- PY 101 - General Psychology
Description
Can you taste without smell? What explains who wins and who loses a race? Can the voice of a narrator influence your memory of their speech? Can infants perform algebra? These and more questions are explored in General psychology. This course introduces the student to the science of human and animal behavior. The scientific basis of psychology is examined. Basic topics covered are biological and cognitive foundations of behavior, individual differences, measurement techniques, personality theories and development, motivation and emotion, normal vs. abnormal behavior, perception, social behavior and learning.
Note:
Meets Social Scientific Awareness Learning Outcome (SOC)
- PY 105 - Behavioral Neuroscience
Description
This course introduces the neurobiological foundations of mental processes and behavior. In addition to the mechanics and gross anatomy of the regulatory systems, topics covered in this course include: sensory systems, motivational systems (e.g., sleep and hunger), emotion, memory and psychopathology.
- PY 199 - Child Growth and Development
Description
This course examines the multiple dimensions of child development, and the place of education in promoting healthy development for all children. In the course, we will explore the interdependent processes of child development, including physical, social, cognitive, linguistic, and emotional development, from conception through age 12. Special emphasis on the elementary school years will help students preparing for careers in elementary education gain an understanding of children's growth and development relevant to their interest in children's success as learners.
Note:
Meets Social Scientific Awareness Learning Outcome (SOC)
- PY 201 - Organizational Psychology
Description
Examines the application of psychology to the general field of industry and organizations. Specific areas covered are measurement and analysis of jobs and job proficiency, personnel selection procedures, interview techniques, psychological testing, and conditions affecting work productivity.
- PY 202 - Child Psychology
Description
The course covers psychological development of the individual from conception to pre-adolescence, including areas of cognition, personality, learning, as well as the physical and the emotional development of the child.
Note:
Cannot be taken in addition to
- PY 203 - Adolescent Psychology
Description
The psychological development of adolescence. Areas covered are the development of the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and moral aspects of adolescence. Special consideration is paid to family interaction and the current forces affecting the behavior of youth today.
Note:
Meets Social Scientific Awareness Learning Outcome (SOC)
- PY 204 - Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
Description
This course examines the biological, intellectual, personal and social development of adults beginning with early adulthood and continuing to the end of life. Students will explore the research that has been conducted in the field of adulthood, and study the events of adulthood, such as occupational choice, marriage, parenthood, and retirement. Some of the fundamental concerns and controversies that accompany the study of adult development and aging are also addressed.
- PY 205 - Psychology of Addiction and Dependency
Description
The psychological aspects of addiction and dependency are surveyed. The construct of addiction is entertained in this framework. Chemicals that modify human behavior and emotion are studied as they relate to Psychopathology and the functioning of the healthy individual. Other compulsive non-chemical addictions are also discussed. Additional topics include behavioral pharmacology and clinical treatment of addiction and dependency.
- PY 206 - Health Psychology
Description
The role of psychological factors in four health-related areas: the prevention and treatment of mental and physical illness; the development of mental and physical illness; the promotion and maintenance of good health behavior; and the organization and formation of national and international health-care policy and the health-care system. The student will be exposed to the underlying psychological theories and methods employed in this area, as well as their clinical applications.
- PY 207 - Psychology of Gender
Description
This course explores the meaning and significance of "gender," focusing on the view of this construct from within psychology. Included are investigations of most of the major subfields within psychology (e.g. perception/cognition, neuroscience, social/ personality, developmental). Relevant psychological theories, approaches to research, and research results are critically discussed and evaluated. Related topics covered include biological differences between males and females, intimate relationships, stereotypes, and language.
- PY 208 - Psychology and Law
Description
This course addresses psychological knowledge as it pertains to law. Emphasis is in two broad areas. First, is presentation and critical analysis of the application of Psychology-based research to areas of law, such as the influence of sensation and perception on witness memory. Second, is the presentation of usual and customary practice of Psychology in areas of law, such as assessing police personality, jury selection, child abuse evaluations and effects of imprisonment on behavior.
