Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB)
Our Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB) department is a leader in the field. Our innovative programs focus on interdisciplinary research to raise the next generation of behavioural and psychological scientists.
McMaster has pioneered the award-winning MacIntroPsych blended learning model of teaching. It combines interactive online web modules for self-paced learning with class lectures and problem-based learning tutorials.
As a science and as a practice, these programs give students a strong foundation to work in applied or scientific psychology.
In the lab, experimental psychologists conduct research to understand why people think, feel, and behave the way do.
In the field, counsellors, practitioners, and psychologists help individuals deal with issues related to human behaviour and mental health.
Areas of Research
- Animal Behaviour
- Cognition & Perception
- Developmental Psychology
- Applied Cognition in Education
- Music Cognition
- Evolution & Social Behaviour
- Systems & Behavioural Neuroscience
- Mental Health
PNB Degree Options
To apply to all Honours PNB programs, students must successfully complete a Level I program. Enrolment in PNB Honours programs is limited and meeting published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
- Honours B.A.
Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C); a grade of at least 7.0 (B-) in PSYCH 1XX3 (completion of PSYCH 1X03 or 1F03 is recommended in Level I and required by the end of Level II); credit in one of BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03, 1P03, or Grade 12 Bio U; and credit in one of: MATH 1A03 or 1LS3. - Honours B.A. Mental Health Specialization
Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C); a grade of at least 7.0 (B-) in PSYCH 1XX3 (completion of PSYCH 1X03 or 1F03 is recommended in Level I and required by the end of Level II); credit in one of BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03, 1P03, or Grade 12 Bio U; and credit in one of: MATH 1A03 or 1LS3. - Honours B.A. Music Cognition Specialization
Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C); a grade of at least 7.0 (B-) in PSYCH 1XX3 (completion of PSYCH 1X03 or 1F03 is recommended in Level I and required by the end of Level II); credit in one of BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03, 1P03, or Grade 12 Bio U; and credit in one of: MATH 1A03 or 1LS3, and credit from MUSIC 1A03 or 1AA3. -
Combined Honours B.A. in PNB & Another Subject
Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (C); a grade of at least 7.0 (B-) in PSYCH 1XX3 (completion of PSYCH 1X03 or 1F03 is recommended in Level I and required by
the end of Level II); credit in one of BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03, 1P03, or Grade 12 Bio U; and credit in one of: MATH 1A03 or 1LS3. Satisfaction of admission requirements for the Honours program in the other B.A. subject. -
B.A.
Level I Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 and a grade of at least 4.0 (C-) in PSYCH 1F03 or 1X03.
Please note that enrolment in the honours programs is limited, therefore possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. For those interested in the honours programs, SBI4U and MHF4U or MCV4U are strongly recommended to be taken in Grade 12.
Minor
- Psychology
Compare Psychology Programs
The study of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB) can be completed at McMaster University either through the Faculty of Social Sciences or the Faculty of Science.
Programs offered by the Faculty of Science (B.Sc. programs) and the Faculty of Social Sciences (B.A. programs) are for students more interested in the natural sciences and in studying the link between the brain and behaviour.
An Honours B.A. in Social Psychology is for students more interested in individual traits, attitudes and social life. Students pursuing any one of these Honours B.A. or 3-year B.A. degrees may combine their studies with an Affiliated Certificate in Business Studies, Leadership and Management for the Not-for-Profit Sector or Applied Behaviour Analysis (with an autism focus).
Compare the different degrees offered by the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB) and the Social Psychology program.
Program Highlights
- The introductory psychology courses use a blended learning environment combining online learning technology with traditional face-to-face instruction.
- McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind (MIMM) features the Live Interactive Virtual Environment (LIVE) Auditory Laboratory – a unique research-based performance theatre and testing centre to be housed in the Psychology Building.
- The Mental Health Specialization was developed to meet the changing academic and career demands in the field of psychology, and to prepare our undergraduates for graduate and professional training in the area of mental health. Students in this program have one-on-one mentorship opportunities with an applied placement in Level III, and a thesis in Level IV. Students graduate with a scientific background, extensive experience and a full understanding of the evolution of mental health.
- PNB students have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning and can gain individual research experience while earning course credits with independent lab courses (available in Levels II, III, IV), a field placement practicum course (Level III) and thesis course (Level IV).
Skill Development
-
Analysis, interpretation, and critical evaluation of theory and data
-
Strong communications skills developed through discussions, research papers and presentations
-
Technical research skills through formal training in research methods and analysis
-
Teamwork developed through group projects
-
Decision and problem-solving skills gained through applied course material
Potential Careers
|
|
|