Psychology Course Descriptions
BIO 105 - Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology
3 Credits
A survey of the morphology and function of the human body. The intent of this course
is to provide each student with the intellectual competence to manage his/her own
health concerns; laboratory included.
BIO 107 - Principles of Biology
4 Credits
Biology for the informed citizen. This course is a survey of the basic concepts of
biology underlying the complex issues we face every day ranging from life at the cellular
level to the health of our planet as a whole. Whether making personal healthcare decisions
or voting for sound environmental policies, everyone needs a solid foundation in the
science of biology.
Topics covered include the scientific method; cell structure and function; genetics;
biotechnology; evolution; biodiversity of plants, animals and microbes; population
ecology; ecosystems, and current issues in biology; laboratory included.
MTH 140 - Introduction to Statistics
3 Credits
An introduction to the basic concepts and computations used in statistical analysis
as well as their application to problems in other disciplines, especially biology,
business, education, and social sciences. Topics include the description of data graphically
and numerically, the collection of data via samples and experiments, and the process
of drawing inferences or conclusions from data.
The laboratory component of the course emphasizes conceptual understanding, interpretation
of statistical quantities, and written/oral communication and will require the use
of mathematical software.
Prerequisite: MTH 102 or placement.
PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology
3 Credits
A survey course on the basic principles of psychology and their applications to human
behavior and social problems. Multiple perspectives emerging from different philosophical
and socio-historical contexts are used to examine domains of human thought and behavior.
Topics include research methods, human development, gender differences, learning and
cognition, psychobiology, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, methods of treatment,
and the impact of social situations and culture on behavior.
PSY 212 - Social Psychology
3 Credits
A study of theory and research on how individual behavior is influenced by its social
context. Topics include social beliefs and judgments, attitude formation, persuasion,
altruism, aggression and violence, prejudice, and group processes.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 220 - Human Development: Childhood & Adolescence
3 Credits
A survey of theory and research concerning continuities and changes from conception
through adolescence as a function of psychological, environmental, and biological
factors. Representative topics include cognitive, social, and moral development; parent-child
relationship; identity and independence. Some sections may include a service-learning
component.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 221 - Human Development: Adolescence
3 Credits
A study of human development from puberty to young adulthood as a function of psychological,
social, and biological factors, including previous developmental experience. Various
domains of development (e.g., physical, cognitive, identity, social, emotional) are
explored using a topical approach, with emphasis on critical analysis of theory, concepts,
and data.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 222 - Human Development: Adulthood & Aging
3 Credits
A survey of theory and research concerning continuities and changes that occur during
the adult life cycle as a function of psychological, environmental, and biological
factors. Representative topics include cognitive processes, social and personality
development, relationships, work/retirement, and death/dying.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 224 - Human Development: Lifespan
3 Credits
A broad overview of theory, research, and applications in human psychological development
from conception to death. Using the lifespan developmental perspective, patterns of
growth, change, and stability in various domains of development (e.g., physical, cognitive,
social, and personality) are examined. Furthermore, the interaction of domains within
the context in which development occurs is emphasized (e.g., the interaction of biological,
psychological, and sociological factors within a sociohistorical context).
This course is for non-psychology majors. Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 232 - Research Methods & Statistics I
3 Credits
An introduction to the methods used in psychological research including descriptive,
predictive, and experimental procedures with emphasis on the appropriate use of statistics.
Laboratory work develops skills in literature review, hypothesis formulation, data
collection, data analysis and interpretation, and scientific report writing.
Prerequisite: PSY 100; Pre- or Co-requisite: MTH 140.
PSY 234 - Animal Behavior
3 Credits
A look at non-human behavior starting with classic topics in ethology, comparative
psychology, and learning. The class will also study applied animal behavior, including
captive breeding, release programs and pet behavior. Students will also make scientific
observations of animal behavior while providing services at local rescue shelters
and humane societies.
Prerequisite: PSY 100 or 100-level BIO.
PSY 236 - Biopsychology
3 Credits
Introduction to the role of the nervous system in behavior. Representative topics
include basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, sensory processes, and the physiology
of aggression, emotion, and behavior disorders.
Prerequisite: PSY 100 or 100-level BIO or consent of instructor. Not open to students
with Credit for PSY 334.
PSY 237 - Applied Cognitive Psychology
3 Credits
A study of the application of cognitive psychology to critical thinking, problem solving,
creativity, and design. Topics include the exploration of faith, reason, intuition,
empiricism and superstition as ways of knowing and how these influence both adaptive
and maladaptive human decision making and behavior.
Not open to students with Credit for PSY 348C. Prerequisites: PSY 100 or consent of
the instructor; ENG 101-102 or 110-111.
PSY 255 - Human Sexuality
3 Credits
A study of theory and research on the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural
aspects of sexuality. Emphasis placed on examination of personal views of sexuality
and on increased understanding of views of others.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
PSY 332 - Research Methods & Statistics II
3 Credits
A continuation of the material covered in Research Methods and Statistics I with an
emphasis on more complex experimental procedures and the appropriate use of statistics
(covering the dependent t-test, ANOVA, and nonparametric statistics). Laboratory work
further develops skills in literature review, hypothesis formulation, data collection,
data analysis and interpretation, and scientific reporting.
