Behavioural Science – Honours Bachelor

Program Overview

If you have an interest in 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 across the lifespan with developmental issues or disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, acquired brain injury, addiction or dementia. In addition, 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.

Through a comprehensive mix of theoretical, research and applied courses, students will develop in-demand professional competencies that link the science, clinical, communication and ethical aspects of behavioural science.

Beginning with the development of a strong foundation in behaviour analysis, introductions to psychology and research and methods for developing therapeutic communication skills, the program progresses to the study of complex concepts in human behaviour and applications.

The course of study for the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science has been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Six Grade 12 U or M courses with a combined minimum average of 65 per cent including:
- Grade 12 U English with a final minimum grade of 65 per cent.

This program may be highly competitive and have a specific selection process and application deadline. For more information, please contact recruitment@durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.3126.

View All Requirements

Tuition

Year one domestic: $6,065 (CAD)
Year one international: $16,665 (CAD)

View Full Costs

Semester 1 Courses

Applied Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles
Introduction to Psychology
Therapeutic Communications Skills
Basic Behaviour Analysis
Critical Thinking and Academic Writing

View All Courses

Psychology

Behavioural therapies

Teaching

Technology recommendations

To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.

View All Recommendations

Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2021	Open	Open

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Behaviour assistant or associate
Educational assistant
Autism instructor therapist
Behaviour Therapist

View all Career Options

Program Details

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 both in community and long-term care facilities to teach adaptive skills and manage reactive behaviours to 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.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Six Grade 12 U or M courses with a combined minimum average of 65 per cent including:
- Grade 12 U English with a final minimum grade of 65 per cent.

This program may be highly competitive and have a specific selection process and application deadline. For more information, please contact recruitment@durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.3126.

Courses

Semester 1

Applied Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles
Introduction to Psychology
Therapeutic Communications Skills
Basic Behaviour Analysis
Critical Thinking and Academic Writing

Semester 2

Applied Behaviour Analysis: Establishing New Behaviour
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities
Developmental Psychology
Foundations in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Elective

Semester 3

Applied Behaviour Analysis: Assessment and Intervention
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Statistics
Ethics in Applied Behaviour Analysis
Elective

Semester 4

Applied Behaviour Analysis: Elements and Systems of Behaviour Change
Acquired Brain Injury
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Applications of Contemporary Approaches
Quantitative Research Methods
Elective

Semester 5

Applied Behaviour Analysis: Perspectives on Language, Cognition and Thinking
Applications of Behaviour Analysis
Behavioural Pharmacology
Behavioural Approaches to Parenting, Family Relationships and Group Processes
Single Case Research Design

Semester 6

Organizational Behaviour Management
Addictions
Psychometrics
Acceptance and Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Elective

Semester 7

Behaviourism: Theory, Philosophy and Society
Older Adults
Thesis Project: Research Proposal Seminar
Field Placement Preparation
Field Placement
Elective
Elective

Semester 8

Advanced Topics in Applied Behaviour Analysis
Analysis of Language in the Clinical Conversation
Thesis Project: Research Analysis and Summary
Reflective Practice, Professional Development and Interpersonal Collaboration
Elective

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Behaviour assistant or associate
Educational assistant
Autism instructor therapist
Behaviour Therapist

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Elementary or secondary school boards
Early intervention programs
Clinical programs
Community agencies
Private family setting
Public or private-sector agencies

Field Placement

Students will have the opportunity to apply the theories, concepts and strategies they have learned in a supervised setting through a 420-hour field placement between the seventh and eighth semesters. Field placement 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.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst certification as well as further studies at the graduate level, including a master’s degree.

Technology Recommendations

To help students have the best remote 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 or the school office.

COVID-19 Information

Behavioural Science – Honours Bachelor

Program Overview

Admission Requirements

Tuition

Semester 1 Courses

Technology recommendations

Intakes and Availability

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Program Details

Admission Requirements

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Semester 7

Semester 8

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Field Placement

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Technology Recommendations

Behavioural Science – Honours Bachelor in the news

Helpful Resources

College guide September 2020 [PDF]

College guide September 2020 [Interactive]

Graduate Employment Report [PDF]