Introduces students to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Provides an overview of major psychological concepts and theories in such areas as consciousness, learning, memory, motivation, perception, personality, stress, and social behavior.

This course surveys various psychological research methods with an emphasis on research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, instrumentation, and the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research data. Research design and methodology will be examined through a review of research in a variety of the subdisciplines of psychology.

Introduction to theories and concepts that explain individual behavior in social settings. Topics include research methods, social perception, social cognition, beliefs, prejudice/discrimination, interpersonal relationships, aggression, and group behavior.

This course introduces the scientific study of the biological bases of behavior and its fundamental role in the neurosciences. Physiological, hormonal, and neurochemical mechanisms, and brain-behavior relationships underlying the psychological phenomena of sensation, perception, regulatory processes, emotion, learning, memory, neurological, developmental and psychological disorders will be addressed. The course also notes historical scientific contributions and current research principles for studying brain-behavior relationships and mental processes. Ethical standards for human and animal research are discussed in the context of both invasive and non-invasive experimental research. 3 hours.

Statistics as applied to the behavioral and social sciences. Applications using data from disciplines including psychology, social sciences, business, life science, health science, and education. The use of probability techniques, hypothesis testing, and predictive techniques to facilitate decision-making. Topics include: descriptive and inferential statistics; probability and sampling distributions; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings.

Practice and application of statistics through study group, additional support, collaborative workshop and computer lab time. Support workshop for Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences PSY 5 course.

An overview of the field of abnormal psychology. Introduces students to the major classifications of mental health disorders from the perspective of symptoms and behavior, causes, diagnosis and treatment. Examines historical, socio-cultural and contemporary understanding of mental illness. Includes disorders of mood, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse, personality and other disorders in adults and children.

This course examines various counseling styles and techniques, and theoretical foundations of counseling. Information is provided about the basic educational, ethical, and professional responsibilities, as well as counseling practice and skills. Specific application of theoretical principles is discussed and analyzed especially their appropriateness for working with culturally diverse groups, and in various professional settings. Students will develop skills in understanding of developmental, psychodynamic, transactional, humanistic, cognitive behavioral and other approaches to individual and group counseling. The characteristics of a workable counseling and guidance program and the techniques used to collect, record, interpret, and use guidance data will be examined. The purpose, objectives, and approaches to counseling in education, health, welfare, social service, rehabilitation agencies and other settings will be discussed. The introductory course is designed to provide beginning level concepts and skills required for certification and licensure in counseling professions.

This course is an introductory overview of the field of human sexuality. Human sexuality in our contemporary society will be studied from the psychological, biological, sociocultural, and historical perspectives. Emphasis on understanding the interrelationship of attitude and behavior as it relates to sexual well-being and sexual integrity. Students will be encouraged to examine their own attitudes, values, and behaviors in the context of their moral compass and their culture and societal values. Current sex norms and various aspects of interpersonal and individual sexual adjustment will be explored.

Introduction to the psychological, physiological, socio-cultural and socio-historical factors influencing development from conception through death. Emphasis on the process of normal development and its variations. Examination of theoretical models and research for practical application.

Using a scientific approach to the study of stress management, this laboratory will introduce students to current stress reduction techniques used in the field of health psychology. An analysis of the mental, physiological, and nutritional factors which help produce optimal-personal performance in daily living activities will be investigated.

The course is interdisciplinary in nature drawing from the field of positive psychology, health and clinical psychology, cross-cultural and holistic health, and neuroscience. An exploration of psychological theories, scientific research, key concepts of health, biopsychosocial factors, and practices that contribute to health and wellness over the lifespan. There is an emphasize on holism: the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational components of wellness. The course will examine the brain-mind-body health connection and review the scientific application of techniques that reduce stress and enhance biological, social, and psychological wellness. Drawing from the field of positive psychology, topics of happiness, mindfulness, biology of stress, emotional resilience, optimal well-being, positive health, creativity, and other topics will be explored.

This course is designed for students interested in how psychology is applied to personal and social adjustment in everyday life, to improve adjustment and effective living. Factors of adjustment include self-understanding, personality, sexual and gender identity, stress and coping processes, effective communication, interpersonal relationships, life transitions, psychological disorders, and their treatment. Other factors include social influences and pressures, culture, ethnicity, socio-economic factors, career preparation, work, and stages of life. The course looks at the biopsychosocial aspects of personal growth and adjustment, and surveys different psychological perspectives and theoretical foundations, as well as how scientists, clinicians, and practitioners’ study and apply psychology. Using the knowledge and applications of psychology, the desired outcome is for students to understand themselves and others, adjust behaviors, and to actively take charge of their own lives, effectively adjusting to a constantly changing world.

Introduction to psychological processes involved in creativity, innovation, and problem solving. Survey of current theories and research on creativity and innovation. Emphasis on improving creative and problem solving abilities.