LESSONS
TPSY101 Introduction to Psychology I
This course is designed to provide students with a general overview of the field of psychology. It introduces various psychological approaches, major theories, psychological research, and practical applications. Key topics covered in the course include the functioning of sensory, perceptual, and memory mechanisms; basic definitions in social psychology; socialization; personality; learning theories; and general approaches in psychology.
TPSY103 Basic Mathematics
This course revises basic arithmetic operations such as the four basic operations, order of operations, fractions, and decimals. Students will also learn to calculate area, perimeter, and basic volumes of geometric shapes. The course includes conversions between fractions, decimals, and percentages, as well as problem-solving, interpreting data from tables and graphs, and solving simple equations.
TPHIL101 Introduction to Philosophy
Although there are various definitions of philosophy, this course explores it as the study of reality, causes, principles of existence, and concepts such as thinking. Topics include theories of existence, knowledge, values, personal attitudes toward life, reflective thinking, perception of the whole, logical analysis of language, and problem-solving.
EFL101 Developing Reading Skills
The aim of this course is to improve students' reading and comprehension skills in English through selected texts. As students read more texts, they will enhance their comprehension skills. In addition to understanding the main ideas, they will analyze and interpret implied meanings within the texts.
BIL103 Introduction to Computers and Information Systems I
This course is designed to equip social science students with basic computer skills and the ability to use software packages effectively. It reviews fundamental DOS and Windows programs. Students will learn how to create, load, and save files in Microsoft Word and use its menu functions effectively.
TURK100 Turkish Writing I
This course is conducted online in accordance with the curriculum and conditions set by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Topics include the fundamental characteristics of written communication, differences between written and spoken language, types of expression (subjective and objective), types of paragraphs (introduction, development, and conclusion), definitions and types of texts (informative and literary), textual coherence and cohesion, purpose, acceptability, situationality, informativeness, intertextuality, and more. Students will also learn structured writing techniques, how to summarize and outline a text, and correct language and expression errors in written assignments.
TPSY102 Introduction to Psychology II
This course is a continuation of PSY101. Topics include lifespan development, language development and thinking, social pressure, personality and its measurement, an introduction to abnormal behavior, stress and coping strategies, therapeutic approaches, and basic techniques.
TPSY104 English for Psychology
The aim of this course is to introduce students to basic academic writing rules used in psychology, particularly the APA format. Students will learn how to properly structure their academic work, reduce bias in written language, understand and avoid plagiarism, cite sources within the text, and write reference lists.
TSOC104 Introduction to Sociology
Sociology is a field closely related to psychology. This course focuses on the systematic study and observation of society. In addition to the fundamental principles and theories of sociology, students will explore different cultures, institutions, and social phenomena.
EFL102 Developing Writing Skills
This support course aims to develop students' writing skills, including structure formation, paragraph development, and summarization. Students will improve their advanced reading skills, learn to read between the lines, make real-life connections using quotes from texts, understand cultural similarities and differences, and engage in analysis, synthesis, and critical evaluations in their writing. They will also be able to produce different types of essays, conduct library and internet research, and master the basics of citation, paraphrasing, and referencing in academic writing.
BIL104 Introduction to Computers and Information Systems II
The main objective of this course is to teach students how to use basic software applications, such as PowerPoint and Excel. It builds on the skills learned in COMP103 and equips students with essential technological competencies for both academic and professional life.
TURK200 Turkish Writing II
This course is a continuation of TURK001 and is conducted online in accordance with the curriculum and requirements set by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
Topics include the fundamental features of spoken language and oral communication; key elements of speaking skills (using natural language and body language); principles of effective speaking; characteristics of a good speaker (emphasis, intonation, pausing, diction, etc.); impromptu and prepared speech; stages of prepared speech (selecting and narrowing down a topic, identifying purpose and perspective, outlining main and supporting ideas, writing the script, delivering the speech).
Speech types covered include: dialogues, interviews, self-introduction, answering questions, celebrating important events (New Year, birthdays, holidays, etc.), giving directions, phone conversations, job interviews, conducting interviews, participating in radio/TV programs, cultural/art discussions, etc.
The course also involves impromptu speeches on various topics, analyzing speech examples, and correcting language and expression mistakes in oral presentations.
TPSY211 Research Design in Psychology
This course covers fundamental research methods in psychology, with an emphasis on experimental design. Topics include various experimental designs, appropriate statistical methods for data analysis, and scientific report writing.
