work or intensive internship. Choose a research topic or internship placement that directly aligns with your career aspirations, conduct rigorous research, apply theoretical knowledge comprehensively, and produce a high-quality thesis or detailed report.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated academic supervisors, access to research databases (e.g., PsycINFO), advanced statistical software, professional psychological organizations for ethical guidelines
Career Connection
This is a flagship experience for CV building, demonstrating advanced research capabilities and practical application of knowledge, directly impacting postgraduate admissions and successful job placements.
Network Extensively and Prepare for Post-Graduation/Career- (Semester 6)
Actively attend webinars, conferences, and career fairs related to psychology and allied fields. Network strategically with alumni, industry professionals, and potential employers. Begin comprehensive preparation for entrance exams for Master''''s programs (e.g., CUET PG, TISS-NET, university-specific exams) or rigorous practice for job interviews.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional connections, professional psychological associations (e.g., Indian Psychiatric Society, APA), online test prep platforms, SRMIST alumni network events
Career Connection
Crucial for securing admission to highly competitive Master''''s programs or landing desirable entry-level positions in relevant psychological industries in India.
Develop Advanced Counseling and Therapeutic Skills- (Semester 6)
Engage fully in the Psychotherapy Techniques Lab and the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy course. Practice case conceptualization, intervention planning, and refined therapeutic communication skills. Seek and integrate constructive feedback on role-play sessions and consider forming peer-led practice groups for continuous skill refinement.
Tools & Resources
Diverse role-playing scenarios, real-world case studies, direct supervision from lab instructors, specialized books and guides on therapeutic techniques
Career Connection
This directly prepares you for immediate roles in counseling, therapy, and clinical settings, significantly enhancing your practical competence for direct client work upon graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum aggregate of 50%.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 125 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY101 | General Psychology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Psychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning, Memory |
| 21EL101 | English Language | Core | 3 | Communication Skills, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary Building, Public Speaking |
| 21PY102 | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Cognitive Psychology, Attention, Perception, Memory Processes, Language, Problem Solving and Decision Making |
| 21MA101 | Statistics for Psychology I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Statistics, Data Organization and Representation, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Variability, Probability, Normal Distribution |
| 21PY103 | Basic Psychological Processes Lab | Lab | 2 | Experiments on Sensation, Perception, Attention, Memory, Learning, Motivation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY201 | Developmental Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Developmental Psychology, Theories of Development, Prenatal Development and Birth, Infancy and Childhood, Adolescence, Adulthood and Aging |
| 21PY202 | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Psychology, Social Perception, Attitudes, Social Influence, Group Processes, Prosocial Behavior and Aggression |
| 21PY203 | Research Methods in Psychology I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research Methods, Scientific Method, Types of Research, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods, Ethical Issues in Research |
| 21EL201 | Environmental Studies | Skill Enhancement Course | 3 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources, Environmental Ethics, Sustainable Development |
| 21PY204 | Statistics for Psychology II | Core | 4 | Hypothesis Testing, t-test, ANOVA, Correlation, Regression, Non-parametric Statistics |
| 21PY205 | Cognitive and Social Psychology Lab | Lab | 2 | Experiments on Attention, Perception, Memory, Social Influence, Attitude Measurement, Group Dynamics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY301 | Physiological Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Physiological Psychology, Structure and Function of Nervous System, Sensory and Motor Systems, Hormones and Behavior, Sleep and Waking, Emotions |
| 21PY302 | Abnormal Psychology I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology, Classification of Mental Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders |
| 21PY303 | Counseling Psychology I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Counseling, Principles of Counseling, Counseling Process, Counseling Techniques, Ethical Issues in Counseling, Crisis Intervention |
| 21PY304 | Research Methods in Psychology II | Core | 4 | Experimental Designs, Quasi-experimental Designs, Factorial Designs, Survey Research, Qualitative Research Methods, Report Writing |
| 21VE101 | Value Education | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Ethics and Values, Human Rights, Professional Ethics, Social Responsibility, Peace and Harmony, Global Citizenship |
| 21PY305 | Physiological Psychology Lab | Lab | 2 | Experiments on Brain Anatomy, Sensory Physiology, Psychophysiological Measures, Biofeedback, Neuropsychological Assessment |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY401 | Health Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Health Psychology, Stress and Coping, Health Behavior, Chronic Illness, Pain Management, Health Promotion |
| 21PY402 | Abnormal Psychology II | Core | 4 | Eating Disorders, Substance-Related Disorders, Sexual Dysfunctions, Childhood Disorders, Geriatric Disorders, Treatment Approaches |
| 21PY403 | Counseling Psychology II | Core | 4 | Theories of Counseling, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Counseling |
| 21PY404 | Psychometrics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Psychometrics, Principles of Psychological Testing, Test Construction, Reliability, Validity, Standardization of Tests |
| 21PY405 | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to I/O Psychology, Job Analysis, Employee Selection, Training and Development, Motivation in the Workplace, Leadership |
| 21PY406 | Psychological Testing Lab | Lab | 2 | Administration and Scoring of Intelligence Tests, Personality Inventories, Aptitude Tests, Interest Inventories, Projective Techniques |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY501 | Educational Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Educational Psychology, Theories of Learning, Motivation in Education, Classroom Management, Assessment in Education, Special Education |
| 21PY502 | Positive Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Positive Psychology, Happiness and Well-being, Strengths and Virtues, Flow Experience, Optimism, Resilience |
| 21PY503 | Professional Ethics in Psychology | Core | 3 | Ethical Principles in Psychology, Confidentiality, Informed Consent, Dual Relationships, Professional Competence, Ethical Decision Making Models |
| 21PYELXXX | Clinical Psychology | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology, Assessment in Clinical Settings, Psychotherapy Approaches, Diagnostic Process, Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, Mental Health Promotion |
| 21PYELYYY | Forensic Psychology | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology, Psychology and Law, Criminal Profiling, Eyewitness Testimony, Victimology, Correctional Psychology |
| 21PY504 | Psychotherapy Techniques Lab | Lab | 2 | Role-playing of Counseling Sessions, Case Analysis, Therapeutic Interventions, Communication Skills for Therapists, Empathy Training, Active Listening |
| 21PY505 | Internship | Project/Internship | 2 | Field Placement in Psychological Settings, Observational Learning, Practical Application of Skills, Internship Report Writing, Professional Development, Ethical Practice in the Field |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY601 | Community Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Community Psychology, Social Justice and Advocacy, Empowerment, Prevention and Intervention Programs, Community Mental Health, Program Evaluation |
| 21PY602 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Core | 4 | Principles of CBT, Cognitive Restructuring, Behavioral Activation, Exposure Therapy, Relaxation Techniques, Applications of CBT in various disorders |
| 21PY603 | Rehabilitation Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Rehabilitation Psychology, Disability Models, Assessment in Rehabilitation, Intervention Strategies, Vocational Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Adjustment |
| 21PYELZZZ | Child Psychology | Elective | 3 | Cognitive Development in Children, Emotional Development, Social Development, Attachment and Parenting Styles, Childhood Disorders, Interventions for Children |
| 21PYELWWW | Sports Psychology | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Sports Psychology, Motivation in Sports, Anxiety and Stress Management, Team Dynamics, Mental Skills Training, Athlete Wellbeing |
| 21PY604 | Project Work | Project | 6 | Research Design and Methodology, Data Collection Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Formatting, Presentation of Findings, Ethical Considerations in Research |
