Web Site of the Department

Acting Head of Department : Güneş Ünal

Associate Head: Nur Soylu Yalçınkaya

Professors : 

Associate Professors :  İnci Ayhan, Güneş Ünal, Esra Mungan, Deniz Tahiroğlu, Yasemin Sohtorik İlkmen, Nur Soylu Yalçınkaya

Assistant Professors : Ayşe Akan, Nihan Albayrak Aydemir, Safa Kemal Kaptan, Zehra Merve Kaya

Instructors : 

Assistants : Ayşe İrem Küçük, Gülsen Kumru, Nurbanu Küçükaşçı, Saliha Erman, Sümeyye Karahamza

*Part-time
† Professor Emeritus
•Adjunct

The field of psychology is a broad one, ranging from the study of the brain to the study of communication in groups, from the study of abnormal behavior and its treatment to the study of child development. Accordingly, it is possible to find professional psychologists in a wide variety of settings: in clinics or mental hospitals, administering tests or doing therapy with patients; in industry, doing career counseling, team development, personnel selection, or contributing to human factor engineering; in all kinds of schools and educational institutions, both in teaching and counseling positions; working with preschool youngsters or doing basic research in university laboratories.

The undergraduate program of the Department of Psychology aims to give the student a well-rounded liberal education with a solid grounding in the basic theories, methods, and techniques of modern psychology and a broad acquaintance with the various substantive areas of the field. It is thus designed to equip students with a general background in psychology as well as basic skills in research so as to enable them to work in a wide variety of contexts or to pursue study at the graduate level for further specialization.

For graduation with a BA degree in Psychology, 134 units of credit (135 credits for those entering in 2020-2021 or later) are required. There are 8 core departmental must courses, and 12 to 15 non-departmental must courses. In addition, students are required to take a specified number of departmental courses from each of the three general areas of psychology (socialdevelopmental, cognitive-physiological, and applied). Finally, students are required to take elective courses from or outside the department, which typically range between 42 to 51 credits. For information on the classes offered and details on the requirements, please see the departmental website and the department guide.

The Psychology Department also runs double-major programs with the Departments of Economics, Management, Sociology, Philosophy, Political Science, Western Languages and Literatures and History.

The Department offers two graduate programs leading to M.A. degrees, one in Clinical Psychology and the other in Psychological Sciences (with specialization in Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience).

The Department also offers Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology and Psychological Sciences.

Established

1973

ISCED Code

31

Educational goals and objectives

The undergraduate program offered by the Department of Psychology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive liberal education. It offers a strong foundation in the fundamental theories, methods, and techniques of contemporary psychology, while also exposing students to various specialized areas within the field. This program aims to equip students with a broad understanding of psychology and essential research skills, enabling them to thrive in diverse professional settings or pursue advanced studies at the graduate level for further specialization.

Admission and special requirements

Admission to the program is based on the results of a national examination administered by ÖSYM (The Measuring, Selection, and Placement Center). ÖSYM is the governing body responsible for conducting the national-level university entrance examination and overseeing the student selection and placement system.

Acknowledgement of previous learning

Transfer students with prior college coursework have the opportunity to receive credit acknowledgment, which allows them to bypass equivalent courses and advance to subsequent classes in the program. It's important to note that courses already applied to a previous diploma are not eligible for acknowledgment. Additionally, any course substitutions are contingent upon approval from both the department and the faculty council. This process facilitates a smoother transition for transfer students and ensures that their prior academic achievements are appropriately recognized within the program.

Graduation requirements

For a BA degree in Psychology at Boğaziçi University, students are required to complete a total of 135 credit units. This includes 8 core departmental must courses and 12 to 15 non-departmental must courses. Additionally, students must take at least 8 departmental courses, distributed across three key areas of psychology: social and developmental, cognitive and physiological, and applied psychology. Lastly, students have the flexibility to choose elective courses, totaling approximately 14-17 courses, from both within and outside the department. These requirements ensure a well-rounded education in psychology and allow for some degree of specialization based on individual interests and career goals.

Program learning outcomes

1. Explore and master theoretical and applied psychology, enabling research in diverse areas.
2. Apply historical and modern psychological theories to practical issues.
3. Cultivate cultural competence, acknowledging culture's impact on behavior.
4. Understand psychology's role in science and interdisciplinary work.
5. Gain academic skills for contributions in diverse contexts.
6. Formulate research questions, analyze data, and think critically.
7. Efficiently access and use information sources for specific goals.
8. Proficiency in technology for psychological research and data analysis.
9. Apply ethical principles in research and practice.
10. Develop a foundational understanding of psychological disorders, preparing for clinical psychology training.

TYYÇ Ulusal Yeterlikler

TYYÇ Alan Yeterlikleri

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

Total: 135 Credits/ 247/250 ECTS.

