Psychology Courses
The intent of the program in Psychology is to provide a general but basic background in Psychology to serve students who (1) simply are interested in Psychology, (2) intend to enter the job market upon graduation, or (3) choose to pursue graduate education. To accomplish these varied goals, the Department is committed to a “general” approach to education in Psychology rather than presenting a specific school-of-thought.
The Psychology program thus is arranged so that every student completes a set of required courses called the Psychology “core.” An integrative experience (e.g. independent research or study, conference presentation, internship, or double major) designed for students to apply what is learned in psychology courses, an electronic portfolio, and an exit interview to discuss the experience are also required of all psychology majors.
Required Courses for the Major
PSYC 2221
Data Analysis for Beh Science
Same as SOC 2221. A survey of the principles of descriptive and inferential statistics, measures of central tendency, variability and correlation, probability as applied to statistical decision- making, and parametric and nonparametric analysis of data, including ANOVA.
PSYC 2222
Experimental Psychology L/L
The rationale and methods of psychological experimentation, to include experimental design, data collection and analysis, and report-writing. Lecture and laboratory.
PSYC 2500
Topics in Developmental Theory
A study of the theories, methods, themes, research findings and applications of the major dimensions of human development -- physical, cognitive and socioemotional -- within a designated time period in the lifespan. Specific topic area of development announced at the time of registration. Prerequisite: declared psychology major or minor.
PSYC 3380
Psychology of Personality
A comparative examination of the major dynamic, behavioral, and humanistic theorists of "normal personality" in format, dynamics and development of personality.
PSYC 3480
Abnormal Psychology
A study of the classification, etiology, and treatment of personality disorganization. Prerequisite: at least one course in psychology.
PSYC 3560
Social Psychology L/L
A study of theory and research of individual behavior within a group context. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: PSYC 2222.
PSYC 0999
Integrative Experience
Department-approved integrative experience such as for-credit internship, practicum, field work, or research experience. May be repeated. Permission of Department Chair. (S/U grading)
Select ONE of the following:
PSYC 3420
Fund Behavioral Neuroscience
A survey of the anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and pharmacological processes of the nervous system as these influence behavior. Prerequisite: at least one course in psychology.
PSYC 3421
Fund Behav Neuro Lab
Laboratory to accompany PSYC 3420, a survey of the anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and pharmacological processes of the nervous system as these influence behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 2222.
Select ONE of the following:
PSYC 3530
Fund of Cognitive Processes
A survey of theory and research related to human cognitive functioning. Prerequisite: at least one course in psychology.
PSYC 3531
Fund Cog Process Lab
Laboratory to accompany PSYC 3530, a survey of theory and research related to human cognitive functioning. Prerequisite: PSYC 2222.
Electives in Psychology (6 hours)
This “general” Psychology major is designed to give a student maximum flexibility in creating a program of study most in line with her or his career interests, as they develop. The student planning to pursue Graduate Education can build upon these requirements with appropriate department electives. The student who plans to gain employment immediately upon graduation could supplement this major with a minor program of study, e.g., Business Administration, English.
Students should consult with the Department Chair about their program as some courses of the core do require prior courses and some are given only in alternate years.
Concentration in Human Health - in addition to BA in Psychology (30 hours):
EXSC 1270
Health Science
An analysis of health dilemmas facing modern man and means of comprehending, alleviating, and/or solving the problems.
NUTR 1500
Introduction to Nutrition
Students will have an opportunity to analyze the adequacy of human nutrition and elements of dietary needs and understand how carbohydrates, lipids, protein, vitamins, and minerals pertain to human well-being.
BIOL 2419
BIOL 2419 Lab
BIOL 2420
BIOL 2420 Lab
PSYC 2470
Health Psychology
A study of the relationships among the mind, body, and society as they relate to physical health and illness.
PSYC 3210
Psychology of Addictions
An exploration of the physical, emotional, psychological, and cultural aspects of the addictive process. Emphasis is placed on addiction to alcohol/drugs, food, gambling, sex, work, technology, and relationships. Prerequisite: one course in psychology
PSYC 3980
Behavior Mod - Well-Being
A study of the basic principles and processes of behavior modification, with emphasis on the design and implementation of strategic interventions to enhance individual and community health, educational outcomes, and interpersonal, familial, and professional interactions.
Select ONE of the following:
BIOL 1501
Molecules and Cells
An introduction to the chemical and cellular basis of life for natural science majors. This course will examine biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell division, genetics, molecular biology, genomics and biotechnology. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1501.
BIOL 1502
Structure & Func of Organisms
An introduction to the morphology and physiology of plants and animals for natural science majors. This course will emphasize the diversity of structure and function among living organisms. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1502.
Two of the following 2000- and 3000-level health focused courses:
PSYC 3420
Fund Behavioral Neuroscience
A survey of the anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and pharmacological processes of the nervous system as these influence behavior. Prerequisite: at least one course in psychology.
PSYC 3421
Fund Behav Neuro Lab
Laboratory to accompany PSYC 3420, a survey of the anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and pharmacological processes of the nervous system as these influence behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 2222.
OR
PSYC 3530
Fund of Cognitive Processes
A survey of theory and research related to human cognitive functioning. Prerequisite: at least one course in psychology.
PSYC 3531
Fund Cog Process Lab
Laboratory to accompany PSYC 3530, a survey of theory and research related to human cognitive functioning. Prerequisite: PSYC 2222.
Concentration in Biological Science - in addition to BA in Psychology (30 hours)
BIOL 1501
Molecules and Cells
An introduction to the chemical and cellular basis of life for natural science majors. This course will examine biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell division, genetics, molecular biology, genomics and biotechnology. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1501.
BIOL 2420
BIOL 2420 Lab
CHEM 1501
General Chemistry I
A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gases, bonding, and periodicity. Lecture and Laboratory.
PSYC 3210
Psychology of Addictions
An exploration of the physical, emotional, psychological, and cultural aspects of the addictive process. Emphasis is placed on addiction to alcohol/drugs, food, gambling, sex, work, technology, and relationships. Prerequisite: one course in psychology
Select TWO of the following:
BIOL 1502
Structure & Func of Organisms
An introduction to the morphology and physiology of plants and animals for natural science majors. This course will emphasize the diversity of structure and function among living organisms. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1502.
BIOL 1503
Ecology & Evolution
An introduction to principles of ecology and evolution for natural science majors. This course will examine ecosystems, populations, biogeochemical cycles, biogeography, natural selection, and speciation. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1503.
CHEM 1502
CHEM 1502 Lab
BIOL 3591
Genetics
A general study of the basic principles of inheritance, the chemical, structural, and functional bases of genetic material, and quantitative and population genetics. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1501.
BIOL 3562
Microbiology & Immunology
The biology of microorganisms including systematics, metabolism, pathogenic mechanisms, and industrial uses. The cellular and humoral immune responses of vertebrates are emphasized in lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1501.
BIOL 3600
Evolution
Advanced study of the evolution of life on earth. Topics will include evolution at the molecular through population levels, human evolution, and the history of evolutionary thought. Prerequisites or corequisites: Junior or senior standing and BIOL 1501, BIOL 1502, and BIOL 1503.
Neuropsychology must be taken as part of BA.