- PY 209 - Political Psychology
Description
Application of psychological theory to the practical political realm to identify rationales and motivations associated with political thinking processes and behavior. Topics include political communication, information processing, persuasion, socialization, social conflict, negotiation and bargaining, and mass media effects.
Note:
Meets Social Scientific Awareness Learning Outcome (SOC) and the Citizenship Learning Outcome (CITZ)
- PY 210 - Special Topics in Psychology
Description
Detailed examination in a seminar format, of a topic of current psychological interest or concern. The department will choose and announce the topic prior to course registration.
- PY 211 - Cross Cultural Psychology
Description
This course is designed to explore the research and application of cross cultural psychology to understand the ways in which culture explains differences in perception, communication, personality, and social processes. Students will gain knowledge about recent research while also exploring ways in which their cultural experience has shaped their personality, perception, and communication patterns. Special emphasis will be placed on creating greater cultural competency when working with members of non-dominant cultures. Using text, primary source material, media, experiential learning activities and writing assignments the course will introduce students to major theoretical orientations and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of cross cultural theory.
Note:
Meets Global Engagement Learning Outcome (GLOB)
- PY 212 - Sports and Exercise Psychology
Description
Research and clinical applications in the study of sport and exercise psychology are offered in this course. This course includes cognitive, affective, behavioral and social factors involved in the assessment and application of psychological principles to this discipline.
- PY 301 - Behavioral Statistics
Description
This introductory course begins with a review of basic mathematics. Next, descriptive and inferential statistics are presented. Descriptive to include single subject methods and inferential to cover both parametric and non-parametric methods. This course will introduce the student to laboratory resources and use of computers in assisting design, analysis and presentation of results.
Note:
Meets Quantitative Reasoning Learning Outcome (QUAN)
Prerequisite(s): PY 101.
- PY 302 - Foundations of Research Methods
Description
Introduction to the methods of conducting psychological research including ethics. Laboratory activities include designing studies, recruiting and testing participants, database management, statistical analyses, and writing research papers.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101. PY 301 is suggested but not required.
- PY 304 - Cognitive Psychology
Description
The scientific study of the workings of the human mind. Topics to be covered include perceptual processes and attention, memory, mental imagery, language, reading, problem solving, reasoning, decision making, and cognitive and language development. The basic theme is the examination of how humans process information.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101, or permission of the instructor.
- PY 306 - Psychology of Personality
Description
An explanation of personality structure, function, dynamics, and development. The scientific bases of the study of the personality are established. Main points of view of leading personality theorists are analyzed. The normal personality is emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor.
- PY 307 - Abnormal Psychology
Description
This course introduces the theoretical approaches and empirical research regarding the etiology, assessment, classification, prevention and treatment of personality and psychological disorders such as antisocial personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to name two.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor.
- PY 308 - Clinical Psychology
Description
A review of the status of clinical psychology. Evaluation and diagnostic techniques are presented and the growth of psychotherapy is examined from Freud to recent behavioral modification techniques. Individual and group methods are evaluated.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101, or permission of the instructor.
- PY 309 - Contemporary Issues in Psychology
Description
The consideration of current advancements and challenges in the study of Psychology are considered in this course. Primary readings, films, laboratory and field experiences will be utilized for students to gain insight regarding topics related to the faculty member's expertise.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor.
- PY 310 - Humanistic Psychology
Description
Concentrates on the developments of the Humanistic movement from the 1950s to the present. Emphasis is placed on the normal and fully actualizing human, as well as other areas of human behavior ignored by traditional psychology.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101, PY 306, or permission of the instructor.
- PY 311 - Neuropsychological Assessment
Description
An introduction to the theory and practice of Neuropsychology. Students will gain an understanding of the field through clinical case studies and the tests and measurements utilized by neuropsychologists. Students will gain experience administering some tests, evaluating individual differences, and completing summary reports.
- PY 312 - History and Systems of Psychology
Description
The historical roots of the development of modern psychology are entertained. Major areas include the behavioral and cognitive revolutions. Additionally psychoanalysis and reactions from the developing field are considered. Current topics and their roots include neuroscience, perception and intelligence.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor.