TPSY213 Critical Thinking Skills
The aim of this course is to develop students' critical thinking skills. Critical thinking plays a vital role in decision-making by helping us evaluate whether we are arriving at accurate or flawed conclusions. Students will learn how to assess the adequacy of information, distinguish between strong and weak arguments, justify their reasoning, understand others more accurately, and anticipate potential future problems using critical thinking strategies.
TPSY251 Social Psychology I
This course introduces students to major theories, methods, and research topics in the field of social psychology. Subjects include social perception, attitudes, and interpersonal interaction.
TPSY221 Developmental Psychology I
This course presents theories and approaches related to human development across the lifespan. It covers various areas of development, including personality, psychosocial, cognitive/intellectual, language, and physical development.
TCS201 Communication Skills I
This course focuses on advanced writing skills commonly used in government and private sectors. It aims to teach students how to write in standardized formats for professional settings, particularly in preparing informative and analytical reports suitable for managerial contexts.
TAR100 National History I
This course is conducted online in accordance with YÖK guidelines. Topics include: definitions and concepts, teaching methods, and sources; the Industrial and French Revolutions; the decline of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century; the Tanzimat and Islahat Edicts; the First and Second Constitutional Eras; the Italo-Turkish and Balkan Wars; World War I; the Armistice of Mudros; the Wilson Principles; the Paris Peace Conference; Mustafa Kemal’s arrival in Samsun and the situation in Anatolia; the Amasya Circular; National Congresses; the opening of the Ottoman Parliament; the establishment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM); domestic uprisings; the Fundamental Organization Act; the founding of the regular army; the Battles of First and Second İnönü, Kütahya-Eskişehir, Sakarya, and the Great Offensive; treaties during the War of Independence; the Treaty of Lausanne; and the abolition of the Sultanate.
TPSY204 Biological Bases of Behavior
This course aims to introduce students to the structure and function of neurons, brain anatomy, psychopharmacology, and sensory and motor systems. It also explores the relationship between behavior and physiology.
TPSY218 Statistics and Research Methods I
This course examines statistical analyses frequently used in psychology and behavioral sciences. Topics include hypothesis testing, multiple ANOVA, multiple regression, non-parametric methods, and the general linear model. Students will develop research skills relevant to psychological studies. The course also includes computer-based applications, with intensive instruction in SPSS software.
TPSY240 Clinical Psychology I
This course covers traditional practices in clinical psychology. It focuses on theories and techniques used in behavioral assessment and the treatment of psychological disorders. Students will examine different schools of thought, historical and modern definitions of “normal” and “abnormal,” and ethical issues in clinical practice.
TPSY284 Experimental Psychology
In this course, students explore learning theories and related research topics. Key subjects include classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement and reinforcement schedules. The course also covers attention and memory processes, the structure and function of long- and short-term memory, and how information is stored, encoded, and retrieved.
TCS202 Communication Skills II
This course serves as an introduction to the principles and fundamentals of experimental research. It covers applied research methods, including identifying problems, generating hypotheses, designing research, collecting and analyzing data. Topics also encompass political, social, economic, and managerial dimensions of communication-related issues.
TAR200 National History II
This course is a continuation of NH001 and is delivered online in accordance with YÖK standards. It covers political revolutions, the formation of political parties, attempts to transition to a multi-party system, legal reforms, regulation of social life, economic modernization, Turkish foreign policy from 1923–1938, and foreign policy after Atatürk. The course also discusses the core principles of the Turkish Revolution: Republicanism, Populism, Secularism, Reformism, Statism, and Nationalism, as well as supplementary principles.
TPSY321 Cognitive Psychology
This course aims to teach the basic concepts and terminology of cognitive psychology, exploring its historical development and processes such as perception, attention, states of consciousness, memory, language, thinking, and problem-solving. As cognitive psychology is a research-intensive field, the course will also examine recent studies and the neurological mechanisms underlying cognitive processes.
TPSY331 Psychological Testing and Measurement
This course covers the basic principles of psychological tests and measurements, including test development, reliability and validity indices, and test standardization. Intelligence tests, aptitude tests, personality tests, and inventories will be discussed within the scope of the course.
TPSY337 Industrial and Organizational Psychology
This course explores the relationship between employees' work environments, behaviors, and well-being. Topics such as job analysis, measurement techniques, employee training, and work motivation are examined from a human resources perspective. The course also introduces the requirements for a healthy work environment.
