Course Title: Introduction to Psychology

Course Code: GS 106
Credit Value: 3 Credits

Contact Hours

• Lectures: 2 hours/week

• Tutorials / Discussions: 2 hours/week

Duration: 15 Weeks (One Semester)
Prerequisite: None

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.

Students explore foundational psychological theories, research methods, and applied concepts across major domains including biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and applied psychology.

The course emphasizes scientific thinking, critical analysis of human behavior, and real-world application in education, health, leadership, and community contexts, with particular attention to African and developing-country environments.

2. COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand psychology as a scientific discipline of behavior and mental processes

2. Explain major psychological theories and perspectives

3. Describe biological and cognitive mechanisms underlying behavior

4. Analyze human development across the lifespan

5. Explain social influences on individual and group behavior

6. Apply psychological principles to real-world and professional contexts

3. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Define psychology and explain its scientific foundations

• Compare major psychological perspectives and schools of thought

• Describe how biological systems influence behavior and cognition

• Explain learning processes, memory, motivation, and emotion

• Analyze developmental stages from childhood to adulthood

• Evaluate social behavior and group influence mechanisms

• Apply psychological reasoning to practical societal and professional issues