- PY 313 - Psychology of Learning and Motivation
Description
Traditional approaches to studying the science of behavior are discussed including classical (Pavlovian) conditioning, operant conditioning, and their interactions. Several laboratory projects are conducted throughout this course. Many applications of learning theory are also entertained. Additional topics include motivation, emotion, drives, and incentive learning. Major theorists and their contributions to learning theory are discussed.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor.
- PY 314 - Childhood Psychopathology
Description
An examination of childhood psychological disorders and developmental disabilities, including etiology, approaches to treatment and research issues. Topics include autism, intellectual disability, mood and anxiety disorders, and conduct disorders, as well as the child's interaction with family and society
Prerequisite(s): PY 202 or permission of the instructor.
- PY 315 - Social Psychology
Description
This course deals with the psychology of the individual interacting with his/her social environment, that is, how we influence and are influenced by friends, groups, organizations, and cultures. Topics include social thinking, understanding the psychological causes of our social behaviors and beliefs, attitudes and attitude change, group psychology, romantic attraction, aggression, prejudice, and altruism.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101.
- PY 316 - Sensation and Perception
Description
This course introduces the neurobiology of the sensory systems, the acquisitions of environmental energy, and the formation of perception. The five traditional senses are examined with an emphasis on the visual system and visual perception (e.g., depth and color).
Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or PY 105, or permission of the instructor.
- PY 317 - Research Methods in Cognition and Developmental Psychology
Description
An introduction to research methods used to study human cognition and development. Representative topics include: language, memory, emotional processing, reading disabilities, mindfulness, and cognitive rehabilitation. Students will conduct individual and team projects using experimental, quasi-experimental and unobtrusive designs to investigate research questions formulated to consider both cognitive and developmental processes. Each section typically limited to 12 students.
Prerequisite(s): PY 301 and PY 302 or permission of the instructor.
- PY 318 - Research Methods in Brain and Behavior Sciences
Description
An introduction to research methods used to investigate and evaluate the molar relationships between the brain and behavior. Representative topics may include: animal models of addiction, exteroceptive versus interoceptive behavioral cues, neuroplasticity, electrophysiology, and biomarkers. In addition to proscriptive research experiences, a course project will afford students the opportunity to design and conduct their own project investigating brain and behavior.
Prerequisite(s): PY 301 and PY 302 or permission of the instructor.
- PY 319 - Research Methods in Personality and Social Psychology
Description
An introduction to research methods used to study social behavior and individual traits. Representative topics include: Heuristic processes, social influence, helping behavior, individual difference measures such as introversion/extroversion and attitudinal measures. Students will conduct group and individuals projects using experimental, quasi-experimental and unobtrusive designs to investigate individual and social behaviors. Each section typically limited to 12 students.
Prerequisite(s): PY 301 and PY 302 or permission of the instructor.
- PY 320 - Research Methods in Applied Psychology
Description
An introduction to research methods used to study applied psychological science. Representative topics include: assessment, change management, performance enhancement, and group process in the context of work, education, health behaviors, and human performance. Student individual and team projects are conducted to investigate applications of psychological science in macro and micro context using experimental, quasi-experimental, mixed method and observational designs. Each section typically limited to 12 students.
Prerequisite(s): PY 301 and PY 302 or permission of the instructor.
- PY 321 - Clinical Neuroscience
Description
This course examines the relationships between human brain function and behavior, with an emphasis on the behavioral consequences of brain injury and disease. The course uses a case study approach to examine neuropsychological disorders such as amnesia, aphasia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and dyslexia. Students will gain a basic understanding of brain anatomy and the neural systems supporting cognitive processes such as memory, language, and attention.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or permission of the instructor
- PY 322 - Behavioral Pharmacology
Description
This course examines the behavioral effects of a variety of psychoactive drugs including psychotherapeutic drugs. The course surveys all the major psychoactive drugs and illustrates the functions they have on all neurotransmitter and receptor systems. Various assays for studying behavioral effects of drugs are demonstrated in laboratory exercises.
