Program Overview

Intelligence and IQ Course

The course provides essential knowledge about the concept of intelligence and its significance from a broad differential-psychology perspective. Principal features of the present state and more than 150-year history of intelligence research are described, with central terms like psychometric intelligence, general intelligence (g), intelligence quotient (IQ), and cognitive ability. Students will become acquainted with the dominating models of psychometric intelligence and will discuss different definitions of intelligence. One main theme is validity and reliability, with respect to associations and causal relations between psychometric intelligence and outcomes, such as educational- and career success, physical and psychological health, and social relations. Another main theme is environmental and genetic factors that affect intelligence, and how they are related to the Flynn effect and its contrast; decreasing IQ in several countries. Critical arguments against both the concept of intelligence and its measurement are also discussed.

Course Details

• Type: Course, second cycle
• Study pace: Half speed
• Study location: Varied
• Type of studies: Distance with meetings

Course Outline

• The course starts on 1 September 2025 and ends on 2 November 2025.
• The course consists of 7.5 credits.
• The type of studies is web-based (online).
• There are mandatory meetings, with a total of 1 meeting.
• Other meetings include 10 sessions.
• The study pace is 50%.
• Teaching hours are during daytime.
• The study location is varied.
• The language of instruction is English.
• The application code is UMU-21229.

Eligibility and Selection

• Eligibility: 90 credits in psychology or cognitive science or equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
• Selection: Academic credits.

Application and Tuition Fees

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 12,075
• Total fee: SEK 12,075

Additional Information

• The course is given by the Psychology department.
• The course is part of the university's efforts to provide high-quality education and research in the field of psychology.