TPSY361 Personality and Its Assessment
The aim of this course is to introduce fundamental personality theories and to teach how basic personality assessments are conducted. Topics include behavioral observation, clinical interviews, test selection and administration, scoring, and interpretation. Personality tests used with both children and adults will be presented. The course covers definitions of personality, theoretical debates, psychodynamic, humanistic, and existential approaches, early emotional and social development, cognitive self-concept, locus of control, achievement, gender-specific changes, assumptions of personality tests, evaluation scales, and the administration of commonly used projective and objective personality tests.
TPSY301 Pre-Thesis Study
This course serves as a preparatory phase for Thesis I and Thesis II. Students will define their thesis topics, develop research proposals, and plan their research process in collaboration with their academic advisors.
TPSY312 Ethics and History of Psychology
This course explores the historical roots of modern psychology and the influence of philosophy, physiology, and culture on its development. It also examines the evolution of major schools of thought, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame these. Contributions of key figures in shaping modern psychology will be analyzed. Additionally, the ethical principles underpinning the field of psychology and the responsibilities of psychologists will be discussed.
TPSY318 Statistics and Research Methods II
This course focuses on quantitative techniques used in data collection, including observation, unstructured interviews, and in-depth interviews. It aims to provide students with practical skills necessary for implementing these techniques.
TPSY322 Developmental Psychology II
A continuation of Developmental Psychology I, this course addresses psychological challenges that arise during various life stages. It explores the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive changes experienced during adolescence, adulthood, and old age, and their effects on individuals.
TPSY352 Social Psychology II
This course is a continuation of Social Psychology I. Topics include group dynamics, intergroup interaction, group formation and maintenance, cooperation, competition, prosocial behavior, and aggression. The course also introduces applied fields such as work psychology, environmental psychology, and health psychology.
TPSY338 Health Psychology
This course examines theoretical approaches in the growing field of health psychology, focusing on how psychological factors affect health. Topics include health beliefs and attributions, stress and illness, pain management, overeating and substance use, and the role of psychology in the treatment and recovery of diseases such as AIDS and cancer.
TPSY344 Clinical Psychology II
The aim of this course is to study psychological disorders in detail. It includes diagnosing, classifying, and working on case studies based on given criteria. The course expands on the scope of clinical psychology, teaching students how psychological disorders are categorized, their causes, and how to assist clients in overcoming these disorders. Students will develop skills for conceptualizing cases, building rapport with clients, understanding anxiety levels, identifying obsessions and triggers, and coping strategies. The course also covers the foundational principles of modern psychotherapy methods.
TPSY348 Counseling and Psychotherapy
This course provides students with an overview of psychotherapeutic practices and how different approaches have been developed. The effectiveness and practical applications of psychotherapy are evaluated within an ethical framework. Approaches such as psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and various clinical models will be explored.
PSY001 Internship
After completing their third-year courses, students are required to complete a 30-working-day summer internship at a pre-approved institution. Psychology students undertake internships to gain hands-on experience and familiarize themselves with the professional fields they are interested in. Internships are arranged with input from the internship coordinator, ensuring alignment with students' career interests.
TPSY401 – Thesis I
To graduate, students are required to prepare a senior thesis under the supervision of a faculty member, applying the theoretical knowledge they have gained throughout their undergraduate education. Equipped with sufficient knowledge of research methods in psychology, students will develop hypotheses on chosen topics and conduct descriptive or experimental studies based on their research designs. The results will be written in a formal project report following APA style guidelines.
TPSY402 – Thesis II
This course is the continuation of TPSY401.
ELECTIVE COURSES
TPSY301 – Pre-Thesis Elective
This is a compulsory elective course offered in the third year. Its aim is to assist students in completing a research project in an area of psychology that aligns with their academic or professional interests. Students are expected to work under the guidance of their academic supervisors throughout the research process.
TPSY341 – Environmental Psychology
This course focuses on behaviors associated with the physical environment. It explores theories and research methods related to person-environment interaction. Key topics include environmental perception and cognition, environmental stressors, pollution, crowding, territoriality, and personal space.
TPSY342 – Psychopathology
This course provides comprehensive knowledge about the symptoms and definitions of mental disorders, their etiology according to major psychological theories, and treatment methods. It also aims to provide a critical perspective on concepts such as psychopathology and mental illness through various theoretical lenses.
TPSY380 – Educational and School Psychology
This course offers an introduction to the psychological foundations of educational systems. It examines the development and learning processes of children, adolescents, and adults, as well as teacher behaviors and the broader applications of psychology in education. It includes the structuring, validity, and use of classroom assessment and evaluation processes.