Note:
Cannot be taken in addition to
Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or PY 105, or BI 103, or BI 104, or permission of the instructor
- PY 324 - Neuroethology
Description
Neuroethology is a branch of Neuroscience addressing the neural basis of animal behavior through an evolutionary and comparative approach. The main focus of the course is understanding how the nervous system translates incoming sensory information into behavioral activity. Students will gain a basic understanding of the diverse sensory systems designed to capture various forms of environmental energy, such as light and magnetism, and how this information is used to create relevant percepts, such as recognition of prey and protector, and elicit natural behaviors, such as escape or communication.
Prerequisite(s): PY 105, or BI 335 , or permission of the instructor
- PY 325 - Brain, Aging, and Dementia
Description
This course provides a comprehensive overview of normative and non-normative brain-aging processes. The course will introduce students to the life-course approach, theories of aging, and the brain structures, functions, and the tools relevant to the study of brain aging and dementia. Students in this course will also examine change (and stability) in cognition and emotions in late life as well as the state of the science regarding symptoms, pathology, etiology, treatment, and prevention for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or PY 105 or permission of the instructor
- PY 400 - Independent Study
Description
Under the supervision of a faculty member in the department, a student may explore a topic of their own choosing which is not listed as a course offering.
Prerequisite(s):
Permission of the instructor.
- PY 401 - Advanced Research Seminar
- PY 402 - Internship
Description
Qualified students may intern in agencies, non-profit settings, and businesses that offer significant roles for psychologists, e.g., marketing, user design firms, schools, clinics, rehabilitation centers, or in industry or policy organizations. Students will be challenged to integrate their psychology and liberal arts academic studies with the practical aspects available in the site locations. Students perform 20 hours of internship at their site and meet regularly with their faculty coordinator and intern cohort group. Students meet regularly with their site supervisor and complete journals documenting their experience and hours. Students complete 280 hours on site over the course of their semester position
Note:
Meets Citizenship Learning Outcome (CITZ)
Prerequisite(s):
Permission of faculty coordinator, Junior (over summer) or Senior Standing in the major.
- PY 406 - Behavioral Neuroscience Capstone
Description
This senior course serves to integrate previous coursework in comprehensive engagement of neuroscience. The underlying goal is to encourage intellectual engagement, critical thinking, and communication skills to develop advanced-level understanding of neuroscience topics. An emphasis of the course is on the student's ability to communicate effectively scientific information and arguments.
Prerequisite(s):
Senior Standing as a Behavioral Neuroscience major
Available Department Courses
- PY 101 - General Psychology
- PY 105 - Behavioral Neuroscience
- PY 199 - Child Growth and Development
- PY 201 - Organizational Psychology
- PY 202 - Child Psychology
- PY 203 - Adolescent Psychology
- PY 204 - Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
- PY 205 - Psychology of Addiction and Dependency
- PY 206 - Health Psychology
- PY 207 - Psychology of Gender
- PY 208 - Psychology and Law
- PY 209 - Political Psychology
- PY 210 - Special Topics in Psychology
- PY 211 - Cross Cultural Psychology
- PY 212 - Sports and Exercise Psychology
- PY 301 - Behavioral Statistics
- PY 302 - Foundations of Research Methods
- PY 304 - Cognitive Psychology
- PY 306 - Psychology of Personality
- PY 307 - Abnormal Psychology
- PY 308 - Clinical Psychology
- PY 309 - Contemporary Issues in Psychology
- PY 310 - Humanistic Psychology
- PY 311 - Neuropsychological Assessment
- PY 312 - History and Systems of Psychology
- PY 313 - Psychology of Learning and Motivation
- PY 314 - Childhood Psychopathology
- PY 315 - Social Psychology
- PY 316 - Sensation and Perception
- PY 317 - Research Methods in Cognition and Developmental Psychology
- PY 318 - Research Methods in Brain and Behavior Sciences
- PY 319 - Research Methods in Personality and Social Psychology
- PY 320 - Research Methods in Applied Psychology
- PY 321 - Clinical Neuroscience
- PY 322 - Behavioral Pharmacology
- PY 324 - Neuroethology
- PY 325 - Brain, Aging, and Dementia
- PY 400 - Independent Study
- PY 401 - Advanced Research Seminar
- PY 402 - Internship
- PY 406 - Behavioral Neuroscience Capstone