Introduction to Psychology Course | IIT Kanpur | Prof. Braj Bhushan
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 2381 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences, Psychology |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Mysteries of the Mind: An Introduction to Psychology
Have you ever wondered why you think, feel, and act the way you do? What drives human behavior and shapes our personalities? Welcome to the fascinating world of psychology. This 8-week undergraduate course, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and taught by Professor Braj Bhushan, is your gateway to understanding the science of the mind and behavior.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This comprehensive introductory course is meticulously designed to provide a solid foundation in key psychological principles. It moves beyond theory to help you gain practical insights into yourself and others. Over eight engaging weeks, you will explore the core constructs that explain the 'how' and 'why' behind human actions.
The course is categorized under Humanities and Social Sciences and is perfect for students seeking an elective or anyone with a curiosity about psychology.
Your Instructor: Prof. Braj Bhushan
Learning from an expert is crucial. This course is led by Prof. Braj Bhushan, a respected professor of psychology at IIT Kanpur. His expertise and structured teaching approach will guide you through complex concepts with clarity, ensuring a rich and insightful learning experience.
Detailed 8-Week Course Layout
The course is structured to build your knowledge progressively, from foundational concepts to practical applications.
| Week | Topic | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Why Psychology? | Major milestones, areas, and research methods in psychology. Redefining the discipline's boundaries. |
| Week 2 | Perception | How we organize and interpret sensory information to understand our world. |
| Week 3 | Learning | The processes through which experience leads to lasting change in behavior or knowledge. |
| Week 4 | Memory | The systems for encoding, storing, and retrieving information. |
| Week 5 | Emotion | The biological, experiential, and cognitive components of emotional experiences. |
| Week 6 | Genetic & Environmental Bases | Understanding the interplay of nature (genes) and nurture (environment) in shaping behavior. |
| Week 7 | Personality | The enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that make each individual unique. |
| Week 8 | Lab Session: Perception | A practical demonstration of how psychological constructs like perception can be empirically tested. |
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideally suited for:
- Undergraduate Students (UG, BE, BSc) looking for a compelling elective.
- Professionals in Human Resources (HR) seeking to deepen their understanding of human behavior in the workplace.
- Anyone with an interest in psychology, self-improvement, or understanding interpersonal dynamics.
Industry Relevance and Support
The knowledge gained from this course is highly valued in the corporate world, particularly in:
- Human Resources (HR) Departments: Understanding personality, motivation, and learning is crucial for talent management, training, and fostering a healthy work environment.
- Marketing and Advertising: Insights into perception, memory, and emotion are key to influencing consumer behavior.
- Education and Counseling: Foundational psychology principles are essential for effective teaching and guidance.
Primary Reference Book
The course curriculum is supported by the authoritative text:
- Feldman, R.S. (2004). Understanding Psychology. Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi. This book provides clear explanations and aligns well with the weekly topics.
Why Take This Course?
Enrolling in this Introduction to Psychology course offers multiple benefits:
- Foundational Knowledge: Gain a strong, structured understanding of major psychological concepts.
- Practical Application: Learn to apply psychological principles to better understand yourself, your relationships, and workplace interactions.
- Academic Excellence: Learn from a premier institution (IIT Kanpur) and an experienced professor.
- Career Enhancement: Add a valuable skillset relevant to HR, management, marketing, and many other fields.
Embark on this 8-week journey to decode the human mind. Whether for academic credit, professional development, or personal growth, this course is your first step towards mastering the fascinating science of psychology.
Enroll Now →