Bachelor in Psychology (BAP)

BAP Curriculum

Requirements for the BA in Psychology are as follows:

Category of Courses	Credits	ECTS
General Education	36	56
Required Courses	33	51
Elective Courses	3	5
Program Foundation	68	112
Required Courses	35	57
Elective Courses	33	55
Program Specialization	36	60
Required Courses	18	30
Elective Courses	18	30
Final Attestation	6	12
Total Required for Graduation	146	240

General Education (36 credits/56 ECTS)

See the General Education section in the KIMEP Catalog.

Program Foundation (68 credits/112 ECTS)

Program Foundation Courses		KIMEP credits	ECTS	Prerequisite
Required Courses		35	57
ENG/GEN1121	Academic Reading and Writing II	3	5	ENG/GEN1120 Academic Reading and Writing I
ENG/GEN1100	Academic English Speaking	3	5	ENG/GEN1110 Academic Listening and Note Taking Common European Framework: B2 upon completion
KAZ2101-2103/ RUS2101-2103	Professional Kazakh/Russian 1	2	3	KAZ1502-2204/RUS1301-2001
	Professional Kazakh/Russian 2
COGN/GEN1201	Fundamentals of (Introduction to) Psychology	3	5	None
PSY2304	Neuropsychology	3
COGN2103	Introduction to Cognitive Psychology	3	5	COGN1201 Introduction to Psychology
PSY3101	Mind and Brain	3
PA1514	Introduction to Sociology	3
PSY3102	Developmental Psychology	3
PSY2202	Introduction to statistics (for major in psychology)	3
COGN2101	Social psychology	3
PSY2403	Academic Internship	3	4	minimum of 56 credits in program (90 ECTS)
Elective Courses		33	55
COGN2202	Learning and Memory	3	5	COGN1201 Introduction to Psychology
PSY2102	Philosophy of Psychology	3	5
COGN1202	Psycholinguistics: Language and Mind	3	5	COGN1201 Introduction to Psychology
COGN2201	Perception	3	5	COGN1201 Introduction to Psychology
PSY2201	Organizational Psychology	3	5
PSY3103	Child Development	3	5
PSY3204	Family Psychology
PSY3305	Counseling	3	5
PSY3205	Psychology of Human Adjustment	3	5
PSY2401	Personal Development	3	5

Program Specialization (36 credits/60 ECTS)

Program Specialization Courses		KIMEP credits	ECTS	Prerequisite
Required Courses		18	30
PSYxxxx	Introduction to Educational psychology	3	5
PSYxxxx	Psychological Testing	3	5
PSYxxxx	Experimental Methods and Data Analysis 1	3	5
PSYxxxx	Experimental Methods and Data Analysis 2	3	5
PSYxxxx	Introduction to Clinical Psychology	3	5
PSYxxxx	Professional Internship	3	5	Academic Internship
Elective Courses		18	30
PSYxxxx	Conditioning, Learning, and Behavior	3	5
PSYxxxx	Seminar in cognitive psychology	3	5
PSYxxxx	Seminar in Social/Personality Psychology	3	5
PSYxxxx	Seminar in Personality Psychology
PSYxxxx	Seminar in Developmental Psychology	3	5
PSYxxxx	Seminar in Educational psychology	3	5
PSYxxxx	Psychopathology	3	5
PSYxxxx	Seminar in Psychological Testing	3	5
PSYxxxx	Statistical Methods in Psychology	3	5

Final Attestation courses		KIMEP credits	ECTS	Prerequisite
CLP4102	Thesis I	3	6	90 credits of course work
CLP4103	Thesis II	3	6	Thesis I

Total for program: 146 course credits (240 ECTS)

COGN/PSY1201 Introduction to Psychology.

Prerequisite: ENG/GEN1121 Academic Reading and Writing II

This course provides an overview of the foundational subfields and theories in psychology. Students will be introduced to the breadth of the research and topics in psychology, and the basics of subfields like cognitive psychology, social psychology, and human psychological development. They will learn about classic theories in psychology and be introduced to the ways that psychological research is conducted

PSYxxxx Psychology of Human Adjustment.

Prerequisite:

Introduction to basic theoretical principles of psychological coping and adjustment. Students will learn greater insight and efficacy in dealing with social and behavioral forces they encounter and will acquire an appreciation for the importance of psychology and its reliance on other disciplines to understand and improve complex social and behavioral phenomena.

PSYxxxx Experimental Methods and Data Analysis I.

Prerequisite:

Scientific method as the means through which knowledge advances in the field of psychology. Developing and researching hypotheses, collecting data, testing hypotheses using appropriate statistical techniques, interpreting and reporting statistical results. Research methodology, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics, as well as use of the computer software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze psychological data. Students will be responsible for researching a topic and creating a research proposal.

