Psychology Course Descriptions
Psychology 101 is a prerequisite for all other courses in the department. Some courses have additional prerequisites, which are indicated in the course descriptions that follow.
101 Introduction to Psychology
An overview of the field of psychology with emphasis on basic processes in human behavior. (Except where noted, this course is a prerequisite for all other courses in the department.) (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
204 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
An examination of techniques used by psychologists to measure behavior and to analyze and interpret the data. The course includes an introduction to computer data analysis. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk; Laboratory 1 ½ hrs/wk.
205 Research Methods in Psychology
An examination of the research methods used in the fields of psychology. Topics include introductions to and evaluations of observational, relational and experimental research methods and designs. Ethics and research, communication and research, the development of research ideas and the reliability and validity of research are also examined. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
210 Child Development
Behavior and development of the child from conception to puberty. (1) (PSYC 210 and 211 may not be counted towards the major if PSYC 215 has been taken. Students wishing to complete the Concentration in Human Development should take 210 and 211).
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
211 Adolescent Development
Behavior and development of the individual from puberty to early adulthood. (1) (PSYC 210 and 211 may not be counted towards the major if PSYC 215 has been taken. Students wishing to complete the Concentration in Human Development should take 210 and 211).
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
212 Adult Development and Aging
Behavior and development of the individual from early adulthood to old age. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
215 Child & Adolescent Development
An examination of development from conception through adolescence. Physical, cognitive and socioemotional development will be discussed in the context of psychological theories, research, current applications and historical events. Psychology 215 may not be counted towards the major if 210 or 211 has been taken. Students wishing to complete the Concentration in Human Development should take 210 and 211. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk; Laboratory 1 ½ hrs/wk.
220 Creative Thinking & Problem Solving
An introduction to creative thinking and creative problem-solving, including definitions, theories, and assessment of creativity as well as research about creativity and the creative process. Attention will be given to skills of creative thinking and presentation of a creative problem-solving model. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
The study of human behavior and mental processes, including both differences and consistencies, across different cultures. The aim is to examine systematic relations between cultural factors and behavior, as well as the generalizability of psychological principles across cultures.
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or permission.
230 Abnormal Psychology
Study of individual psychopathology and deviant behavior, including diagnosis, theories, causes, and treatments. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
240 Special Topics in Psychology
A course offered in various formats, designed to give students instruction in a subject not regularly offered. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
250 Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Application of principles and methods of psychology to business, industry, and other organizations, with emphasis on selection of employees and organizational behavior. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
260 Human Sexuality
Human reproduction and sexual behavior; contemporary and historical norms; dysfunction; cross-cultural perspective; the bonding function of sexuality; and its expression in the arts, religion, ethics, and law. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
270 Drugs and Behavior
An examination of the mechanisms of actions, uses, effects and abuse liability of range of drugs. Both therapeutic drugs (such as antidepressants and antipsychotics) and recreational drugs (such as alcohol, stimulants and marijuana) will be addressed. (1)
Lecture 3 hrs/wk.
280 Evolutionary Psychology
Why do some humans like spicy food and drinking alcohol? Why are younger women attracted to older men? Why would we risk our life to save a total stranger? Evolutionary psychology suggests that a considerable amount of human activity can be explained as evolutionary adaptations. Human beings, like other animals on this planet, evolved certain traits, preferences, and abilities to deal with their environment. This class will explore the latest research applying evolution to human psychology. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or NEUR 210.
290 Learning
Principles of learning processes, classic and contemporary theories, and methods of research. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
300 Tests and Measurements
Principles and methods of psychological measurement and test construction, with consideration of administration and psychometric evaluation of representative tests. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: PSYC 204 or permission.
305, 306 Research Experience
Directed experience conducting empirical research under the supervision of a faculty member. Open to all students (majors and non-majors). (1/4, 1/4)
Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
315 Personality
Theories of personality, applications, and extensions of these theories, current research on individual differences, and methods and issues in personality measurement. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
316, 317 Internship
Practical experience in a setting in which psychology is applied. Placements in mental health facilities and other community agencies and institutions. Seminar in professional conduct and ethics. (One unit may be counted as an elective in the major). (1, 1)
Prerequisite: Written application approved by department.
318, 319 Research Practicum
Directed study and empirical research under the supervision of a faculty member. (Open to majors with the approval of the department. One unit may be counted as an elective in the major). (1, 1)
Prerequisite: Written application approved by department.
325 Social Psychology
Study of the influence of people on each other’s behavior, including social influence and social interaction. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: PSYC 101.
330 Physiological Psychology
Study of the neurological and endocrinological substrates of behavior. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.; Laboratory: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or NEUR 210.
340 Cognition
An examination of the research and theory of complex cognitive processes. Topics covered include memory, cognitive development, language, thinking, concept formation, pattern recognition, and problem solving. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: PSYC 101.
350 Sensation and Perception.
Study of the functionality of the different senses and how perception arises within the human brain. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or NEUR 210.
405, 406, 407 Independent Study
Empirical research project or extensive literature review, with faculty supervision. (1/2, 1, 1/2)
Prerequisite: Written proposal and application approved by department.
420 Research Seminar: Personality/Social
An advanced, research-oriented seminar in personality and/or social psychology. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: PSYC 204 and 205 and either PSYC 315 or PSYC 325.
430 Research Seminar: Physiological Psychology
An advanced, research-oriented seminar in physiological psychology. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: PSYC 204 and 205 and PSYC 330.
440 Research Seminar: Cognition
An advanced, research-oriented seminar in cognition. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: PSYC 204 and 205 and PSYC 340.
450 History of Psychology
Examination of the major systems in psychology with an emphasis on its 19th-century origins to the present. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: Senior standing or by permission.
495, 496, 497 Honors Project
A program of independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance. (1/2, 1, 1/2)
Prerequisites: To qualify for consideration to receive honors in the major, a student in his/her senior year or in the Summer prior to the senior year, must work under the guidance of his/her committee. A written proposal and application must be approved by the committee and department. A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required. 495 Honors Project is prerequisite for 497 Honors Project. At least 1 unit of Independent Study (405, 406, or 407) is a prerequisite to 495, 496, and 497. May not be used as one of the 11 units for the B.A. degree.
Neuroscience Course Descriptions
210 Principles of Neuroscience
This course will provide a detailed understanding of neurons and the functional role of different aspects of the human nervous system. A survey of topic areas relevant to psychology and neuroscience related disciplines will also be included. (1)
Lecture 3 hrs/wk.
340 Topics in Neuroscience
A thorough examination of a particular topic within the field of neuroscience that is not covered in other regularly offered courses. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: NEUR 210 or permission.
405, 406, 407 Independent Study
Empirical research project that has a focus in neuroscience, with faculty supervision. (1/2, 1, ½)
Prerequisite: Written proposal and application approved by the coordinator.
410 Research Seminar: Neuroscience
An advanced, research-oriented seminar in human neuroscience. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: NEUR 210, statistics class (e.g. PSYC 204, INQ 240), research methods class (e.g. PSYC 205, CHEM 280); or permission.