top of page

Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology is dedicated to studying human behaviour, thoughts, and emotions scientifically. We share related knowledge and provide opportunities for that. 

Table of Contents

Cover Image for What is Psychology
27393e4940a3d172c78e9d14510c4b58.jpg
Purple Background
Purple Background

What is Psychology?

By Elaine Wu

Definition

Psychology is the study of how people think, feel, and behave. It helps us understand why we do and what we do. It looks at the brain, emotions, behavior, and how we interact with others.

Why It Matters?

Psychology helps people live better lives and understand themselves better. It helps treat mental health problems like stress, anxiety, and depression. It also helps in schools, hospitals, and even sports by understanding how people work best.

Skills and understandings needed

Technical Skills

  • Data Analytics

  • Bioinformatics

  • Regulatory Compliance

  • Generative AI and Machine Learning

Soft Skills

  • Cross-functional collaboration

  • Communication

Most Recent Accomplishment

One of the most recent accomplishments in psychology is that many psychologists now help people using video calls or phones, which makes it easier for more people to get help. New rules and laws are also being made to make mental health care faster and easier to get. Young psychologists are being recognized with awards for their great work. Psychology is also becoming more welcoming to everyone, no matter where they come from. And now, there is more support for psychologists too, so they can take care of their own mental health while helping others.

Famous Innovations or Applications

  • Therapy and counseling

  • Personality tests (like the MBTI and Big Five)

  • Mental health apps

  • Understanding learning styles and helping students in school

  • Helping police or businesses understand behavior

Projects for College Students or DIY Ideas

  • Make a stress journal or mood tracker

  • Try a simple memory experiment with friends

  • Create a survey on emotions and analyze the results

  • Volunteer to help raise mental health awareness

Career Paths

  • Psychologist

  • Psychotherapist

  • School Psychologist

  • Sports or Health Psychologist

  • Human Resources or Marketing Specialist

Required Skills

  • Active listening

  • Communication

  • Critical thinking

  • Problem-solving

  • Interest in how people think and feel

Works Cited

What are Emotions?

By Elaine Wu

What is it?

Emotion is how we feel and react to things that happen around us. It's made up of three parts:

  • What we feel inside, like being happy or sad.

  • How our body reacts, like a fast heartbeat or sweaty hands.

  • What we show on the outside, like a smile or tears.

Psychologists study emotions to understand how feelings affect the way we think, act, and treat other people.

Why does it matter?

Emotions are a big part of our lives. They help us make decisions, build relationships, and stay safe. Learning about emotions can help us handle stress, talk about how we feel, and get along better with others. It also helps people who are struggling with strong feelings like anger or sadness.

Recent Accomplishment

Scientists found that talking about your feelings can actually help you feel better-this is called "name it to tame it." Schools and jobs are now teaching people how to understand and handle emotions. There are also apps to track your mood and brain scans that show where emotions happen in the brain.

Real World Impact

  • Schools: Kids who learn how to understand and control their emotions do better in class. Many schools now teach emotional skills along with reading and math.

  • Work: Employees with strong emotional skills, like staying calm or handling stress, are better at teamwork, leadership, and customer service. Companies now give emotional intelligence training to help workers get along better.

  • Relationships: Understanding your own emotions and other people builds stronger friendships, families, and partnerships.

Famous Innovations:

  • Emotional intelligence (EQ) training.

  • Therapy to help people with strong or painful emotions.

  • Affective computing, technology to recognize, interpret, and respond to human emotions.

  • Relaxation tools like mindfulness.

Projects for College Students or DIY Ideas

  • Write down how you feel each day and see if you notice any patterns.

  • Do a small survey on what makes people feel calm or excited.

  • Draw or paint some artwork that shows how different emotions look or feel to you.

  • Make a video showing one emotion and how it changes behavior.

Works Cited

  • APA - Emotion. This explains what emotions are and why they matter. https://www.apa.org/topics/emotions

  • The Science of Emotions - UWA. Talks about how psychologists study emotions and what affects them.
    https://online.uwa.edu/news/emotional-psychology/

  • What Actually Are Emotions - Psychology Today. Breaks down what emotions really are in simple terms.
    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-purpose/202408/what-actually-are-emotions

  • YouTube Videos
    CrashCourse: Emotions
    SciShow Psych: What Are Emotions?

bottom of page