Psychology Courses

PSY 199. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 201. Mind and Brain. 4 Credits.

Introduction to perception, memory, learning, and cognition.

PSY 202. Mind and Society. 4 Credits.

Introduction to topics in clinical, personality, social, and developmental psychology.

PSY 301. Scientific Thinking in Psychology. 4 Credits.

Fundamentals in the empirical study of human behavior, including hypothesis formation, experiment design, behavioral data basics, and critical evaluation of scientific claims. Sequence with PSY 302, PSY 303. Students may not register for PSY 301 after completing PSY 303.

PSY 302. Statistical Methods in Psychology. 4 Credits.

Probability and statistics applied in psychological research. Topics include descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and design of experiments. With laboratory. Sequence with PSY 301, PSY 303.
Prereq: STAT 243Z or one from MATH 241, MATH 246, MATH 251; PSY 301, WR 121Z; Pre- or coreq: PSY 201, PSY 202.

PSY 303. Research Methods in Psychology: [Topic]. 4 Credits.

Practical experience designing, conducting, analyzing, and communicating original research about human behavior. Sequence with PSY 301, PSY 302. Repeatable once for a total of 8 credits when the topic changes.
Prereq: PSY 201, PSY 202, PSY 301, PSY 302; one from WR 122Z, WR 123.

PSY 304. Biopsychology. 4 Credits.

Relationships between brain and endocrine activity and behavior. Topics include sensation, perception, sexual behavior, drug effects, eating, drinking, sleeping, dreaming, and learning.
Prereq: PSY 201.

PSY 305. Cognition. 4 Credits.

Major topics addressed in this class include perception, attention, memory, language, reasoning, and decision-making.
Prereq: PSY 201.

PSY 306. Social Psychology. 4 Credits.

Processes underlying social perception and social interaction. Topics include aggression, the self-concept, stereotyping and prejudice, conformity, persuasion, attraction, and helping.
Prereq: PSY 202.

PSY 307. Personality. 4 Credits.

Theory and methods for studying human traits, including personality tests and measures. Current research in personality. Studies of age, gender, culture, and relation to emotion and motivation.
Prereq: PSY 202.

PSY 308. Developmental Psychology. 4 Credits.

Survey of cognitive, social-emotional, and personality development in infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood.
Prereq: PSY 202.

PSY 309. Psychopathology. 4 Credits.

Major descriptive and theoretical approaches to etiological, developmental, and social factors in emotion and personality disorders. Includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and special topics.
Prereq: PSY 202.

PSY 348. Music and the Brain. 4 Credits.

Explores the neural correlates of our perception of tonality, harmony, melody, and rhythm and how these relate to neurobiology, brain damage, and cognitive neuroscience.

PSY 366. Culture and Mental Health. 4 Credits.

Role of culture in the definition and maintenance of mental health and the definition and treatment of mental illness.

PSY 380. Psychology of Gender. 4 Credits.

Critical analysis of evidence for sex differences, gender roles, and the effect of gender on traditional issues in psychology. Topics include parenthood, violence, and sexual orientation.

PSY 383. Psychoactive Drugs. 4 Credits.

Physiological and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs such as alcohol, opiates, barbiturates, and excitants. The psychology of use and overuse; therapies for correcting drug problems.

PSY 399. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 401. Research: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 403. Thesis. 1-12 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 405. Reading and Conference: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 406. Practicum: [Topic]. 1-12 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 407. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 408. Laboratory Projects: [Topic]. 1-12 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 409. Terminal Project. 1-12 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 410. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 412. Applied Data Analysis. 4 Credits.

Intermediate-level practical data analysis and interpretation. Topics include experimental design, analysis of variance, multiple regression, exploratory data analysis. Extensive computer use. Honors only.
Prereq: PSY 303.

PSY 420. Psychology and Law. 4 Credits.

Introduction to topics of concern to both psychology and the law. Includes eyewitness identification, legal decision-making, criminal defenses, profiling, polygraphy, and mental-health law.
Prereq: PSY 303.

PSY 433. Learning and Memory. 4 Credits.

Processes underlying learning and memory, including evolution. Topics range from simple forms of behavior change to the acquisition, retention, forgetting, and retrieval of symbolic information.
Prereq: PSY 303; one course from PSY 304, PSY 305.

