Education

Nanyang Technological University (NTU): Arts and Sosial Sciences: Psychology

Category Art and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Psychology, Singapore, Undergraduate
Tags Arts, Nanyang Technological University, NTU, Psychology, Sciences, Sosial

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour. Our division aims to provide broad-based education in psychology while integrating it into a deeper understanding of cultures and societies in contemporary Asia. The minor in psychology provides students with an adequate basic knowledge of human behaviour to complement their major fields of education.

In particular, psychology complements sociology, business, economics, and communications. It also fits well with Asian cultural studies, literature and languages. The roots of psychology in biology make it an apt choice for students pursuing interests in the life sciences and medicine. Finally, the study of human functioning in psychology is an essential component of different technology and engineering studies as well as the study of human-machine interfaces.

The current psychology laboratory has four individual assessment rooms that can support computer-assisted experiments.

A new set of psychology laboratories will be in use in mid-2007. The new laboratories consist of two interview and observation rooms with special audio and visual equipments for observational studies, two small group research rooms-one with computer terminals for computer assisted experiments, and research on group processes; five physiological psychology rooms for psycho-physiological research and six individual assessment rooms.

Psychology is the science of why people do what they do. While its roots can be traced to philosophical and religious texts that date back thousands of years, the formal, scientific study of psychology began 125 years ago. It is one of the broadest university disciplines, spanning subject matter in the humanities, the natural sciences, and other social sciences. In particular, psychologists study the intersection of two critical relationships: one between brain function and behaviour, and one between the environment and behaviour.

Psychologists use the scientific method to conduct both basic and applied research. They serve as consultants to communities and organizations; diagnose and treat people’s mental states; assess intelligence and personality. They study how human beings relate to each other and also to machines, and they work to improve these relationships. With the increased globalization that is bringing people together, psychologists bring important knowledge and skills to understanding diverse cultures.

Psychologists traditionally study both normal and abnormal functioning, and they concentrate on behaviours that affect mental functioning and emotional health. For example, they work with business executives, actors, and athletes to reduce stress and improve performance. They advise police on the personality profiles of criminals and they collaborate with educators on school reform. Immediately following a calamity, such as a highway collapse or natural disaster, psychologists help victims and bystanders recover from the trauma of the event.

Most psychologists surveyed say they thoroughly enjoy their work. They cite the variety of daily tasks and the flexibility of their schedules. They are attracted by the exciting changes taking place in the field, from adapting technology to humans to working as part of primary health care teams.

While the study of psychology is ideal for students intending to work in this field, it is also excellent preparation for many other professions.

The Psychology Division offers courses for undergraduate students who major, double major, or minor in psychology. The Division also offers broadening courses for general education.  The major programme offers a four-year comprehensive study covering major research areas of psychology such as brain and biology, human development, culture and social processes, personality, memory and cognition, clinical psychology, and industrial and organizational psychology.

The double major and minor programmes are offered for students who are pursuing a major in another discipline but would like to acquire a more in-depth knowledge in psychology. The broadening courses fulfil General Education Requirements and are offered to students in all disciplines.