Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Psychology > Course Offerings

PSY 109—Introduction to Neuroscience (4 CH) A lecture/laboratory course that will introduce students to the field of neuroscience and provide prospective majors with the knowledge needed for further study of the neurosciences. An examination of the biological basis of neural and sensory function, motor and sensory systems and their integration as learning and memory, cognition, behavior and illness. The laboratory component provides an understanding of neuroscience through hands-on experimental procedures using state of the art equipment and field trips to an affiliated research laboratory. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Offered every fall. This course satisfies IR in “Citizenship in a Scientific Age” laboratory science or “Choosing Depth and Diversity” science requirement. (P: HS/College GPA 3.0 or better, 1130 SAT/21 ACT, MATH 107/211 placement level)

PSY 150—General Psychology (3 CH) An introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and cognitive processes including research methods, biological influences, sensation and perception, learning, memory, development, motivation and emotion, intelligence, personality, stress and coping, abnormal behavior and therapeutic approaches. A prerequisite for most other psychology courses. Offered every term.

PSY 209—Neuropsychopharmacology (4 CH) Students will be able to understand and explain administration, pharmacokinetics, behavioral effects and drug interactions of psychoactive substances. Students will be able to identify major classes of psychoactive substances. Students will also be able to explain how psychoactive substances may be used to treat psychopathologies and disorders of the nervous system. The laboratory will study the modes of drug action using a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate model systems. Offered every spring. (P: PSY 109)

PSY 222—Research Methods (4 CH) A survey of research methods used to describe, predict and explain behavioral and thought processes. The methods of observation, correlation, and experimentation will be emphasized. Students will conduct a number of computer-based experiments and learn how to write experimental reports using the accepted format of the American Psychological Association. Offered fall 2009. (P: PSY 150 and MATH 211) (WIC)

PSY 230—Introduction to Learning (3 CH) An introduction to the basic concepts and theoretical orientations of 20th Century learning theorists including Pavlov, Thorndike, Watson, Guthrie, Tolman, Hull, Skinner, Bandura and Anderson. Processes that affect learning, such as biological constraints, motivation and memory will be discussed, as well as computer simulation models. Offered as needed. (P: PSY 150)

PSY 240—Child Development (3 CH) An introduction to the study of physical, cognitive, social, and psychological growth of the individual from infancy through middle childhood. A special effort is made to integrate theoretical concepts with behavioral examples and to show the application of theories to problems in child rearing. Not to be taken concurrently with Adolescent Development (PSY 242). Offered every term. (P: PSY 150)

PSY 242—Adolescent Development (3 CH) An examination of current theories concerning human development from late childhood through early adulthood. Physical, cognitive, social and psychological issues will be addressed. Not to be taken concurrently with Child Development (PSY 240). Offered every spring. (P: PSY 150)

PSY 244—Adulthood and Aging (3 CH) A survey of early, middle and later adulthood. A biopsychosocial model is used to explore changes in biological functioning, information processing, memory, intelligence, personality, mental health and personal relationships. Death and dying issues will also be explored. Offered every fall. (P: PSY 150)

PSY 250—Applied Psychology (3 CH) The application of psychological theories and research to topics which are essentially relevant to young adulthood, such as career choice, relationship development and maintenance, sexuality and health and wellbeing. Class discussion and self-reflection are emphasized as methods of inquiry and evaluation.

PSY 270—Neuropsychology (3 CH) Students will be introduced to the biological basis of behavior and cognition. They will learn about the neuron, neuronal communication, and the functions of various brain areas. Particular attention will be paid to the topics of psychopharmacology, human learning, human communication, and various psychopathologies. Offered every spring. (P: PSY 150 or PSY 109)

PSY 300—Abnormal Behavior (3 CH) The study of behavioral dynamics with emphasis on atypical and abnormal behavior. Students will learn to utilize the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual” to identify, diagnose and better understand mental disorders. Offered every spring. (P: PSY 150, sophomore status, and one additional course in psychology)

PSY 310—Personality Theory (3 CH) An introduction to major theories and conceptual issues relating to the study of personality. Offered every fall. (P: PSY 150 and at least one other psychology course.)