PSYxxxx Experimental Methods and Data Analysis II.

Prerequisite:

Statistical techniques that build on concepts introduced in PSYC 211. Mastering inferential statistics and nonparametric statistical procedures. Students will carry out the research study outlined in their proposals from PSYC 211 and complete an APA-style research paper. This course must be taken in the semester immediately following PSYC 211 and with the same instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 with a grade of C or better.

PSYxxxx Organizational Psychology

Prerequisite:

This course will explore the history, advances and contemporary trends in the field of industrial/organizational psychology. Students will learn about the application of psychology to the world of work as achieved through the use of science and practitioner collaboration as the main tools of this discipline. Students will study the factors that contribute to an optimal fit between the worker, the job and the organization with the goals of improved worker performance and well-being. Students will critically examine the psychological implications that come with the challenge of meeting these commonly competing goals in our current society.

PSYxxxx Philosophy of Psychology.

Prerequisite:

An examination of philosophical and empirical theories of the mind. Main questions will be: What is the mind? How does the mind relate to the brain and behavior? Can the mind be studied scientifically? What is the nature of conscious experience? Different accounts of the nature of mind will be discussed such as behaviorism, materialism, and functionalism. In addition, we will survey main approaches to the mind found in contemporary cognitive science, a multi-disciplinary field consisting of (among other things) artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience and philosophy.

COGN/PSY2103 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (3 credits/5 ECTS)

Prerequisite: COGN1201 Introduction to Psychology

This course will discuss the major fields of human cognition, particularly how we take in information about the world (perception and attention), how we interpret and store that information (learning and memory) and how we retrieve and use that information (higher cognitive function / decision-making).

COGN/PSY1202 Psycholinguistics: Language and Mind (3 credits/5 ECTS)

Prerequisite: COGN1201 Introduction to Psychology

In this course, students will become familiar with major topics and theory in psycholinguistics, the study of how the human mind processes and uses language. We will examine the brain structures relevant to language processing and production, and learn about current theory and research methods. We will consider the psychological implications of multilingualism as well as some discussion of psychological aspects of first and second language acquisition.

COGN2201/PSY Perception (3 credits/5 ECTS)

Prerequisite: COGN1201 Introduction to Psychology

How do we perceive and interpret the world around us? This course will explore the psychological and neurological bases of perception and sensory processing. We will discover how the brain is able to process the stimuli it perceives, including some discussion of visual and auditory perception of language.

COGN/PSY220 Learning and Memory (3 credits/5 ECTS)

Prerequisite: COGN1201 Introduction to Psychology

How do our brains store information? How do we retrieve that information and use it to draw new conclusions? In short, how do we learn? This course will explore those questions and more, introducing students to more advanced theory of learning and memory. We will consider major theories in the field, the way research in this field may be conducted, and their implications for education and other applied fields.

PSYxxxx Mind and Brain.

Prerequisite:

This course investigates how the brain serves as the basis for our thought processes and behavior.  Topics may include attention, perception, learning and memory, language, emotion, social interactions, and consciousness.  We start with an overview of the structure of the brain.  Emphasis is placed on brain-behavior relationships, especially in relation to cognitive processes.  Students will learn about techniques used to understand the general relationships between the brain, thought, and behavior.

PSYxxxx Conditioning, Learning, and Behavior.

Prerequisite:

Procedures, phenomena, and processes of conditioning and learning in animals and humans. Major issues, research findings, and contemporary theories of conditioning and learning. Behavioral approach to the study of learning. Topics include classical (Pavlovian) and instrumental (operant) conditioning and their interaction; reinforcement; stimulus generalization, discrimination, and control; biological constraints on learning; and cognitive components of conditioning and learning. Laboratory work.

PSYxxxx Social Psychology

Prerequisite:

A survey of the major theoretical and empirical research in social psychology, including person perception and social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, prejudice and stereotyping, interpersonal attraction, and helping behavior. Some theoretical applications will be discussed, as will methodological approaches to social psychological questions and problems. Students will complete research projects and writing assignments.

PSYxxxx Psychopathology

Prerequisite:

Analysis of disordered behavior: description, possible origins, prevention, treatment, and social significance. Current research and new developments. Class lectures and discussions, case studies. Prerequisite: HLTP 190/189 (or MATH 107) AND HLTP 230 or PSYC211.

PSYxxxx Psychological Testing

Prerequisite:

Opportunity to develop the skills for assessing quality of commonly used measures of human behavior. Basic material on norms, reliability, and validity leads to evaluation, administration, and interpretation of tests currently in use in clinical, industrial, and educational settings. Topics include ethics, testing and the law, and test construction. Prerequisite: PSYC 211.

PSYxxxx Seminar in Social Psychology

Prerequisite:

Contemporary issues in social psychology and/or personality psychology. Issues will vary to reflect new disciplinary developments or instructor interests.