PSY 436. Human Performance. 4 Credits.

Motor and intellectual capacities; analysis of the flow of information within the nervous system; applications of performance principles to human-machine systems.
Prereq: PSY 303, PSY 305.

PSY 438. Perception. 4 Credits.

Topics covered are color, size, shape, depth, distance, and movement. Examines the relationships between stimuli and perception, stimuli and the neural response, and the neural response and perception.
Prereq: PSY 303, PSY 304.

PSY 445. Brain Mechanisms of Behavior. 4 Credits.

Organization of the mammalian brain. Structure and function of the neuronal systems underlying vision, perception, motivation, coordinated movement, sleep-wakefulness, learning and memory, and affective disorders.
Prereq: PSY 303, PSY 304.

PSY 449. Cognitive Neuroscience. 4 Credits.

Integrative neural mechanisms of normal and abnormal processes in systems (e.g., selective attention, language, memory, object recognition, and emotion).
Prereq: PSY 303, PSY 304.

PSY 450. Hormones and Behavior. 4 Credits.

Relationships among the brain, endocrine systems, and behavior. Developmental effects of hormones on the brain, puberty, sexuality, aggression, stress.
Prereq: PSY 303, PSY 304.

PSY 457. Group Dynamics. 4 Credits.

Topics in small-group dynamics, including decision-making, conflict, and changes over time in group structure and behavior.
Prereq: PSY 303.

PSY 458. Decision-Making. 4 Credits.

Psychological processes involved in judgment and decision-making. Normative theories of ideal behavior contrasted with descriptive analysis of actual behavior.
Prereq: PSY 303.

PSY 459. Cultural Psychology. 4 Credits.

Examines interdependence between mind and culture in substantive domains such as social cognition, motivation, emotion, and psychopathology. Cultural pluralism, collective identities, tolerance, and diversity considered.
Prereq: PSY 303.

PSY 468. Motivation and Emotion. 4 Credits.

Adaptive human behavior; considers biological processes involved in emotions, how emotions interact with cognition, and social influences.
Prereq: PSY 303.

PSY 472. Psychology of Trauma. 4 Credits.

Cognitive, neuropsychological, developmental, social, and clinical approaches to understanding trauma. Includes analysis of childhood trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, terrorism, combat, and natural disasters.
Prereq: PSY 303.

PSY 473. Intimate Relationships. 4 Credits.

Adult intimacy and love relationships. Clinical-counseling approaches: assessment, couple and family therapies, and evaluation. Models of relationship functioning and the empirical study of interpersonal relationships.
Prereq: PSY 303.

PSY 475. Cognitive Development. 4 Credits.

Intellectual development in children from infancy to adolescence with a focus on early childhood. Topics covered include perception, attention, memory, reasoning, conceptual structure, social cognition.
Prereq: PSY 303; one course from PSY 305, PSY 308.

PSY 478. Social Development. 4 Credits.

Theoretical issues and empirical studies of social-emotional development. Topics may include attachment, temperament, moral development, family interaction, self-image, aggression, and sex-role development.
Prereq: PSY 303; one course from PSY 306, PSY 307, PSY 308.

PSY 479. Infancy. 4 Credits.

Mechanisms and processes that underlie and promote rapid changes in physical, cognitive, and linguistic capabilities, from birth to 24 months. Covers innovative methodologies and cultural attitudes toward infants.
Prereq: PSY 303; one course from PSY 308, PSY 376.

PSY 480. Development and Psychopathology. 4 Credits.

Biological and environmental factors that shape normal and abnormal development. Analysis of how family functioning affects psychopathology and resilience in children and adolescents.
Prereq: PSY 303; one course from PSY 308, PSY 309.

PSY 490. Honors in Psychology. 1 Credit.

Repeatable. Reading and conference. Repeatable twice for maximum of 3 credits each.
Prereq: Honors psychology majors only.

PSY 491. Honors is Psychology. 1 Credit.

Repeatable. Reading and conference. Repeatable twice for maximum of 3 credits each.
Prereq: Honors psychology majors only.

PSY 492. Honors in Psychology. 1 Credit.