PSY 320—Tests and Measurements (3 CH) A basic course in the construction, administration and interpretation of psychological tests. Characteristics of good tests, including reliability, validity and item analysis will be explored. A variety of tests, including those designed to assess aptitude, achievement, personality traits and abnormal behavior will be covered. Offered as needed. (P: PSY 150, PSY 222, and Math 211)

PSY 340—Conditioning and Learning (4 CH) An introduction to the important concepts of learning. Pavlovian and operant conditioning, stimulus control of behavior, cognitive control of behavior, biological influences and the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. The course will meet each week for three 55-minute lectures and students will complete computer-based laboratory exercises. Offered spring 2010. (P: PSY 150 and two other courses in psychology) (WIC)

PSY 342—Cognitive Psychology (4 CH) The theory and data of cognition, information systems and memory from the viewpoint of modern cognitive psychology. Emphasis will be placed on the methods of determining and measuring cognitive processes and on the data relating to these processes. Laboratory experiments in sensation, perception, and memory will investigate selected phenomenon from these areas. (P: PSY 150 or PSY 109) (WIC)

PSY 343—Sensation and Perception (4 CH) An introduction to the sensory systems of the human body, with an emphasis on vision and hearing. Students will also be introduced to the methods of measuring and researching sensation and perceptual processing. This is a lecture course with a complementary lab. Offered every spring. (P: PSY 150 or PSY 109 and sophomore status or permission of the instructor.) (WIC)

PSY 360—Social Psychology (3 CH) Social psychology is the study of the cognitive and behavioral processes of the individual in relation to the social environment. Topics include the role of the self in social interaction, the development of interpersonal relationships and group formation and dynamics. Offered every spring. (P: PSY 150 and junior or senior standing)

PSY 362—Psychology of Religion (3 CH) An examination of the relationship between religious belief and experience and the psychological make-up and functioning of persons. (P: REL 152) (WIC)

PSY 370—Counseling Methods (3 CH) Theory and practice of counseling and interviewing skills as practiced in human service agencies. (P: PSY 150, two additional psychology courses and junior or senior standing)

PSY 409—Internship in Neuroscience An opportunity for junior or senior students to gain practical experience in a field related to their major. A log book will be required as well as a final paper in which the student will react to the internship both objectively and subjectively, correlating his or her academic knowledge with practical experience. A minimum of 40 hours of supervised experience per credit hour is generally required. (P: PSY 109)

PSY 410—Counseling Special Populations Seminar (3 CH) Focus on putting clinical theory and skills into practice, particularly with regard to special populations. Unique issues that confront persons with particular diagnoses, addictions and life situations will be explored so the student will gain appreciation of such and be equipped to work more effectively with these individuals. A case management approach will be emphasized. Offered every spring. (P: PSY 150, junior or senior standing and two additional psychology
courses.) (WIC)

PSY 420—Personal Relationships Seminar (3 CH) An examination of research and issues relevant to the investigation of personal relationships across the lifespan, with an emphasis on the processes of the initiation, maintenance and dissolution of dating and marital relationships. The class is conducted in a seminar format, with the expectation that students contribute a great deal to the discussion and evaluation of various topics. Offered every spring. (P: PSY 150 and junior or senior standing, or permission of
instructor) (WIC)

PSY 430—History and Philosophy of Psychology (3 CH) A review of the history of psychology starting with its physiological and philosophical roots. Important schools of thought, such as structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology and the psychoanalytical approach will be emphasized. The important leaders and contextual forces influencing these approaches will be noted. (P: PSY 150, junior or senior standing, and two additional psychology courses) Offered fall 2008 and spring 2009. (WIC)

PSY 440—Cognitive Theories in Psychology (3 CH) A comparison of the contributions of several theoretical perspectives to the understanding of cognition. Special attention will be given to considering neuropsychological approaches to cognition and neuropsychological disorders. Offered every fall. (P: PSY 150 and junior or senior standing; PSY 342 is recommended) (WIC)

PSY 450—Topics in Psychology (3 CH) Advanced topics in psychology. May be repeated with different topics. Offered every fall. (P: PSY 150; two additional courses in psychology, and junior or senior standing) (WIC)

PSY 455—Cooperative Education (CH Variable)

PSY 467-469—Semester in Washington (8-16 CH) See POSC

PSY 470—Special Projects in Psychology (CH Variable) Designed to meet the individual needs of students in psychology. The student must have the permission of the faculty member with whom he or she wishes to work. The student may conduct directed or independent laboratory studies, field or library research, do concentrated reading in a specialized area of psychology, or participate in seminars on various subjects in psychology. (P: PSY 150; PSY 222, MATH 211 and permission of the instructor)

PSY 471—Advanced Study in Psychology II Continuation of PSY 570.

PSY 490—Independent Study (CH Variable) The student may propose a course of study or a project to be carried out under supervision of a faculty member. (P: Must have a GPA of 3.25 or above and permission of the faculty member)

PSY 499—Independent Research (3 CH) Students design and conduct a research project in an area of neuroscience. The research project must include library, laboratory, and/or field research, and a written report in the format of a scientific publication. The project is done under the guidance of one faculty member and may be conducted for more than one term.