Department of Psychology
PAS building, room 3020
Tel 519-888-4567 Ext. 42813
Fax (519) 746-8631
Email psych@uwaterloo.ca
It is your responsibility to know, understand, and follow University of Waterloo policies regarding academic integrity. Misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, cheating, etc.) can have serious consequences.
Academic integrity - general information
Advice to Faculty of Arts students regarding ethical behaviour (e.g., how to avoid plagiarism).
If instructors are using Turnitin, which is a plagiarism detection tool, a statement about Turnitin will be included in the course outline.
Optimise Learning in College: Tips from Cognitive Psychology (PDF)
The typical course load for a psychology Major is 2.5 units (5 courses) per term. You probably will spend at least 9-15 hours per week per course in order to be successful.
How many courses you can handle in a given term will depend on your individual circumstances. Please be realistic about the goals you set in order to increase the probability of success. Consider the following factors when determining course load:
Check the course drop deadlines (see important dates on Quest) and reduce your course load if necessary.
Co-op students are expected to maintain a full course load (defined as at least 2.5 units per school term) and follow the academic/work sequence prescribed for their program (Co-operative Education System). If you find the responsibilities of the search for co-op positions each school term onerous, consider whether you could do better academically if you switched from the co-op system of study to the regular system of study.
Choose an academic plan (e.g., Major; Major + Major; Major + Minor) that:
If strategies to boost your cumulative Psychology average have failed, consider the following:
Is a Psychology Major a realistic goal? Talk to your Psychology Academic Advisor.
If you are not eligible to continue in Honours Psychology, consider the benefits of doing a General Psychology degree (3 year or 4 year) plus a post-graduate programs at a college.
Do you need a Psychology Major or would a Psychology Minor be satisfying and give you the necessary background and/or prerequisites for your future educational and career goals? Talk to a career advisor.
Are you doing better in a subject area other than Psychology that could be a potential Major (or Liberal Studies)? Talk to the academic advisor in that Faculty/department.
You probably will dedicate a larger proportion of your overall study time to 'required' course versus 'unspecified electives'. Level of difficulty of each course will also be a factor in your time management. If you are enrolled in multiple academic plans (e.g., Joint Honours, Arts and Business, Minor) and struggling to maintain the minimum average requirement for one or more of those plans, it might be necessary to reduce the number of academic plans in order to be successful.
Are there subject areas where your grades have been poor and should be avoided?
If worried about the final grade that you will earn MATH 103, PSYCH 292, or PSYCH 391, see tips for success:
Be realistic about how many courses you can handle in any term. Not everyone can handle a full course load (2.5 units) each term. If you take a reduced course load to improve your grades, don't make the mistake of increasing your hours of paid or volunteer work in the same term or you probably won't increase your overall study time as planned or increase your grades.
Consider taking a course during an 'off term' or a 'work term' (e.g., online) to boost your average(s) before the next school term, or to lighten the overall workload in a future term where you anticipate that you will struggle.
Repeating passed courses is not typically allowed, and if the exception to repeat a passed course is granted, it does not count towards your UWaterloo average or unite count. (see Psychology Department policies).
Advice regarding psychology course load: year 1 or beyond year 1
Do not take more than two Psychology courses (1.0 units) in year one.
Take PSYCH 101 the first term (1A).
Take one Psychology course the second term (1B). Recommend that you choose from: PSYCH 207, 211, 253, 257, 261.
A variety of courses in year one is beneficial because:
If you are having difficulty choosing between Psychology courses, review psychology course outlines from previous terms.
The cumulative Psychology average is the average of all of the Psychology grades taken to date. If your Psychology average is below the target for admission to the desired program, having taken more than 2 Psychology courses in year one would not be grounds for an appeal for admission.
Greater effort may be required in some of your courses in order to be successful. The more 'required' (e.g., courses which affect average calculations for a future Major or Minor) versus 'elective' courses that you are taking in a given term, the more difficult it is to allocate your time differently to each course if necessary in order to be successful.
There is no ceiling on the number of Psychology courses that you can take for the overall degree requirements and it is not uncommon for Psychology Majors to exceed the minimum number of Psychology courses required for graduation.