TPSY382 – Cross-Cultural Psychology
This course focuses on psychological theory, cross-cultural methodology, and applications. It also examines how cultural differences are managed in intercultural interactions.
TPSY347 – Psychology of Aging
This course analyzes the factors affecting elderly individuals. It highlights age-related physiological, cognitive, perceptual, personality, and interpersonal changes.
TPSY449 – Gender-Focused Issues
This course explores dominant methodologies and evolving central themes in psychology related to gender and sexuality. It also examines various theoretical perspectives and their historical development. Topics include debates surrounding femininity and masculinity, as well as issues such as rape, pornography, and violence.
TPSY451 – Substance Abuse and Individual Behavior Patterns
This course examines drug use, addiction, and the biochemistry of behavior. It covers the history, biochemistry, primary effects, and side effects of psychotropic drug prescriptions. The course also aims to prepare students to work with patients using such medications and monitor side effects and contraindications. It includes ethical and methodological approaches to working with healthcare professionals.
TPSY460 – Forensic Psychology
The objective of this course is to provide an overview of clinical forensic psychology. It covers topics such as forensic psychology practice, ethical concerns, legal competency, expert testimony, and the nature of criminal responsibility.
TPSY455 – Child Abuse and Neglect
This course discusses the types and psychological processes of child abuse. It addresses research methodologies and findings, as well as key elements of psychological interviewing and therapy. Legal aspects of child abuse and neglect are also covered.
TPSY476 – Criminology
This course investigates the causes, types, and effects of crime and explores its psychological context within human behavior. Main topics include crime, criminality, forensic institutions, and related psychological processes.
TPSY477 – Special Topics in Experimental Psychology
This course focuses on a specific area within experimental psychology—such as cognitive, social, or developmental psychology—based on the instructor’s area of specialization.
TPSY478 – Special Topics in Applied Psychology
This course allows in-depth exploration of a specific area within applied psychology, tailored to the expertise of the instructor.
The GAU Psychology Department is a four-year undergraduate program. Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Psychologists utilize theories and research to observe, explain, describe, or identify any behavior or behavioral patterns in various settings.
The curriculum and practical components of the Psychology Department are designed to develop students' knowledge and skills related to the concepts, theories, and methods of psychology. The courses are structured around diverse perspectives such as developmental, cognitive, physiological, environmental, and cross-cultural psychology. Knowledge from major psychological approaches forms the basis for the critical examination of what is considered "normal" and what is viewed as "psychopathological."
These courses serve as analytical tools for exploring complex psychological topics and contribute to students' understanding of both research-based and professional practitioner approaches in the field. Moreover, through direct experience, they foster understanding and empathy — key characteristics of a competent professional in psychology.
Over time, the field of psychology has evolved and branched into many subfields, including clinical psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, experimental psychology, sports psychology, neuropsychology, and social psychology. The goal of our department is to train competent psychologists who will work within ethical principles and professional responsibilities.
The objectives of the department are to provide students with knowledge in various areas of psychology, to promote critical and creative thinking, enhance perceptual skills, teach techniques for conducting field research, and develop the ability to collect and analyze scientific data.
Our core courses are designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge across all major areas of psychology. The curriculum is divided into eight semesters, and graduation projects along with a summer internship are also part of the program.
Students enrolled in the undergraduate program are required to complete forty-one courses, totaling 123 credits. Additionally, students must satisfactorily pass non-credit compulsory courses in Turkish and National History in order to graduate.
In the first two years, students take introductory psychology courses as well as common university courses such as mathematics, computer science, and Turkish. In the final two years, students focus on core psychology courses related to research, practice, and theory, along with mandatory elective courses. Furthermore, after the third year, students are required to complete an internship at an external institution and take Thesis I and Thesis II courses in order to graduate.
1.To be able to identify current and existing historical content known in psychology.
2.To be able to distinguish the various fields of psychology and to study what is known in each.
3.Demonstrate familiarity with basic concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in psychology
4.Ability to apply psychological content and skills to career goals
5.Ability to construct, critically analyze and evaluate complex arguments
6.To be able to apply basic research methods sensitive to ethical principles in psychology
7.Ability to identify the American Psychological Association (APA) writing style
8.Ability to understand the role of academic, professional and personal integrity in maintaining a healthy community.
9.Ability to recognize and describe the ways in which they influence various psychological processes
10.Distinguish important behavioral factors associated with personal and cultural diversity that enable the intervention process in therapy
11.Ability to demonstrate effective communication skills in accordance with the purpose and context of professional contracts in psychology.
