VU
Virtual University of Pakistan
Federal Government University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (4 year program)

Introduction

Psychology is the science of behavior and the mind. In the BS program, the study of psychology provides an understanding of the basic processes of sensation, perception, learning, cognition, development, and personality, along with the principles of social psychology, clinical psychology, and behavioral neuroscience. The knowledge of psychological principles and scientific methods for evaluating theories and research in the social sciences is essential in our rapidly changing society.

The basic goal of the program is to integrate the scientific foundation of psychology with a strong background in humanities and basic sciences to better prepare students for advanced training in psychology, medicine, cognitive science, neuroscience, and other related disciplines. The BS degree program is explicitly aimed at preparing students for advanced graduate study in the sciences and science-based professions.

Objectives

Following are the main objectives of the program:

  • To equip students with conceptual tools, scientific knowledge, and practical skills so that they can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and human existence in general.
  • To articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain and understand the dynamics of social and psychological issues.
  • To develop insights among students about how psychological principles can be used to understand and improve lifelong learning, social skills, and environment-related issues.

Eligibility Criteria

Intermediate (equivalent to 12 years of education) with at least 45% marks is required.

Note

  • Candidates having ‘A’ levels are required to provide equivalence certificate from Inter Board Committee of Chairman (IBCC), Islamabad. (http://www.ibcc.edu.pk/)
  • Candidates having less than 45% marks will be eligible for admission after the successful completion of “Zero Semester”.

Eligibility criteria for BS Lateral Entry admission is as follows:

Applicants with a 2-year Associate Degree in the same discipline (from an HEC-recognized institution) will be able to join the 5th semester of a BS program. Those with an Associate Degree in a different discipline or a conventional BA/BSc degree (annual system) must complete a bridging semester/deficiency semester to address academic deficiencies.

The minimum admission eligibility is a 2.00/4.00 CGPA for Associate Degree holders (semester system) or 45% marks for BA/BSc or equivalent (annual system). The University may set higher standards for specific programs.

Assessment Criteria

The students’ study progress evaluation mechanism is based on continuous assessment throughout the semester by giving assignments, on-line quizzes, Graded Moderated Discussion Boards (GDB), mid-term and final-term exams. The mid and final term exams are conducted at VUP’s designated exam centers and usually count for 80 to 85% of the total marks for a course.

 

Award of Degree

It is a four-year study program spread over eight semesters. Each semester has at least 18 weeks duration for teaching and examinations etc.

Minimum: 4-Years / 8 semesters

Maximum: 8-years / 16 semesters

Maximum time duration includes semester freeze period.

  • To be eligible for the award of BS (Psychology) Degree, the students are required to earn prescribed 133 credit hours with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.0 out of 4.

Project / Internship / Practicals

Both Project and internship are mandatory for the completion and award of BS Psychology degree.

Students are required to complete a Research Project (PSY499A & 499B) of six credit hours in final semester of the program. The choice of final project is at the student’s discretion. However, consultation with the student advisor is compulsory. Students will submit a detailed write-up of the research project and will give a viva presentation.

In Internship Report (PSYI619), students are required to complete 6-8 weeks internship in any organization (Psychiatric clinic/School) and shall get an Internship Letter from the concerned organization. A. Students shall get Internship Completion Certificate issued by concerned organization. Students will submit a detailed internship report and will give a viva presentation.

(Note: Evaluation of the course "Final Project" / "Internship Report" will be based on pass/fail criteria and will not affect a student's CGPA. However, being a compulsory requirement, it is necessary to pass this course to fulfill the requirements of the degree program).

Scheme of Study

Total Credit Hours 133
Total Semesters 8
Duration 4 Years


BS (Psychology) Course Selection Rules
Semester No. 1
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
CS101 Introduction to Computing General Education Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ENG101 English Comprehension General Education Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY502 History & Systems of Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ETH202 Ethics (for Non-Muslims) General Education Islamic Studies/Religious Education Studies Elective 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
ISL202 Islamic Studies General Education Islamic Studies/Religious Education Studies Elective 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
VU001 Introduction to e-Learning Major Required 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 2
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
ENG201 Business and Technical English Writing General Education Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MTH302 Business Mathematics & Statistics General Education Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY404 Abnormal Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY405 Personality Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY512 Gender Issues in Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PAK302 Pakistan Studies General Education Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 3
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
EDU403 Art, Crafts and Calligraphy General Education Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY403 Social Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY504 Cognitive Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY505 Developmental Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
STA641 Statistical Packages and its Applications General Education Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSC201 International Relations General Education Social Sciences Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology General Education Social Sciences Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 4
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BIO101 Basic I-Biology General Education Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ETH100 Effective Citizenship General Education Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT602 Entrepreneurship General Education Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY409 Positive Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY515 Cross Cultural Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY611 Ethical Issues in Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 5
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
PSYP631 Psychological Testing and Measurements Major Required 4 (Theory:3, Practical:1)
PSY401 Clinical Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY516 Statistics in Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
STA630 Research Methods Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM101 Introduction to Mass Communication Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM304 Mass Media in Pakistan Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 6
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
PSYP610 Neurological Bases of Behavior Major Required 4 (Theory:3, Practical:1)
PSY406 Educational Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY632 Theory & Practice of Counseling Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC609 Qualitative Research Methods Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC301 Introduction to Social Work Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC401 Cultural Anthropology Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 7
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
PSY407 Sport Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY408 Health Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSYI619 Internship Report-Psychology Major Field Experience / Internship Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSYP402 Experimental Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:2, Practical:1)
MCM301 Communication skills Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC404 Pakistani Society and Culture Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 8
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
PSY499 Capstone Project Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY511 Environmental Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY513 Forensic Psychology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
ECO401 Economics Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT211 Introduction To Business Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY510 Organizational Psychology Major Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
PSY514 Consumer Psychology Major Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 


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