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B-SC in Psychology Hons at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology (Hons) at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This B.Sc (Hons) Psychology program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on building a strong foundational and advanced understanding of human behavior and mental processes. The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, covering diverse psychological sub-fields relevant to current societal and industry demands in India, preparing students for impactful careers.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in human behavior, mental health, and research. It caters to those aspiring to pursue higher education in psychology or enter diverse fields like counseling, human resources, market research, or social work, providing a robust academic and practical foundation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including counseling, HR, clinical psychology (post-masters), social work, and research. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential. The program also aligns with prerequisites for professional certifications and further specialized studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Theoretical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core psychological theories and concepts from textbooks and lectures. Utilize library resources and online academic journals to deepen knowledge beyond classroom discussions. Participate actively in tutorials and doubt-clearing sessions to clarify complex topics.
Tools & Resources
University Library Resources, NPTEL lectures on basic psychology, Psychology textbooks and journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for all advanced psychology fields and forms the bedrock for critical thinking and problem-solving in any professional role.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in basic psychology labs, mastering experimental procedures and data collection techniques. Pay close attention to ethical guidelines in psychological research. Start practicing basic data analysis using tools like MS Excel for initial statistical understanding.
Tools & Resources
Psychology Lab manuals, MS Excel, Basic statistics tutorials, Departmental research workshops
Career Connection
Early exposure to research methods and ethics is vital for future academic pursuits, research assistant roles, and evidence-based practice in psychology.
Enhance Communication and Observation- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in group discussions, presentations, and debates to improve verbal communication. Practice active listening and develop keen observational skills in both academic and social settings, crucial for understanding human behavior. Join college clubs focused on psychology or public speaking.
Tools & Resources
Psychology club activities, Toastmasters (if available), Presentation tools, Role-playing exercises
Career Connection
Effective communication and observation are indispensable for counseling, interviewing, report writing, and client interaction in any psychology-related profession.
Intermediate Stage
Master Statistical Analysis and Software- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate time to understanding advanced psychological statistics and their application. Gain hands-on proficiency in statistical software like SPSS. Work through diverse problem sets and collaborate on data analysis tasks to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
SPSS software and tutorials, Online statistics courses (e.g., Coursera, edX), Practice datasets, Guidance from faculty and lab instructors
Career Connection
Proficiency in statistics and data analysis is highly valued in research, market analysis, HR analytics, and clinical outcomes assessment roles.
Explore Specialization Areas through Electives- (Semester 3-5)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and Generic Electives (GEs) that align with your emerging interests, such as Health Psychology, Industrial Psychology, or Educational Psychology. Engage with faculty mentors specializing in these areas for guidance.
Tools & Resources
Academic advisors, Departmental faculty profiles, Career counseling services, Online articles on psychology specializations
Career Connection
Strategic elective choices allow for early specialization, opening doors to niche internship opportunities and demonstrating focused interest to prospective employers or postgraduate programs.
Seek Practical Exposure and Networking- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for short-term internships, volunteer opportunities at NGOs, or shadow professionals in counseling centers, hospitals, or HR departments during breaks. Attend psychology conferences, workshops, and seminars to network with experts and peers.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, Professional psychology associations (e.g., IPA), Networking events
Career Connection
Real-world experience and professional networking are critical for understanding industry demands, gaining practical skills, and securing future internships or job placements.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Comprehensive Research Projects- (Semester 5-6)
Engage deeply in your Project Work (Project I & II), designing and executing original research under faculty supervision. Focus on developing strong methodological rigor, critical thinking, and academic writing skills for your dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Faculty mentors, Statistical software, Plagiarism checker tools, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
A well-executed research project enhances analytical abilities, showcases initiative, and is a significant advantage for postgraduate admissions or research-oriented career roles.
Secure and Maximize Internship Experience- (Semester 5-6)
Actively pursue and complete a substantial internship (e.g., 21PY5V1). Apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, learn from supervisors, and take initiative in tasks. Document your experiences thoroughly and reflect on your professional growth.
Tools & Resources
Internship placement cell, Professional mentors, Internship report guidelines, Feedback sessions
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable practical skills, industry contacts, and often lead to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations, significantly boosting employability.
Prepare for Postgraduate Studies and Career Entry- (Semester 5-6)
Research postgraduate options (e.g., MA/M.Sc in Clinical, Counseling, IO Psychology) or specific career paths. Prepare for entrance exams (e.g., NET, SET) if applicable or develop a strong resume/portfolio. Attend placement drives and mock interviews organized by the university.
