How can we break bad habits? How can we start healthy habits? This course will explore the science of behaviour change, examining how to go from where you are to where you want to be. Students will learn core knowledge of the field of behaviour change from psychology and behavioural economics. Topics include goal setting and goal pursuit, self-regulation, motivation, dealing with temptations, nudges, and habits. Students will read primary sources and learn how to critically evaluate research and scientific claims. Critically, students will not only learn theory but will be instructed on how to apply what they learn in class to their everyday lives where students work on improving their own habits.
Social and Behavioural Sciences
Priority will be given to fourth-year students in the Specialist/Specialist Co-op programs and Major/Major Co-op programs in Psychology and Mental Health Studies. Third-year students in these programs will be admitted as space permits. Students in a Specialist/Specialist Co-op Program in Psychology, Mental Health Studies or Neuroscience may take a maximum of 1.0 PSY/NRO D-level credits. Students in a Major/Major Co-op Program in Psychology, Mental Health Studies or Neuroscience may take a maximum of 0.5 PSY/NRO D-level credits per major. Students in the Minor Program in Psychology are not typically eligible for enrolment in PSY/NRO D-level courses. PSYD98Y3/NROD98Y3 are excluded from these limits. Please see this website for full information