The basic course in statistical inference oriented toward the elements of description, estimation, and the testing of hypotheses. Topics include probability distributions, confidence intervals, tests of means, proportions, and differences, correlation and regression, analysis of variance, and chi-square tests of qualitative data. Principles are applicable to both social and physical sciences.

Every Fall and Spring in person, online every Summer

Previously: PSYC 270

Covers basic methodology commonly used in psychology research, with an emphasis on experimental design. Students will learn characteristics essential for a well-designed research study, and learn to critically evaluate research they encounter. Students will also actively engage in the research process by designing, carrying out, and reporting research in both an APA-style written report and a conference-style spoken presentation.

Prerequisites

PSYC 1005; PSYC 2060

Every Spring

Previously: PSYC 271

This course will provide students with a broad survey of psychological disorders. Students will examine typical clinical presentations of several major disorders, the theoretical foundations that underlie these disorders, and relevant research that informs our understanding of them. Topics covered include assessment, classification, etiology, and common treatments as they relate to the disorders covered.

Prerequisites

PSYC 1005

Every Fall and Spring

Previously: PSYC 232

Focuses on basic human cognitive functions such as attention, perception, memory, problem solving, reasoning, decision-making, and language comprehension and production. Students will study foundational theories and historical experimental findings in the field of cognitive psychology, explore recent research trends (including findings from neuroscience and neuropsychology) and relate their understanding of cognitive psychology to their own personal experiences.

Prerequisites

PSYC 1005

Every other Fall, even years

Previously: PSYC 240

This course builds on the basic foundation of neurological anatomy and processes by examining their importance for daily life. We approach human brain development using a lifespan developmental perspective, highlighting milestones in neurological structure and function across life. Key social and emotional functions are covered including face processing, emotion recognition, theory of mind, coping, and social support. To address clinical implications, we will engage in critical discussion about certain neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, autism, depression, and substance use.

Prerequisites

NEUR 1100 - or - PSYC 1005 and either BIOL 1000 or BIOL 1100

Every Other Spring

Previously: PSYC 261

The functioning of the neuron and nervous system will be explored, particularly as related to human behavior. Anatomical and physiological considerations regarding selected functions, including vision, audition, sleep, emotion, stress, memory, learning, and various disorders will be examined.

Prerequisites

NEUR 1100 - or - PSYC 1005 and either BIOL 1000 or BIOL 1100

Every Spring

Previously: PSYC 260

This course surveys social psychology, which is the area of psychology that scientifically studies the manner in which individuals' thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are influenced by and influence others. Students will examine psychological research and theories about the social dimensions of human cognition, action, and emotion. Topics include the nature of the social self, how persuasion occurs, how love relationships form and last, why prejudice is so persistent, and why sometimes people fail to help those in need while others become inspiring exemplars of caring and courage.

Prerequisites

PSYC 1005

Every Spring

Previously: PSYC 250

This course examines how psychological states (e.g., anxiety, stress) influence physical health as well as how physical states (e.g., illness, pain, injury) influence psychological health. Topics include the impact of stress on health and proneness to illness; coping with illness, injury and trauma; and the role of health-enhancing and health-compromising behaviors in health.

Prerequisites

PSYC 1005

Every other Spring, even years

Previously: PSYC 320

This course provides an introduction to the psychological construct of “mindfulness” and an experiential training in becoming more mindful in everyday life, such as through the practice of meditation. Students will be exposed to diverse teachings on the subject in order to facilitate their own personal discovery of what it means to be “present” and  will cultivate an understanding of why being present has been shown to improve well-being. It is the instructor’s hope that this course will help students increase their resilience to stress, understand themselves and others more effectively, focus more deeply, and enjoy life more fully.

Prerequisites

PSYC 1005

Previously: PSYC 337

This course will focus on the psychosocial factors influencing athletic performance. Topics will include individual psychological characteristics such as personality, motivation, stress and arousal. This will be followed by an exploration of group dynamics in sport such as competition, cooperation, and team dynamics. We will also examine the field of applied sport psychology and the interventions used by sport psychologists to improve both athletic performance and the overall health and well-being of the athlete.

Prerequisites

PSYC 1005

Every Summer

Previously: PSYC 307

Students on an F-1 visa are eligible to work off campus to provide additional experience so long as the employment relates directly to the student's major area of study. The practical experience gained outside the traditional classroom supplements the theoretical and/or applied knowledge as a part of the student's coursework. The registration process for this course must be completed every term (including summers), as students must have their work authorization reissued each term to ensure continued enrollment. Jobs must be approved and verified by the International Programs Office before work may begin.

Previously: PSYC 296

Special Topics in Psychology.

Previously: PSYC 297