Repeatable. Reading and conference. Repeatable twice for maximum of 3 credits each.
Prereq: Honors psychology majors only.

PSY 503. Thesis. 1-16 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 507. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 510. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 512. Applied Data Analysis. 4 Credits.

Intermediate-level practical data analysis and interpretation. Topics include experimental design, analysis of variance, multiple regression, exploratory data analysis. Extensive computer use.

PSY 520. Psychology and Law. 4 Credits.

Introduction to topics of concern to both psychology and the law. Includes eyewitness identification, legal decision-making, criminal defenses, profiling, polygraphy, and mental-health law.

PSY 533. Learning and Memory. 4 Credits.

Processes underlying learning and memory, including evolution. Topics range from simple forms of behavior change to the acquisition, retention, forgetting, and retrieval of symbolic information.

PSY 536. Human Performance. 4 Credits.

Motor and intellectual capacities; analysis of the flow of information within the nervous system; applications of performance principles to human-machine systems.

PSY 538. Perception. 4 Credits.

Topics covered are color, size, shape, depth, distance, and movement. Examines the relationships between stimuli and perception, stimuli and the neural response, and the neural response and perception.

PSY 545. Brain Mechanisms of Behavior. 4 Credits.

Organization of the mammalian brain. Structure and function of the neuronal systems underlying vision, perception, motivation, coordinated movement, sleep-wakefulness, learning and memory, and affective disorders.

PSY 549. Cognitive Neuroscience. 4 Credits.

Integrative neural mechanisms of normal and abnormal processes in systems (e.g., selective attention, language, memory, object recognition, and emotion).

PSY 550. Hormones and Behavior. 4 Credits.

Relationships among the brain, endocrine systems, and behavior. Developmental effects of hormones on the brain, puberty, sexuality, aggression, stress.

PSY 557. Group Dynamics. 4 Credits.

Topics in small-group dynamics, including decision-making, conflict, and changes over time in group structure and behavior.

PSY 558. Decision-Making. 4 Credits.

Psychological processes involved in judgment and decision-making. Normative theories of ideal behavior contrasted with descriptive analysis of actual behavior.

PSY 559. Cultural Psychology. 4 Credits.

Examines interdependence between mind and culture in substantive domains such as social cognition, motivation, emotion, and psychopathology. Cultural pluralism, collective identities, tolerance, and diversity considered.

PSY 572. Psychology of Trauma. 4 Credits.

Cognitive, neuropsychological, developmental, social, and clinical approaches to understanding trauma. Includes analysis of childhood trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, terrorism, combat, and natural disasters.

PSY 573. Intimate Relationships. 4 Credits.

Adult intimacy and love relationships. Clinical-counseling approaches: assessment, couple and family therapies, and evaluation. Models of relationship functioning and the empirical study of interpersonal relationships.

PSY 575. Cognitive Development. 4 Credits.

Intellectual development in children from infancy to adolescence with a focus on early childhood. Topics covered include perception, attention, memory, reasoning, conceptual structure, social cognition.

PSY 578. Social Development. 4 Credits.

Theoretical issues and empirical studies of social-emotional development. Topics may include attachment, temperament, moral development, family interaction, self-image, aggression, and sex-role development.

PSY 579. Infancy. 4 Credits.

Mechanisms and processes that underlie and promote rapid changes in physical, cognitive, and linguistic capabilities, from birth to 24 months. Covers innovative methodologies and cultural attitudes toward infants.

PSY 580. Development and Psychopathology. 4 Credits.

Biological and environmental factors that shape normal and abnormal development. Analysis of how family functioning affects psychopathology and resilience in children and adolescents.

PSY 601. Research: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 603. Dissertation. 1-16 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 605. Reading and Conference: [Topic]. 1-16 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 606. Practicum: [Topic]. 1-16 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 607. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 609. Terminal Project. 1-12 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 610. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.

Repeatable.

PSY 611. Data Analysis I. 4 Credits.

Introduction to probability, hypothesis testing, and analysis of variance with applications. Includes training in the statistical analysis of data by computer. With laboratory.

PSY 612. Data Analysis II. 4 Credits.

Multiple regression and advanced topics in analysis of variance. Includes training in the statistical analysis of data by computer. With laboratory.
Prereq: PSY 611.

