Psychology Bilkent University

Overview

The Psychology undergraduate program offered by Bilkent University particularly emphasises research and science training. Starting from level (year) 1, courses in Statistics and Research Methods are required until level 3, over four semesters. These courses are project-based, and tailored for psychology. A senior thesis to complete the degree program is required, in which students are supervised on a one-to-one basis by members of staff, on individal research projects.

Key Facts

Psychology has a wide scope. Its subject matter ranges from biology of the brain and the nervous system, to social issues like what makes people behave the way they do in a group. Thus, it is widely accepted that psychology is a discipline of both natural and social science. There are five core areas of psychological science. These are biological, cognitive, social, developmental, and personality psychology. The undergraduate program offered by the department aims to provide a balanced education in all these areas as well as some more specialised areas offered as electives. It places importance on an active learning process with discussion-based classes and partly essay-based assessment.

In addition to field-specific courses, the program requires basic science subjects such as calculus and biology as well as acquisition of skills in computing. Students are also encouraged to attend elective courses in a broad range of subjects such as fine arts and foreign languages.

The most important aspect of the program is its emphasis on scientific method and research. It is impossible to learn everything there is to know about such a vast area of scientific study. Thus it is more important to gain an understanding of the methods with which to study mind and behaviour. The main aim of the program therefore is to establish a good understanding of scientific method and analytic thinking as well as skills necessary to conduct research including data analysis and efficient use of computer software. In this capacity, students are required to take part in and conduct a range of research projects, which involve an increasing level of independence as the course progresses. In the final year students are required to complete an independent research project culminating in a senior thesis.

Learning Outcomes for Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

• Demonstrate functional knowledge across distinct content areas of psychological research.

• Demonstrate the ability to describe key theoretical ideas and empirical findings in a variety of areas of psychology.

• Develop analytical thinking skills for interpreting observed psychological phenomena.

• Demonstrate the ability to identify alternative explanations and adjudicate between these alternatives based on empirical evidence.

• Demonstrate the ability to review the literature and develop testable hypothesis.

• Demonstrate the ability to design experiments to test hypothesis.

• Demonstrate the ability to collect data using a variety of methods.

• Demonstrate the ability to organize and analyze data using statistical methods and statistical software.

• Develop effective writing skills for the communication of ideas, including in a foreign language, and finding pertinent to psychological research.

• Demonstrate the ability to function on research teams.

• Demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.

• Demonstrate the ability to understand the impact of psychological theory and research on real world problems.

• Recognize the need for and the ability to engage in life-long learning.