We recommend that Psychology Majors take at least half of their courses for the degree outside the field of Psychology in order to enrich their educational experience. Be open-minded when choosing courses and consider courses offered by all departments and Faculties that may be relevant to your interests and future goals.
We recommend no more than 3 Psychology courses per term in year two. Think carefully about your personal circumstances when deciding whether or not you can handle more than 3 Psychology courses per term in year 3 and 4.
If trying to boost your Psychology average for any of these reasons,
recommend no more than 3 Psychology courses per term. Please be realistic about the actual number of courses including Psychology courses that you can handle in a given term and be successful. See extenuating circumstances if stressors are affecting your performance.
All psychology courses taken at the University of Waterloo will count in the calculation of the cumulative Psychology average.
Exception: If you have a cleared average, only the courses after that point on your record will be included in the average calculations for your current academic plan. A cleared average would typically only occur when a student is readmitted to the University following a 'failed required to withdraw' academic decision or in some cases, following a change of academic plan which results in the student's registration changing from one Faculty to another. Note that each Faculty has residency requirements that must be satisfied following a cleared average. If you have a cleared average, refer to the residency requirements of your Faculty and department (see Psychology Department policies) as well as consult with your academic advisor(s).
Not everyone will graduate in the usual expected amount of time because, for example:
Your individual circumstances may require that you choose to:
Consult with the appropriate academic advisor(s) about your decision if necessary.
If stressors (e.g., physical and/or emotional issues, family issues, employment issues, bereavement, etc.) are affecting your academic performance, please consider the following:
Contact professionals (e.g,. primary academic advisor, medical doctor, support services at UWaterloo, etc.) during difficult times for assistance, advice, and/or remedies.
Documentation will be required from a professional(s) other than an academic advisor(s) if you request extensions on course work, or you petition to the Examinations and Standings Committee for retroactive changes to your record. Examples of suitable documentation include:
The normal course load for a full-time student is 2.5 units per school term. Decide whether or not a reduced course load, or a withdrawal from the current term, or a break from school for 1 or more terms would be in your best interest if you are dealing with stressors. If in doubt what to do, consult with a professional (see above). Consider the impact on your student funding, if you reduce your course load. Contact Student Awards and Finance for more information.
How is my record affected by a course drop?
If you are in the co-op system of study, refer to the list of examples that would necessitate approval for a change to the academic/work term sequence.
Direct the request for an extension on course work to the instructor prior to the actual deadline (e.g., the date/time for the test or exam). Within 48 hours beyond the deadline submit documentation to the instructor to support the request for an extension, or provide him/her with an explanation for delayed submission.
If extensions are required in more than one course in a given term, please also discuss your situation with your primary academic advisor.
When requesting extensions on course work beyond the end of the school term, check the regulations for the Faculty offering the course.
Extensions on course work in the Faculty of Arts:
Psychology Department policy (and University of Waterloo policy) is that completed work stands. That is, we do not allow students to do extra work for a course in order to boost the final mark.
(Rules in other Faculties may vary. Consult your home Faculty academic advisor.)
If your performance in a course(s) was affected by documentable extenuating circumstances (see documentation for examples), you have three choices:
Petition for Exception to Academic Regulations (Form 70A)
Notes regarding petitions:
Students may graduate earlier than usual (fast track) if they take extra courses (e.g. more than 5 lecture courses in academic terms, courses in the spring term for students in the regular program, and 1 or 2 courses in a work term for students in the co-op program). We recommend against this practice because it is typically not a healthy approach to one's studies, often resulting in grades lower than desired (which could potentially sabotage one's long term goals). It could also limit time for building an experience profile which might be necessary for one's career goals (see sample career and further studies).
Note when developing your course plan that the Psychology courses listed below must be taken in sequence over 2 or more years, and they are not offered every term:
Furthermore, co-op students must enrol in a school term after their last work term to graduate with the co-op designation, according to the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE). Typically, students should not reach their 4B school term before their last work term, as their 4B term should follow their last work term. Year levels are based on the number of units completed; if a Faculty of Arts student completes 17.0 units or a Faculty of Science student completes 18.0 units, the next school term will be classified as 4B. If your course plan will allow you to reach 4B before your last work term, please consult with your academic advisor.