Tools & Resources
PG entrance exam guides, Career counseling, Resume building workshops, Placement cell resources, Alumni network
Career Connection
Proactive preparation for further studies or job applications ensures a smooth transition post-graduation, maximizing opportunities for career advancement in specialized psychological fields.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Pass in 10+2 / HSC / CBSE / Equivalent Examination with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY101 | Introduction to Psychology | Core | 4 | Nature and Schools of Psychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning and Memory |
| 21EN101 | English | AECC | 4 | Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Paragraph Writing, Spoken English, Literary Texts |
| 21EV101 | Environmental Science | AECC | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources, Social Issues and the Environment, Sustainable Development |
| 21PY1L1 | Basic Psychology Lab | Core | 2 | Reaction Time Experiments, Span of Attention Tests, Maze Learning Tasks, Perceptual Organization Studies, Memory Experiments |
| 21HS101 | Value Education | GE | 2 | Human Values and Ethics, Personal and Social Harmony, Professional Ethics, Civic Sense and Responsibility, Spiritual Values |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY201 | Biological Psychology | Core | 4 | Neural Communication, Brain Structures and Functions, Endocrine System, Sleep and Wakefulness, Physiology of Emotions |
| 21PY202 | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Social Cognition and Perception, Attitudes and Persuasion, Prejudice and Discrimination, Interpersonal Attraction, Group Dynamics and Leadership |
| 21PY203 | Developmental Psychology | Core | 4 | Theories of Development, Prenatal and Infancy Development, Childhood and Adolescence, Adulthood and Aging, Cognitive and Socioemotional Development |
| 21PY2L1 | Advanced Psychology Lab | Core | 2 | Social Distance Scale, Attitude Measurement, Developmental Milestones Assessment, Observational Techniques, Questionnaire Development |
| 21PY2E1 | Positive Psychology | DSE | 3 | Foundations of Positive Psychology, Well-being and Happiness, Strengths and Virtues, Resilience and Post-traumatic Growth, Positive Interventions |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY301 | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 4 | Attention and Consciousness, Perception and Pattern Recognition, Memory Systems and Processes, Language Comprehension and Production, Problem Solving and Decision Making |
| 21PY302 | Psychological Statistics | Core | 4 | Descriptive Statistics, Probability and Sampling, Hypothesis Testing (t-test, ANOVA), Correlation and Regression, Non-parametric Statistics |
| 21PY303 | Research Methods in Psychology | Core | 4 | Scientific Method in Psychology, Experimental Designs, Non-experimental Designs, Sampling Techniques, Ethical Issues in Research |
| 21PY3L1 | Statistics and Research Lab | Core | 2 | Introduction to SPSS, Data Entry and Cleaning, Descriptive Statistics using Software, Inferential Statistics Application, Interpretation of Statistical Output |
| 21PY3E1 | Health Psychology | DSE | 3 | Introduction to Health Psychology, Stress and Coping Mechanisms, Health Behaviors and Lifestyle, Chronic Illness and Pain Management, Health Communication and Interventions |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY401 | Abnormal Psychology | Core | 4 | Defining Abnormality, Anxiety and Related Disorders, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders, Personality Disorders |
| 21PY402 | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Core | 4 | Personnel Selection and Placement, Training and Development, Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction, Leadership and Management, Organizational Culture and Change |
| 21PY403 | Psychological Assessment | Core | 4 | Principles of Psychological Testing, Intelligence Testing, Personality Assessment, Aptitude and Achievement Tests, Ethics in Assessment |
| 21PY4L1 | Psychological Testing Lab | Core | 2 | Administration of Cognitive Tests, Personality Inventory Assessment, Aptitude Test Scoring, Interpretation of Test Results, Psychological Report Writing |
| 21PY4E1 | Educational Psychology | DSE | 3 | Theories of Learning in Education, Motivation and Classroom Management, Individual Differences in Learning, Assessment and Evaluation in Education, Guidance and Counseling in Schools |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY501 | Counseling Psychology | Core | 4 | Counseling Process and Skills, Theories of Counseling, Ethical Issues in Counseling, Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling, Group Counseling |
| 21PY502 | Community Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Community Psychology, Social Justice and Empowerment, Prevention and Intervention Strategies, Community Programs and Development, Cultural Competence in Community Work |
| 21PY503 | Project Work I | Project | 6 | Literature Review and Problem Identification, Research Design and Methodology, Ethical Clearance Application, Pilot Study Implementation, Developing Research Instruments |
| 21PY5E2 | Consumer Psychology | DSE | 3 | Consumer Behavior Theories, Motivation and Perception in Consumption, Decision Making Processes, Advertising and Persuasion, Brand Loyalty and Satisfaction |
| 21PY5V1 | Internship | SEC | 2 | Practical Application of Psychological Knowledge, Observation and Assessment Skills, Professional Communication, Case Documentation, Ethical Practice in Fieldwork |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PY601 | Applied Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Social Issues and Interventions, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building, Environmental Psychology, Legal and Forensic Psychology, Health Communication and Persuasion |
| 21PY602 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | Core | 4 | Culture and Behavior, Cultural Differences in Cognition, Acculturation and Enculturation, Indigenous Psychology, Global Mental Health |
| 21PY603 | Project Work II | Project | 6 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Structuring, Discussion of Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations, Presentation of Research Work |
| 21PY6E2 | Clinical Psychology | DSE | 3 | Assessment in Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapeutic Approaches, DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria, Rehabilitation Psychology, Crisis and Trauma Interventions |
| 21PY6G1 | Open Elective | OEC | 3 | Interdisciplinary Topics, Skill Enhancement Modules, Emerging Fields, Industry-relevant Skills, Social Sciences Applications |