 

* Students who received a C must enroll in AE 101 and AE 102. Students who received a C+ are required to take AE 111 and AE 112. Those who received a B must take either a HUM course or an AE 2xx course. Students who recieved an A are advised to take either a HUM course or an AE 2xx course as an unrestricted elective.

** PSY 100 is a must course for all 1st year students starting the department in/after 2019-2020 academic year.

*** Succesful completion of either EC 101 or EC 102 is sufficient.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PSY 100 Orientation to Psychology (1+0+0) 1 ECTS 1
(Psikolojiye Yönlendirme)
Overview of both theoretical (e.g. neuroscience) and applied (e.g. clinical psychology) fields of Psychology. Discussion of problems that can be faced during psychology education and questions regarding possible career paths after graduation.

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Psikolojiye Giriş)
Introduction to psychology including basic psychological processes, such as perception, learning, motivation, as well as  theories of development, intelligence, personality, social relations and psychopathology. Overview of research methods in psychology to evaluate these theories and processes.

PSY 111 Fundamentals of Psychology I (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
(Psikolojinin Temelleri I)
Introduction to the principal areas and concepts of psychology, such as perception, learning, human development, emotion-motivation, personality, social relations and psychopathology for psychology majors. In-depth examination of selected topics from a scientific research perspective. Developing critical thinking skills in the context of academic writing in the field of psychology.

PSY 112 Fundamentals of Psychology II (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 8
(Psikolojinin Temelleri II)
A continuation of PSY 111 for psychology majors. Further topics in psychology such as sensation and perception, stress, states of consciousness. Further overview of academic writing principles in psychology and practising these skills.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111

PSY 201 Introduction to Statistics for Psychology I (4+2+0) 4 ECTS 8
(Psikoloji İçin İstatistiğe Giriş I )
Introduction to techniques of summarizing and interpreting social science data. Descriptive statistics; probability theory and probability distributions. Introductory laboratory techniques for data analysis in psychology. Statistical package programs for purposes of data analysis. Focus on data entry, coding, and descriptive statistics.

PSY 202 Introduction to Statistics for Psychology II (4+2+0) 4 ECTS 6
(Psikoloji İçin İstatistiğe Giriş II )
Introduction to statistical testing and estimation; non-parametric statistics, correlation and regression analysis. Statistical package programs for purposes of data analysis. Focus on inferential statistics.
Prerequisite: PSY 201.

PSY 222 Learning (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Öğrenme Psikolojisi)
Examination of theory and research in the psychology of learning with emphasis on historical and current issues. Problems and applications in topics such as conditioning, trial and error, insight learning, acquisition and forgetting, transfer of training, and behavior modification.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111 or Consent of Instructor.

PSY 228 Cognitive Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Bilişsel Psikoloji)
Survey of psychology as the science of mental processes, covering theoretical interpretation of experimental research on perception, attention, memory, language, reading, reasoning and problem solving.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111.

PSY 229 Animal Behavior (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Hayvan Davranışı)
A theoretical course offering a modern evolutionary approach to various behavior systems (e.g. mate selection, antipredator) of animals. Introduction of the functional (ultimate) versus causal (proximate) distinction in exploring behavior.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111.

PSY 233 Life Span Developmental Psychology I: Biological and Cognitive Processes (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Yaşam Boyu Gelişim Psikolojisi I: Biyolojik ve Bilişsel Süreçler)
Introduction to stages and processes of human development from birth to old age with reference to major psychological theories and empirical literature on biological and cognitive development.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111.

PSY 234 Life Span Developmental Psychology II: Personality and Social Processes (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Yaşam Boyu Gelişim Psikolojisi II: Kişilik ve Sosyal Süreçler) 
Introduction to stages and processes of human development from birth to old age with reference to major psychological theories and empirical literature on personality and social development.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111.

PSY 241 Social Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Sosyal Psikoloji)
Study of the individual in groups and society, including processes such as attitude formation and change, social influence and conformity, communication, and group dynamics.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111.

PSY 242 Social Influences on Behavior (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Sosyal Etki ve Davranış)
The study of effects of social stimuli on the individual, including socialization of the child into family, society and culture, formation and change of attitudes, moral development, psychological aspects of social change, and the like.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111.

PSY 251 Psychology of Personality (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Kişilik Psikolojisi)
Survey of major theories of personality as well as empirical studies on personality development, personality functioning, and psychopathology.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111 or consent of the instructor.

PSY 271 Introduction to Neuroscience: Brain and Behavior (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Sinirbilimine Giriş: Beyin ve Davranış)
Investigation of the physiological, neuroanatomical and pharmacological foundations of psychological phenomena such as learning, memory, emotions, perception and motivation.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111 or Consent of the instructor.

