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PSY205 – Introduction to Scientific Programming

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

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Core Course

PSY205 – Introduction to Scientific Programming

Course Unit Code: PSY205

Type Of Unit: Compulsory 

Level of Course Unit: Undergraduate

Year of Study: Year 2

Semester: Semester 2

Number of ECTS Credits: 7.5

Class Contact Hours: 36

Mode of Delivery

Face to Face

Prerequisites

PSY202, PSY203 & PSY206 

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The purpose of this course is to provide psychology students the fundamental programming abilities and resources they need to undertake simulations, experiments, and data analysis more effectively and rigorously. This course intends to enable students to engage in sophisticated data manipulation, analysis, and visualization techniques, promoting a deeper understanding of psychological phenomena and boosting their research capacities. It does this by fusing programming knowledge with psychological research concepts. 

Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to: 

  1. Show a grasp of basic programming ideas, such as variables, data types, loops, conditionals, and functions. 
  2. Use programming tools to import, purge, and preprocess psychological data. 
  3. Conduct fundamental to advanced statistical analyses on psychological data. 
  4. Create data visualizations to convey psychological insights clearly. 
  5. Discuss the ethical issues in programming for psychological research, including data privacy and biases.

Students should acquire the fundamental programming abilities and resources they need to undertake simulations, experiments, and data analysis more effectively and rigorously. Also, students should engage in sophisticated data manipulation, analysis, and visualization techniques, promoting a deeper understanding of psychological phenomena and boosting their research capacities. It does this by fusing programming knowledge with psychological research concepts.

Week 1: Introduction to Programming and Psychology Research

Week 2: Fundamentals of Programming

Week 3: Data Handling and Manipulation

Week 4: Programming & Statistical Analysis

Week 5: Data Visualization

Week 6: Experimental Simulations

Week 7: Algorithmic Thinking in Psychology

Week 8: Replicability and Open Science

Week 9: Advanced Techniques in Programming for Psychology

Week 10: Ethical Considerations in Programming for Psychology

Week 11: Project-based Learning

Week 12: Collaboration and Communication

Week 13: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Week 14: Final Projects and Showcase & Future Directions in Psychological Programming

Course Features

Teaching methodology: Lab-based

Assessment:

  1. Weekly assignments covering all programming areas taught per module (10 x 5 = 50%)  
  2. Final programming project (40%)  
  3. Presence and Participation (10%): Students should be present and actively participate in in-class discussions.

Readings

Matthes, E. Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming (3rd ed.). No Starch Press. 

Github portal 

Further material will be determined by the course leader.

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Informed Consent Form

Dear Participant,

You are invited to participate in a survey as part of the DiFiCy – Digital Transformation and FinTech: Shaping Cyprus’s Economy research project which is implemented by the University of Limassol, PwC Cyprus and Unity Growth Limited.

The project is co-funded by the European Union within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027” through the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) in Cyprus [Pr. number: EXCELLENCE/0524/0568].

The study has been approved by the National Bioethics Committee of Cyprus (Approval no.: EEBK EΠ 2025.01.19 )

This project explores digital transformation and FinTech adoption in Cyprus, with a particular focus on SMEs and the broader business ecosystem. It uses a mixed-methods research design, combining survey data with interviews and case study evidence to generate evidence-based insights for policymakers and businesses.

Before deciding whether to participate, please read the following information carefully.

Purpose of Participation

The purpose of this research is to better understand the drivers, challenges, and impacts of digital transformation and FinTech adoption in Cyprus. The findings aim to support evidence-based policymaking, strengthen business practices, and contribute to innovation and economic development.

Your participation involves the following:

Completion of this survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

Invitation to take part in an optional interview.

Contribution to a case study or discussion session at a later stage.

Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you are free to decline or withdraw at any time without any consequences.

If you wish to withdraw from the study after submitting your responses, you may do so by contacting the Project Coordinator.

Data Confidentiality and Usage

All data collected will be handled in strict accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Cyprus Data Protection Law (125(I)/2018).

Your data will be treated confidentially, pseudonymised and anonymised, and no personally identifiable information will be disclosed. Data will be securely stored and accessed only by authorised members of the research team. In some cases, qualitative data may be processed using machine learning techniques, such as keyword identification or pattern detection, strictly to support analysis; however, all interpretation and conclusions will be made by the researchers.

Aggregated and anonymised findings derived from the data (e.g., statistical summaries, graphs, and thematic insights) may be used for dissemination activities, including scientific publications, policy reports, infographics, and training materials. These outputs will not contain any information that could directly or indirectly identify participants or their organisations.

Anonymised data may be shared publicly after a 24-month embargo period, while raw or sensitive data will not be publicly available. Access to raw or sensitive data will be granted only upon justified request and consortium approval.

Your participation in this study does not involve any risks.

On the contrary, your contribution may help improve digital and FinTech policies, support SME development and innovation strategies, and enhance the overall business environment in Cyprus.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, withdraw requests or complaints, please contact the Project Coordinator, Dr. Snezana Eminidou. Please include “DiFiCy Survey” in the subject line.

Email: snezana@uol.ac.cy

Phone number: +357 22462228

Partnership:

Thank you for your valuable contribution to this research.

The project is co-funded by the EU within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027” through the Research and Innovation Foundation. [Pr. no. EXCELLENCE/0524/0568]. The content reflects the views of the author(s) only. The European Commission and the Managing Authority of THALIA 2021–2027 cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.