PSYxxxx Seminar in Cognitive Psychology

Prerequisite:

New developments and contemporary issues in experimental and cognitive psychology.

PSYxxxx Seminar in Developmental Psychology

Prerequisite:

Contemporary issues in developmental psychology, focusing on how developmental theory and methodology can promote health and welfare across the lifespan. Topics vary from year to year. Practical approaches for developmental psychologists in explaining, assessing, and intervening in current social challenges. Individual and societal implications of various issues from the perspective of developmental science. Ethical and cultural influences on developmental psychology.

PSYxxxx Seminar in Educational psychology

Prerequisite: PSYxxxx Intro to Educational psychology

Role of psychology in education. Contributions of educational research to current classroom practice and curriculum design. Applications of educational psychology research to current problems in education. Theoretical and practical approaches to understanding learning and teaching.

PSYxxxx Seminar in Organizational Psychology

Prerequisite:

In-depth study of emerging areas in organizational psychology. Issues will vary to reflect new developments and contemporary approaches.

PSYxxxx Child Development

Prerequisite:

Development of the child from prenatal period through pre-adolescence. Theories, research, and current issues in cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development with emphasis on stability and change across these stages of development. Topics include physical changes, attachment, emotions, parenting, morality, language, memory, education, peer relations, aggression, and gender identity. Developmental methodology and empirical evidence.

PSYxxxx Neuropsychology

Prerequisite:

This undergraduate course will be a comprehensive introduction to human neuropsychology structured to provide students with a basic understanding of the relationship between brain and behavior. Topics covered will include foundations of neuropsychology, structure of the nervous system, functional specialization of the brain, cognitive functions, assessments and presentations of brain disorders

PSYxxxx Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Prerequisite:

This course introduces students to clinical psychology, including topics such as the history of treatment, the role of science in clinical psychology, and the main paradigms that inform treatment and research. The course also explores some of the most common mental illnesses.

PSYxxxx Human Biology

Prerequisite:

This course is a general science course for non-science majors. It covers general topics in biology including science, chemistry, cells, cell division, genetics, protein synthesis, biotechnology, and bioethics. Several body systems including the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and immune systems are also covered

PSYxxxx Family Psychology

Prerequisite:

The family environment is critical for the development of children and for adult adjustment. In this course we will explore key theories and models of the development of parenting and family interactions. We will also look at functional and dysfunctional family relationships and behaviors, and effective ways to assess such interactions. Finally, the course will focus on applications of developmental models to intervention and clinical applications, and the role of parenting interventions in the prevention and management of social, emotional, behavioral and health problems.

PSYxxxx Counseling

Prerequisite:

The course will focus on a variety of counseling approaches, the therapeutic relationship, legal and ethical issues, and the realities of therapeutic practice. Specialty areas of counseling to be addressed will include: marital, family, sexuality, substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence.

PSYxxxx Introduction to Educational Psychology

Prerequisite:

This course provides an introduction to concepts, theories, and research in educational psychology. The topics covered include cognitive, social and physical development during the school years, learning theories, instructional approaches, motivation, assessment, and individual differences

PSYxxxx Developmental psychology

Prerequisite:

This course is a study of human growth and development. Emphasis is on major theories and perspectives as they relate to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development from conception to death. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of development across the lifespan.

Admission requirements & Scholarships
Admission requirements
1. High school or professional vocational school diploma
2. Valid UNT certificate with an overall minimum score of 50 and with a minimum score of 5 on each subject, combination of the specialized subjects on UNT shall be Geography and Biology
3. English proficiency is identified through valid international certificates such as IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo or internal test KEPT.Application deadline – August 25, 2022 The most talented candidates can apply for the internal scholarships. KIMEP University offers 100% and 50% scholarships covering full period of study. Selection and Distribution criteria can be found on our websiteScholarship application deadline – July 13, 2022 *Enrollment to the BAP program is subject to the program content approval and appearance of such in the national registry ESUVO.

Career opportunities
The program opens doors for a professional career and lays the groundwork for an academic career, especially in an international context. You will be a strong candidate for junior positions in all jobs that require skills in analyzing, designing, or improving human interaction, presentation, and communication.

Common Jobs for Psychology Degree Holders:

• Therapy and counselling
• Training and development
• Private healthcare education
• Mental health support
• Career counselling
• Human resources
• Social work

Psychology Careers in Education:

• Behavior specialist
• Professional coaching
• Educational program researcher*
• School psychologist*
• Guidance counselor*
• Educational psychologist*
• Many others

BAP complies with international standards. Duration of the BAP program is 4 years of study.

The faculty of the program is provided by experienced foreign and Kazakhstani teachers with world-class doctoral degrees received from universities in the USA, Canada, South Korea and the UK.