PSY 613. Data Analysis III. 4 Credits.

Multivariate techniques including MANOVA, factor analysis, principal components. Includes training in the statistical analysis of data by computer. With laboratory.
Prereq: PSY 612.

PSY 614. Fast Program Refinement. 4 Credits.

This course introduces a structured but flexible framework for intervention program development, implementation, and evaluation. Students will explore why change is needed in the field as they learn and practice the Framework’s guiding principles (precision, fast-cycle iteration, co-creation, and shared learning).

PSY 615. Community Needs Assessments. 4 Credits.

Explores the formative steps in intervention design and implementation. Introduces key concepts and methods for needs assessments with agencies and individuals serving at-risk communities. Topics include building community partnership and using qualitative research methodology to empirically assess barriers to and facilitators of access to interventions.

PSY 616. Implementation with Community and Cultural Perspectives. 3 Credits.

This course explores essential tools for implementing effective (or evidence-based) programs with fidelity in community settings. Topics include community outreach, diversity science, partnership and co-creation, team science, and models of change.

PSY 618. Substance Use and Addiction. 3 Credits.

Exploration of brain mechanisms underlying motivated behaviors and dysfunctions that lead to addictive behaviors. Topics include neurobiological and psychological effects of addictive drugs, factors that contribute to addiction, societal impacts, the link between addiction and habits, and how this relates to behaviors like pathological gambling.

PSY 619. Intervention Science. 4 Credits.

Exploration of the development and evaluation of evidence-based treatments, the field of implementation science, and culturally competent intervention approaches. Students develop clinical intervention and case conceptualization skills while learning about infant, child, adolescent, adult, and couple focused evidence-based treatments for a variety of disorders.

PSY 620. Psychopathology. 3 Credits.

Definition, measurement, and diagnosis of deviant behavior; includes critical reviews of research on the etiology, intervention, and outcome of major mental disorders.
Prereq: major standing.

PSY 621. Clinical Psychobiology. 3 Credits.

Research and theory from the neurosciences applied to clinical problems and biological therapies.
Prereq: major standing.

PSY 628. Methods of Program Evaluation. 4 Credits.

This course provides full-spectrum coverage of program evaluation. We will cover theory, model testing, experimental design and basic statistical theory and methods. Designed to provide students with tools and techniques they can apply to program development and evaluation within their home organizations.

PSY 629. Methods of Program Measurement. 4 Credits.

This course provides students with an understanding of best practices in quantitative and qualitative measurement. Topics include assessment, psychometrics, validity, and reliability. Students will gain practical tools they can apply to conducting research within social service and related settings.

PSY 630. Translational Neuroscience in Early Childhood. 3 Credits.

Introduction to key concepts and methods of translational neuroscience. Uses a multidisciplinary lens to examine environmental influences on early human development, from the prenatal period through early childhood. Reviews the evidence base for interventions that aim to mitigate risk factors in these critical developmental periods.

PSY 631. Translational Neuroscience in Adolescence. 3 Credits.

Examines neuroscience research on brain structure, function and neuroplasticity specific to adolescent development. Relates principles of adolescent brain development to evidence-based treatments. Topics include the effects of hormones on brain development, increased sensitivity to dopamine in reward seeking, and the neural basis of social cognition.

PSY 632. Translational Neuroscience in Adulthood. 3 Credits.

Examines neuroscience research on brain development and neuroplasticity in adulthood. Emphasizes bidirectional links between neurobiology and behavior and connections to evidence based psychosocial treatment common to aging adult populations. Topics include stress neurobiology, anxiety and depression, substance use, and cognitive function over the adult lifespan.

PSY 672. Trauma Informed Interventions. 3 Credits.

Seminar on the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and trauma on physical and mental health. Topics include stress-related psychopathology, culture- and trauma-informed clinical intervention, and socio-demographic and cultural factors related to adversity and stress.

PSY 690. Capstone Research. 1-2 Credits.

Faculty-supervised research credits for each quarter in which students conduct their capstone research project, which is embedded in their home agency / employer (minimum 3 terms of 2 units per term). Small group advising allows for faculty-student advising on project enhanced by peer-to-peer advising/mentoring.

PSY 704. Internship: [Topic]. 1-15 Credits.

Repeatable.