Most co-op students, if taking 2.5 lecture units per school term, should not be able to finish their academic requirements before their last work term. However, if you are admitted to co-op with 6.5 units after your 1st year, take courses on work terms, and/or take several terms of 3.0 units, you may be able complete your academic requirements more quickly. This does not mean that you can graduate any sooner, as you must complete at least 4 work terms and follow your last work term with a school term. All co-op students must end their studies on a school term. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Students who have not successfully completed one of the following courses:
will be required to take MATH 103 (Introductory Algebra) concurrently with PSYCH 291 (Basic Research Methods) in the Fall term before taking PSYCH 292 (Basic Data Analysis) in the Winter term.
MATH 103 or 4U Math - Tips for Success
Prior to enrolment in MATH courses at the University of Waterloo, go to the course description section of the Undergraduate Calendar to read the antirequisites for enrolment.
If option 1 or 2 is your plan, proof that the course was passed will be required at the Psychology Undergraduate Advisor no later than the course add deadline for the PSYCH 292 enrolment term. PSYCH 292 is offered in Winter and Spring.
Math background required for enrolment in PSYCH 292 (Basic Data Analysis)
PSYCH 292 (Basic Data Analysis) and PSYCH 391 (Advanced Data Analysis) are statistics courses. PSYCH 292 is a required course for all psychology Majors. PSYCH 391 is a required course for all Honours Psychology Majors (single Major or Joint Major).
Some students will earn grades in PSYCH 292 and PSYCH 391 that are lower than they expect. Some report loss of confidence and feeling anxious or overwhelmed by the course material because they find data analysis and interpretation difficult and time consuming to master.
The quality of tutor services is not screened by any parties at UWaterloo, and it is your responsibility to pay for such services.
Tutor Connect is an online posting board for those who are providing tutoring services for UWaterloo students and those looking for tutors.
The Tutorial Centre in the Math Faculty provides tutoring for students in the Math faculty (e.g,. MATH 127, 134, 137, 234, 237, 239). If time permits, tutors will also assist those in the Faculty of Arts who are taking MATH 103.
Individuals offering tutor services for math and statistics courses post notices on the bulletin boards at the entrances to the Math and Computer (MC) Building.
The Psychology Undergraduate Office (PAS 3007) does not have a list of tutors. You could prepare an advertisement seeking a tutor and ask the Psychology Undergraduate Advisor to circulate the message for you to Psychology graduate students and/or senior psychology undergraduate students.
The PSYCH 292 and PSYCH 391 instructors typically contact students from the previous class who did well to ask about their willingness to serve as tutors for current students. If anyone is interested in tutoring on a volunteer or for pay basis, the instructor will post the contact information for current students on LEARN.
Get help with writing skills at the Writing Centre:
Service | Description |
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Psychology Academic Advisors | The Psychology academic advisors are available to assist with course planning, program requirements, and a variety of other needs related to the Psychology program. |
AccessAbility Services |
AccessAbility Services promotes access to programs, services, and facilities for students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors with permanent or temporary disabilities. The office provides information to students about academic accommodations and provides various support services. |
Career advisors | Career advisors can help you decide what career path is right for you, as well as identify the appropriate steps to get there. |
Counselling Services |
Counselling Services in Needles Hall offers free individual appointments and consultation for students as well as seminars, workshops and group therapy. In crisis? Feeling unsafe? Worried that you might hurt yourself or others? See the list of emergency contacts. Arts has a designated counsellor Wendy Vaughan who has 3 days a week dedicated to seeing Faculty of Arts students. If you're interested in meeting with her contact Counselling Services. |
Health Services |
Health Services provides a variety of health related services, including: |
Police Services | Dedicated services to provide a safe and secure campus environment. Website includes personal safety guide, safety resources, shuttle service, etc |
UW MATES | MATES (Mentor Assistance Through Educational Support) is a student outreach program which seeks to promote personal life balance, self confidence, resiliency and academic support for UW students who are currently having academic, social, physical, emotional, cultural, and / or psychological difficulties. |
Student Success Office |
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Tutoring in residence | The living learning program offers tutoring in residence for a variety of courses on a weekly basis. |
Department of Psychology
PAS building, room 3020
Tel 519-888-4567 Ext. 42813
Fax (519) 746-8631
Email psych@uwaterloo.ca
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.