B.Sc. Psychology

The course will highlight the most interesting experiments within the field of psychology, discussing the implications of those studies for our understanding of the human mind and human behavior. We will explore the brain and some of the cognitive abilities it supports like memory, learning, attention, perception, and consciousness. We will examine human development – both in terms of growing up and growing old – and will discuss the manner in which the behavior of others affects our own thoughts and behavior. Finally, we will discuss various forms of mental illness and the treatments that are used to help those who suffer from them. The fact of the matter is that humans routinely do amazing things without appreciating how interesting they are. However, we are also routinely influenced by people and events without always being aware of those influences. By the end of this course, you will have gained a much better understanding and appreciation of who you are and how you work.

When you enter the world of psychology, no student of psychology can escape hearing statements like, “Oh, so you can read my mind!” Or “I need to be careful about what I say in front of you.” Psychology is not about reading minds. It is a discipline that is defined as “the study of human and animal behavior.” In order to enter this sphere, you need to have a genuine interest in human behavior and have to develop your observational skills, if not already prevalent.

“Psychology is very time-consuming and there is a stigma attached to being a psychologist as well.” Students of psychology usually end up being lost in a world of their own, getting into the depths of themself and others. Readings and assignments not only provide you insight into behavior but also help in developing an understanding of the connection between the mind and body.

Psychology graduates can also use the general skills and knowledge they have acquired to pursue a career in a variety of workplaces. Degrees in Psychology typically cover human services and behavior. People who obtain a degree in Psychology can have careers in anything to probation or parole officer to teaching Psychology in a high school setting. Since a degree in Psychology is so versatile, individuals can also seek careers in the business and criminal justice setting.

The first department of psychology in India was established at Calcutta University as early as 1915 when Sigmund Freud was busy understanding the psyche in Victorian society. Though many would have heard of Freud, not many would be aware of our own Girindrasekhar Bose, an early 20th-century South Asian psychoanalyst who was also the first president of the Indian Psychoanalytic Society in 1922.

After having completed your under-graduation course or even while doing so, you may have zeroed in on the branch of psychology you want to pursue. Psychology in India is largely concerned with the study of human behavior so if you want to study animal behavior you would have no option but to go abroad. Psychologists apply the theoretical knowledge they gain to help gather information through laboratory experiments: personality, aptitude, and intelligence tests; observation, interviews, and questionnaires. In addition, you may opt for surveys as a mode of gathering data. However, statistics and a scientific approach are a large part of the territory. Experience would be largely dependent on the area of specialization and that will help decide the area of work after completing your degree.

Specializations lead to a depth knowledge base in a specified area. A neuro-psychologist would find space in health care as a specialist who understands the relationship between human physical systems to understand behavioral changes after stroke/head injury. A criminal psychologist would find work in prisons, juvenile centers, and special hospitals to understand criminal behavior and the psyche.

This is largely dependent on the space you choose to occupy but some constants do remain. Masih sums up the skills in terms of the 3 P’s of psychology, Patience, Passion and Perseverance, a fact that many students and established psychologists agree to. You require a basic sensitivity towards human nature and need to be ethical in approach. Confidentiality is a must for any psychologist, whether you are operating at the community level, corporate or involved in group processes.