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Ministry-approved title: Bachelor of Behavioural Science
ENTRANCE AWARD AVAILABLE
If you have an interest in changing human behaviour and a desire to help others improve their quality of life, then this interdisciplinary program is for you. Develop the in-demand skills of implementing Applied Behaviour Analysis to support individuals with developmental issues or disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, acquired brain injury, addiction or dementia.
Students will learn about the applications of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies and the impact these therapies can have on these populations. Equipped with the real-work experience gained through a 420-hour field placement, graduates go on to draw on this science and communication foundation to effectively collaborate with other health professionals, clients and their caregivers.
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The Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science (HBBS) is designed to provide students with professional competencies that link science, clinical, communication and ethical aspects of behavioural science. There is a strong focus on Applied Behaviour Analysis, Cognitive Behavioural therapy, acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies, to ensure that graduates possess broad knowledge, skills and judgement, leading to a variety of professional employment opportunities or future studies, including at the master’s degree level. The HBBS program examines the application of these theories for individuals across the lifespan and a variety of settings.
The approach taken in the program is reflective of the application of behavioural sciences in community organizations to teach adaptive skills and decrease challenging behaviours for clients including children, youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities, individuals with acquired brain injury and those with behaviour issues associated with addictions, mental health and illness, and dementia.
Along with the behavioural sciences, the HBBS program includes essential curriculum elements aimed at developing the professional and therapeutic communication skills that are vital to success in the field. Equipped with the real-work experience gained through a 420-hour field placement, graduates go on to draw on this science and communication foundation to effectively collaborate with other health professionals, clients and their caregivers.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Students will have the opportunity to apply the theories, concepts and strategies they have learned in a supervised setting through a 98-hour observatory practicum in Semester Five and a 420-hour field placement between the sixth and seventh semesters. This allows students to gain hands-on, real work experience in a variety of supervised organizational settings to help build their resumes and begin establishing professional networks.
Please note: There are costs associated with Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC), immunizations, lab tests and certifications. Be sure to keep all of your receipts for income tax purposes. These costs include:
It is required that students have completed the ESPC with Verified to be eligible for the field placement components of this program.
Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue further studies at the graduate level, including graduate certificates and a master’s degree.
Recent graduates have been accepted into the following master's degree programs:
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
To help students have the best learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk.
Courtney Bishop holds a PhD in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst working in community-based settings as a researcher. Her focus is on improving policy and practices in organizations supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the use of community-engaged methods.
Dan is a Registered Psychotherapist [RP] who has spent most of his career working with those who struggle with addictions and/or mood disorders and still manages a small private practice. Dan has been a full-time faculty with the Durham College since 2011. He primarily teaches in the ‘Addictions and Mental Health’ program – but also teaches with other programs within the Faculty of Social and Community Services – including the Behavioural Science and Community Mental Health programs. Prior to teaching at Durham College, Dan was an Addictions Counsellor at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health [CAMH] for a number of years. Dan holds a Masters of Education [M.Ed.] in Counselling Psychology from OISE/University of Toronto and a Bachelors of Science [B.Sc.] in Psychology and Math from Trent University.
Amanda is a full-time faculty member in the Faculty of Social and Community Services. Amanda obtained her Honours Bachelor degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Trent University. Following that, Amanda completed the Addictions and Mental Health Graduate Certificate offered here at Durham College. After working a number of years in the mental health field, Amanda applied and was successfully admitted to complete her Masters of Education (MEd) in Counselling and Psychotherapy through the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Amanda has worked at non-profit organizations in a role as a Case Manager as well as in Group Living Support. She has experience working as an Addictions Specialist for a Community Mental Health program affiliated with Northumberland Hills Hospital and she has worked in a Mental Health Worker role supporting College students prior to taking on a faculty teaching position with Durham College. Amanda’s research interests are in applied research and she has experience co-leading a major research grant entitled Raising Resilient Families: Empowering Parents with Cognitive Challenges. Amanda received the Durham College Emerging Researcher award for the 2023-2024 academic year. You can read more about this project and other DC projects at our Social Impact Hub website.
Ida is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) with extensive experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Disabilities Studies (M.ADS) with a specialization in ABA and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology, specializing in Behavior Analysis. Ida is a part-time professor and course developer at Durham College, where she teaches in the Bachelor of Behavioral Science program. Her academic roles allow her to shape the future of the field by educating and mentoring the next generation of behavior analysts. In addition to her academic roles, Ida serves as the Clinical Director at an ABA agency, where she applies her expertise to improve the lives of individuals with autism. She is listed as a Clinical Supervisor for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and has met the supervision requirements for those pursuing BCBA, BCaBA, or RBT certifications. Ida is dedicated to elevating the field of ABA through the development and implementation of professional training workshops, providing guidance to parents, and fostering inter-professional collaboration. Her academic and professional experiences have shaped her belief in the profound impact that high-quality services can have on individuals with ASD and other disabilities. She is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based interventions that are deeply individualized for each unique individual she serves.
Sarah is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) who has provided behavioural consultation to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Sarah has extensive experience supporting people with complex behavioural needs over the past 18 years. Sarah holds a Masters of Applied Disability Studies from Brock University and a Doctorate of Education from Western University. Sarah has been a full-time faculty at Durham College, teaching and developing curriculum for the past four years and has been acting as Program Coordinator for the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science since 2021.
Jaime is a Registered Psychotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience in the mental health field. She has worked in children’s mental health, addictions treatment and community mental health settings, and has special expertise in working with youth, addictions and eating disorders. Currently she teaches part-time at DC, and on the days she is not teaching, she is in private practice. In her practice, her primary focus is in offering clinical supervision to new and experienced therapists, while continuing to carry a small caseload of clients. In her work as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, Jaime works to collaboratively create an inviting and safe space to foster growth and discovery. And as a teacher, Jaime easily engages students in learning activities that bring the clinical content of the courses she teaches to life in the classroom.
Nehal is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) who has worked with clients across the lifespan with developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses, psychiatric, and neurocognitive disorders. She has several years of experience in behavioural consultations, mediator training, and interdisciplinary collaboration across a variety of settings in both French & English. Her most recent clinical experience is in a geriatric inpatient program for individuals living with dementia and complex psychiatric needs. Nehal has a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Spanish and Sociology, a Graduate Certificate in Autism & Behavioural Sciences, and a Master’s degree in Professional Education with a concentration in Applied Behaviour Analysis. She has taught and developed courses in the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science program and the Behaviour Science Technician Diploma program at Durham College.
Brizida has been a Part Time Professor at Durham College since January 2023 in the Faculty of Social and Community Services. She holds a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst as well as a Registered Behaviour Analyst. Brizida has worked in the field of ABA for over 10 years, supporting children with autism and other diagnoses as well as their families. Her current clinical work is focused on conducting assessment, designing intervention programs and providing clinical supervision at a Children’s Treatment Centre. When she isn’t working, Brizida enjoys exploring little cafes and bakeries with family and friends and loves long walks by the lake with her dog.
All eligible applicants to the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science degree program for the upcoming academic year, with a combined minimum non-weighted average of 75 percent and higher, will be considered to receive a first-year entrance award:
For more information, please contact Admission Services.
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