PSY 301 Research Methods in Psychology I (4+0+0) 4 ECTS 6
(Psikolojide Yöntemler I)
Introduction to the methodology and research techniques used in social sciences. The nature and organization of scientific knowledge in general and social scientific knowledge in particular. Overview of the general structure and features of the empirical research process. Formulation of research problems and hypotheses. Design of experiments.
Prerequisite: PSY 201 or consent of the instructor.

PSY 302 Research Methods in Psychology II (4+0+0) 4 ECTS 6
(Psikolojide Yöntemler II)
Techniques of data collection and analysis of data from experiments and surveys. Overview of basic statistical procedures and basic multivariate techniques. Introduction to more advanced techniques such as log-linear analysis and structural modeling.
Prerequisite: PSY 301.

PSY 304 Experimental Psychology (3+0+2) 4 ECTS 7
(Deneysel Psikoloji)
Laboratory experience in carrying out and writing up experiments in perception, attention, learning, memory and language.
Prerequisite: PSY 201 and PSY 202.

PSY 326 Human Memory (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Bellek)
A survey of theories and research concerned with processes in the acquisition, storage and retrieval of information, as well as selected additional topics in cognitive psychology.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111 or Consent of the instructor.

PSY 327 Sensation and Perception (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Duyu ve Algılama)
Focus on human sensation and perception, including such topics as different senses and their properties, laws of organization, perceptual illusions, and psychophysics.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111 or Consent of the instructor.

PSY 328 Psychology of Language (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Dil Psikolojisi)
An introduction to the field with focus on the psycholinguistic study of grammar, the biological foundations of language, speech comprehension, speech production, language acquisition and the relationship between language and thought.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111.

PSY 329 Advanced Cognitive Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(İleri Bilişsel Psikoloji)
Advanced treatment of current theories and empirical research in cognitive psychology.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111.

PSY 338 Psychology of Adolescence (3+0+0) 3 >ECTS 6
(Ergenlik Psikolojisi)
Survey of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development and adjustment in adolescence and youth.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111 or Consent of the instructor.

PSY 352 Issues in the Study of Personality (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Kişilik Psikolojisinde Konular)
In-depth exploration of important topics in personality theory and research with particular emphasis on contemporary developments in the various theoretical traditions.
Prerequisite: (PSY 101 or PSY 111.) and PSY 251.

PSY 357 Psychology of Creativity (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Yaratıcılık)
Survey of psychological theories of creativity with particular emphasis on varieties of creativity and the conditions supporting it.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111.

PSY 362 Measurement in Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Psikolojik Ölçme Tekniği)
Introduction to the nature and use of psychological tests, technical and methodological principles, and social and ethical considerations of testing. Introduction to a number of well-established individual intelligence and personality tests.
Prerequisite: PSY 201.

PSY 363 Abnormal Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Anormal Davranışlar Psikolojisi)
Examination of major approaches to the study of abnormal behavior, including a survey of the major categories of disorder according to DSM-IV.
Prerequisite: PSY 251 or consent of the instructor.

PSY 364 Child Psychopathology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6                                       
(Çocuk Psikopatolojisi)
Examination of trajectories leading to developmental deviances in childhood as well as in adolescence. Discussion of current research in specific diagnostic areas such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.
Prerequisite: (PSY 101 or PSY 111.) and (PSY 233 or PSY 234).

PSY 377 Physiological Psychology (3+0+0) 3  ECTS 6
(Fizyolojik Psikoloji)
The study of the structure of the nervous system, sensory and motor functions, neural and chemical bases of basic psychological processes such as learning, emotion and memory.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 411 Theories in Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
(Psikolojide Kuramlar)
Critical survey of the history of psychology covering schools of thought such as structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology and psychoanalysis with particular emphasis on controversies such as mechanism vs. humanism, nature vs. nurture, the problem of relevance and ethical issues in psychological research.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111 or Consent of the instructor.

PSY 412 Contemporary Perspectives on Theory in Psychology (3+0+0) 3
(Psikoloji Kuramlarında Güncel Yaklaşımlar)
Overview of developments in recent decades in psychology, with general focus on theoretical advances in the field and particular advances in selected domains (such as cognitive or developmental or dynamic psychology) so as to reflect the current state of theory and research.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 427 Advanced Learning (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(İleri Öğrenme Teknolojisi)
Detailed analysis of contemporary learning theories and in depth treatment of concepts in learning such as blocking, conditioned inhibition, and overshadowing.
Prerequisites: PSY 222.

PSY 428 Language Acquisition (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Dil Edinimi)
In-depth survey of basic processes in language acquisition with focus on cognitive prerequisites, syntactic structures, morphological rules, lexicon, pragmatics and narrative structure. Consideration of different theoretical approaches and controversial issues such as innate vs. learned, modular vs. general.
Prerequisites: PSY 101 or PSY 111 or PSY 233 or PSY 328 or consent of the instructor.