Faculty of Humanities, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (241 ECTS).
To complete the undergraduate program, Psychology undergraduate program students are required to take 41 courses.
Students who successfully complete the program must not have received a grade of "F" in any course.
Graduating students can receive their diplomas provided that they have completed at least 123 credits and have a GPA of 2.00 or higher.
The program aims to provide its graduates with the basic concepts, theories and methods of modern psychology, as well as research techniques and different psychological perspectives, as well as understanding, empathy and critical thinking skills, which are the most important characteristics of a professional's competence in the field of psychology. Therefore, graduates can work in a wide range of fields such as human resources departments, clinics, schools, counseling centers, industry, laboratories, prisons, hospitals, management positions, private or public organizations providing psychological services or counseling.
After graduation, they can complete their master's degree and become Expert Psychologists or, in addition, they can teach at universities after obtaining their doctoral degree. In addition, they can work in rehabilitation centers, prisons, ministry of justice, psychological research centers, kindergartens, nurseries, nursing homes, family health centers, mental health centers or they can work as consultant psychologists in Metropolitan Municipalities. Today, the science of psychology has a wide range of applications and uses in many disciplines such as industry, education, health, security, art, informatics.
The aim of psychology education is to understand, describe, explain, control, predict and improve behavior. Our courses are therefore designed to achieve the core objectives underpinning individual courses using psychological perspectives such as developmental, cognitive, physiological, environmental, cross-cultural and psychopathological. Our competent professional courses in psychology become analytical tools in the study of complex psychological problems and provide you with first-hand experience that helps you develop an understanding of both research and practitioner approaches to the field, as well as the types of understanding and empathy that characterize it.
Our students have a wide range of psychology courses to choose from, but the program also includes additional experiences and opportunities beyond the classroom. Upon completion of a two-year period, students split into two tracks, the Research Track and the Professional Track, to focus on their chosen field.
Our graduates can study foreign languages and participate in graduate programs abroad or take advantage of job opportunities. In addition, nationally and internationally recognized graduate programs in Applied Social Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Health Psychology are offered.
It emphasizes the importance of using modern concepts and techniques as well as traditional methods used in education and training in Turkish Psychology. Class attendance is compulsory for all courses in the department. Depending on the course and the instructor, various training methods are used. Among these methods, computer-aided practical applications are also demonstrated to better understand the theory taught and to develop practical skills. The application of different teaching techniques also helps students to stay interested in the course. In order to provide basic theory knowledge on each subject, traditional classroom work is a must. For this reason, a minimum of 75 percent attendance is expected in all courses.
The Department of Psychology has organized courses and practical experiences to ensure that students learn the concepts, theories and methods of psychology. The psychology undergraduate program brings students to the graduate level after graduation or provides employment opportunities in all relevant fields that require psychological knowledge and skills.
Students who complete their graduation projects prepare a graduation project at the end of the semester. Since 2007, a distance education system has been used as a course support system. This system is accessed via the web at e-learning. Gau.edu.tr address. This system offers different possibilities for education and training. Announcements about the course and sharing electronic materials with students are some of the uses of this system. At the same time, it helps students to be more active than in a traditional classroom setting by providing a platform for discussion with their instructors and peers on specific topics related to the course.
Some of the main features of this system;
-Submission of the assigned homework
-Establishment of a discussion platform
-File sharing
-Rating
-Instant messaging over the system
-Online calendar
-Online news and announcements
-Online test
-Fast information access
It also reduces paper waste and ensures equality and transparency for each student. This system, like many other social networking services, allows all students and instructors enrolled in the course to see incoming messages. Therefore, it is a contemporary way of education used outside the classroom to communicate with students and plan an activity. The way the system is used in the department depends on the course and the instructor.
To graduate from the undergraduate programs of our faculty, students are required to meet the following conditions:
1.Credit Load and Course Completion:
Students must successfully complete all required and elective courses specified in their program and fulfill a minimum course load of 123 credits.
2.Grade Point Average (GPA):
To graduate, students must have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
3.Disciplinary and Financial Obligations:
Students must not have any disciplinary penalties that would result in dismissal from the university and must have fulfilled all financial and administrative obligations before graduation procedures.
4.Internship Obligation:
Students are obliged to do at least one semester of compulsory internship during their education. The internship must be completed on time and in full in accordance with the rules of the relevant department.
5.Thesis Process:
Before graduation, students are required to successfully complete three separate courses: Pre-Thesis Preparation, Thesis I and Thesis II.