Learning outcomes

The course in general psychology aims to provide students with fundamental and cross-disciplinary knowledge of psychology as a scientific discipline. By the end of the course, students will be able to:


  • Describe and explain the major concepts of general psychology (perception, memory, emotions, motivation, personality, etc.).
  • Identify and compare the main schools of thought and theoretical approaches in psychology.
  • Understand and apply methodological principles in psychological research.
  • Analyze concrete situations using concepts of general psychology.
  • Relate psychological mechanisms to biological and behavioral foundations.


Contextualized examples by track


  • Medicine: recognize the influence of stress on health and on the doctor-patient relationship.
  • Pharmacy: understand the role of emotions and cognitions in therapeutic adherence and pharmacist-patient communication. This course is a prerequisite for the practical course Pharmacist–Patient Relationship.
  • Biomedical Sciences: analyze biological mechanisms related to cognitive processes and behavior. This course is a prerequisite for the neuroscience course.


General transversal learning outcomes


  • Develop critical thinking: the ability to analyze scientific information and distinguish between facts, hypotheses, and beliefs.


Learning outcomes related to sustainable development


  • Understand the importance of mental and social well-being as a sustainable resource for students and future health professionals.
  • Develop an approach to health that integrates psychological, biological, social, and environmental dimensions.
  • Become aware of the role of health professionals and researchers in social and ecological responsibility, particularly in promoting environments conducive to health and sustainability.
  • Raise awareness of the impact of psychology on disease prevention, mental health promotion, and reducing social inequalities in health.
  • Foster a reflective attitude on consumption, health, and prevention practices in light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
  • Integrate into the training program a reflection on sustainable well-being, both individual and collective.
  • Anchor psychological education in a logic of ethics, solidarity, and sustainability.


Goals

Objectives of the theoretical course

The course aims to provide students with:



  • The scientific foundations in psychology necessary to understand human beings in their entirety.
  • A general psychological culture encompassing different fields: biological, cognitive, affective, social, and psychopathological.
  • The ability to establish interdisciplinary links between psychology, medicine, pharmacy, and biomedical sciences.



Specific objectives by track



  • Medicine: integrate psychological knowledge into clinical practice for a better understanding of patients and their mental health.
  • Pharmacy: use psychological tools to improve pharmacist-patient relationships, particularly in therapeutic support.
  • Biomedical Sciences: understand psychobiological mechanisms to better connect fundamental research with clinical applications.



Content

The content is structured into thematic modules:



  • Introduction to psychology: definitions, history, and main schools of thought.
  • Scientific methodology: experimental approach, observation, data analysis.
  • Biological bases: behavioral genetics, sensory systems, and perception.
  • Cognitive functions: memory, learning, intelligence, language, thinking.
  • Affective and motivational life: emotions, motivation, affect regulation.
  • Social psychology: interactions, influence, group dynamics.
  • Development and personality: life stages, personality theories.
  • Psychopathology: semiology, stress and mental health, therapeutic approaches.


Some modules may be developed in greater depth depending on the lecturer’s choices.

Table of contents

The course may include:


  • Introduction: definitions and research methods in psychology
  • Biological bases of behavior: the nervous system
  • Sensation and perception
  • Consciousness and states of consciousness
  • Learning and conditioning
  • Memory
  • Thinking, language, and intelligence
  • Motivation and emotions
  • Stress
  • Human development
  • Personality: theories and assessment
  • Social psychology
  • Psychopathology and mental health care


Some sections may be developed in greater depth depending on the lecturer’s choices.

Teaching methods

  • Lectures with visual support (slides, videos).
  • Progressive articulation with subsequent courses in neuroscience, medical psychology, and pharmacist-patient relationship.


Important:


  • For reasons of pedagogical continuity, this course must be taken in the academic year preceding regular enrollment in neuroscience, medical psychology, or pharmacist-patient relationship practical sessions.
  • Anticipating this course is not recommended for pedagogical reasons.


Assessment method

Theoretical part

  • Written exam (e.g., multiple choice, short-answer questions, essay), possibly supplemented or replaced by an oral exam.
  • Additional assignments, workshops, or portfolios may contribute to the grade.



Adaptations:

Evaluation methods may be adjusted in case of exceptional circumstances, whether related to course organization or independent of it (e.g., public health situations).

Sources, references and any support material

  • Main / course textbook: Karen Huffman, Introduction to Psychology (latest edition, De Boeck Supérieur).


  • Lecture slides and recordings


  • Online resources (Webcampus).


  • Complementary resources:
  • Martin Desseilles & Moïra Mikolajczak, Better Living with Emotions, Odile Jacob.
  • Department of Psychology, UNamur, Mini-guide on Student Well-being.


Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Pharmacy Standard 0 3
Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences Standard 0 3
Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences Standard 2 3
Bachelor in Pharmacy Standard 2 3