PSY 443 Culture and Behavior (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Kültür ve Davranış)
Examination of the cultural context of behavior and psychological processes, and the relationship between psychology and culture. Critical appraisal of psychological theory and knowledge from a cultural and cross-cultural perspective.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111.

PSY 448 Practical Applications in Psychology (1+4+4) 3 ECTS 6
(Psikolojide Pratik Uygulamalar)
Practical work in a designated areas such as interpersonal relations and peer counseling, skill training programs for hospitals, retirement homes, industry and the like.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 458 Family Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Aile Psikolojisi)
Examination of psychological formulation of family life; gender, generation and interaction processes in the context of culture and the family life cycle.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 464 Clinical Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Klinik Psikoloji)
An overview of the profession of clinical psychology. The roles and functions of the clinical psychologist as compared to other related professions and areas of psychology. Legal and ethical issues and the status of the mental health professions in Turkey.
Prerequisite: PSY 363.

PSY 466 Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Endüstri ve Örgüt Psikolojisi)
Study of the operation of psychological variables in organizations and their effect on the functioning of industrial and other institutions. Effective utilization of individuals in organizations.
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or PSY 111 or Consent of the Instructor.

PSY 467 Health Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Sağlık Psikolojisi) 
Topics of current enquiry in the psychology of health and illness ranging from behavioral risk factors and healthy behaviors to counseling of patients with various chronic illnesses.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 468 Approaches to Psychotherapy (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Psikoterapiye Yaklaşımlar)
Comparative examination of various approaches to psychotherapy and behavior change including case examples and other applied material.
Prerequisite: PSY 363.

PSY 472 Neuroscience (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Sinirbilim)
Study of the structure and function of the nervous system, particularly the brain, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation of the neural substrates of behavior.
Prerequisite: PSY 271 or PSY 272.

PSY 479 Psychopharmacology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Psikofarmakoloji) 
Neurochemical bases of psychological phenomena with emphasis on the mechanisms that modulate behavior at the synaptic level.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 480 Selected Topics in Learning (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Öğrenme Psikolojisinde Seçilmiş Konular)
A focused study of topics of special interest within the domain of learning.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 482 Selected Topics in Clinical Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Klinik Psikolojide Seçilmis Konular)
A focused study of topics of special interest within the domain of clinical psychology including professional issues, specific therapies, clinical assessment, and psychopathological syndromes.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 484 Selected Topics in Cognitive Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Bilimsel Psikolojide Seçilmis Konular)
In-depth examination of selected topics in the area of cognitive psychology.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 486 Selected Topics in Motivation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Güdülenme Psikolojisinde Seçilmis Konular)
An examination of various approaches to psychological and behavior change including case examples and other applied material.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 487 Selected Topics in Organizational Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Örgütsel Psikolojide Seçilmiş Konular)
Selected topics in organizational psychology covered in depth.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 488 Selected Topics in Individual Differences (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Bireysel Farklılıklar Psikolojisinde Seçilmis Konular)
Theoretical and empirical issues in the study of individual differences examined within the context of a number of selected topics.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 491 Readings and Research in Biological Psychology (1+0+4) 3 Pass/Fail ECTS 5
(Biyolojik Psikolojide Okuma ve Araştırmalar)  
Supervised laboratory research on a topic of biological psychology.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 494 Readings and Research in Human Development (3+0+0) 3 Pass/Fail ECTS 5
(İnsan Gelişiminde Okuma ve Araştırmalar)
Supervised reading and research in an area of human development.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 495 Readings and Research in General Psychology I (1+0+4) 3 Pass/Fail ECTS 5
(Genel Psikolojide Okuma ve Araştırmalar I)
Supervised field or laboratory research on a topic of the student's choice.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 496 Readings and Research in General Psychology II (1+0+4) 3 Pass/Fail ECTS 5
(Genel Psikolojide Okuma ve Araştırmalar II)
Supervised field or laboratory research on a topic of the student's choice.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 498 Readings and Research in the Psychology of Communication (2+0+2) 3 Pass/Fail ECTS 5
(İletişim Psikolojisinde Okuma ve Araştırmalar)
Supervised reading and research in selected areas of communication.
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

PSY 48A-Z Selected Topics in Psychology (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6                 
(Psikolojide Seçilmis Konular)
Study of selected topics in psychology not covered in other courses.

PSY 49A-Z Readings and Research in Psychology (1+0+4) 3 Pass/Fail ECTS 5
(Psikolojide Okuma ve Araştırmalar)                                                              
Readings and supervised research in areas of psychology not covered in other Readings and Research courses offered by the Department.