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 232, MTH 140.
PSY 335 - Health Psychology
3 Credits
An introduction to the biopsychosocial approach to the prevention and treatment of
health-related problems. Representative topics include stress, chronic illness, death
and dying, risky behavior, drug use and addiction, nutrition and exercise, placebo
effects, non-traditional medicines, doctor-patient communication, animal assisted
therapies, and the human-animal bond.
Prerequisite: PSY 100 or 100-level BIO or consent of instructor. Not open to students
with Credit for PSY 235.
PSY 348B - History & Systems in Psychology
3 Credits
A consideration of the philosophical and empirical foundations of science and psychology,
starting with the Ancient Greeks and ending with the modern theories, and their contributions
to the discipline. The major schools of psychology and their important figures are
examined. Controversial topics and debates in psychology (e.g., nature vs. nurture,
free will vs. determinism, and the mind-body problem) and their impact on psychology
will also be considered.
Not open to students with Credit for PSY 225. Prerequisites: PSY 100 or consent of
the instructor; ENG 101-102 or 110-111.
PSY 350 - Psychology of Personality
3 Credits
An examination of major personality theories and current research on related psychological
processes.
Prerequisites: PSY 100; junior standing.
PSY 352 - Psychological Testing
3 Credits
An introduction to psychological tests and their psychometric properties in the measurement
of individual and group differences. Topics include intelligence, aptitude, achievement,
interests, and personality. Emphasis on the use of testing in various settings such
as education, business, and mental health.
Prerequisites: MTH 140, PSY 100, or consent of instructor.
PSY 354 - Psychopathology
3 Credits
A study of the major forms of psychopathology including anxiety and stress disorders,
depression and suicide, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and substance abuse.
In addition, the course examines a variety of social issues concerning our society’s
responses to those labeled mentally ill.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 379A - CORE: Psychology of Women
3 Credits
A study of justice and the psychological and social dynamics that shape women’s lives.
Students will critically examine past and present psychological research and theories
of female personality and behavior, the research on gender comparisons and gender
roles, and female socialization and developmental processes.
Prerequisite: CORE 179 or appropriate transfer status; ENG 102 or ENG 111. Not open
to students with Credit in PSY 348A. This course partially fulfills the Social and
Behavioral Science requirement and fulfills the diversity, global, and multicultural
requirement.
PSY 433 - Learning & Motivation
3 Credits
Theories and basic processes of learning, such as classical conditioning, operant
conditioning, and observational learning will be studied. Within this framework, classic
studies in animal behavior along with current research in applied behavior analysis
and human motivation are reviewed. Laboratory work emphasizes research in these areas
through computer simulations as well as experimentation.
Prerequisites: MTH 140; PSY 100, 332; or consent of the instructor.
PSY 434 - Cognitive Processes
3 Credits
A study of the basic mechanisms that govern human thought. Readings, lectures and
labs address attention, perception, pattern recognition, memory, mental representation,
psycholinguistics, problem solving, and artificial intelligence. Lab research explores
the methodological techniques for understanding cognition.
Prerequisites: MTH 140; PSY 100, 332; or consent of the instructor.
PSY 451 - Counseling Theory & Process
3 Credits
An examination of major theories and techniques of psychological counseling. Laboratory
work involves practice in basic communication and interviewing skills.
Prerequisites: PSY 100, and at least one other psychology course; junior standing;
Recommended PSY 350.
PSY 479 - CORE: Current Issues in Psychology
3 Credits
An exploration of current topics in psychology in the context of enduring issues related
to human nature, common good, justice, and truth finding. Empirical capstone projects
emphasize the syntheses of knowledge from psychology’s past and present, skill in
research methodology, and the appropriate application of psychological science for
well-being.
Prerequisites: Completion of junior core seminar; PSY 100, 332, an additional 12 Credits
in psychology beyond the 100-level, and senior standing or consent of the instructor.
PSY 1/2/3/485 - Special Topics
1 to 3 Credits
Group examination through intensive reading and class discussion of a selected topic
in psychology not covered in regular courses.
PSY 3/486 - Independent Study
1 to 3 Credits
Individual examination of a selected topic through intensive reading or through experimental
research.
Prerequisites: PSY 100, 332, at least two additional psychology courses, recommendation
of psychology instructor, consent of academic advisor and division chairperson.
PSY 497 - Field Work
1 to 6 Credits
For each 1 hour of Credit, 40 hours of supervised field experience in a selected area
of applied psychology. Open to Psychology majors only. Pass-fail option available.
Prerequisites: junior standing, consent of instructor, five psychology courses including PSY 100, 451 (for social service placements) or PSY 332 (for research and evaluation placements). May be repeated for a maximum of six Credits.