Psychology Courses
PSYC101. Introduction to Psychology
A focus on the scientific theories, methods, and evidence used in psychology to understand natural mental processes and behavior. Emphasis is on using the scientific method of inquiry to enhance one's understanding of the validity of various sources of information about the characteristics of humans and other animals, and develop the skills required to engage in credible, ethical scientific investigations relevant to understanding human and animal life. the application of social science methods and results to contemporary social, cultural, and ethical concerns will also be emphasized. 3 credits. FSRC; WI.
PSYC120. Psyc UG Prof & Ed Dev 1
This course is designed to assist psychology majors with the development of knowledge and skills designed to promote success within the major as well as making progress toward a post-graduate career or graduate school. Open only to psychology majors. Pre-requisite: PSYC 101 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 1 credit.
PSYC151. Introduction to Biopsychology
An introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system and an overview of how it produces everyday behavior. Topics will include how psychological processes are encoded in brain activity and how these biopsychological functions are altered by disease and drugs. Prerequisites: Psychology majors, Psychology minors, Neuroscience minors, or permission of instructor. 3 credits.
PSYC1XX. Psychology Elective
PSYC213. Comparative Animal Behavior
This course will introduce students to various approaches for studying animals and their behavior, emphasizing ethology, comparative psychology, and evolutionary perspectives. Introductory topics will focus on the science and methods of studying animal behavior. During the course, we will explore a wide range of organisms and behavioral phenomena. Topics may include sensory systems, communication, learning, foraging behavior, antipredator behavior, territoriality, mating behavior, parental care, and social behavior. Pre-requisites: PSYC 151 or NEUR 105 (with a C- or better). 3 credits.
PSYC215. Psychopathology
This course offers an examination of psychological disorders with an emphasis on symptoms, classification, and causes. Some treatment issues will be explored. Pre-requisites: PSYC 101 (with grade of "C-" or better). 3 credits.
PSYC216. Social Psychology
An examination of some of the many interesting ways in which individual behavior and thought is influenced by social situations. A major theme that will emerge is that social situations are often more powerful than personality in influencing behavior. Topics to be covered include: aggression, altruism, conformity, interpersonal attraction, persuasion, and prejudice. Pre-requisite: PSYC 101 (with grade of "C-" or better). 3 credits.
PSYC219. Cross-Cultural Psychology
An in-depth investigation of the relationships between cultural and human development, and the thoughts, emotions and behaviors of individuals in different cultures. Focuses on human traits, development, and interactions from a multicultural and multiethnic perspective. Pre-requisites: PSYC 101 (with grade of "C-" or better). 3 credits.
PSYC225. Theories of Personality
An examination of the major theories of personality including trait, analytical, cognitive, and behavioral theories. Pre-requisites: PSYC 101 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 3 credits.
PSYC226. Industrial and Organizational
Study of the theories and techniques of psychology in relation to the topics of employee selection, performance appraisal, work motivation, job satisfaction, leadership, working conditions, and job-related health and stress. Pre-requisites: PSYC 101 (with grade of "C-" or better) 3 credits.
PSYC230. Life-Span Developmental Psych
Principles and research covering the development of human abilities and behavior across the lifespan within social and cultural contexts. Topics include developmental research methodologies, variables influencing development, basic processes in development; and physical, motor, perceptual, cognitive, linguistic, motivational, emotional, social, and personality development. FHBS. WI. 3 credits.
PSYC233. Psyc Research Methods
Examination of the major problems of psychology and experimental procedures available for their investigation. Lecture and one double-lab period. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 (with a grade of "C-" or better). 4 credits. Open only to psychology majors and minors.
PSYC234. Quantitative Methods
Introduction to the principles and techniques of experimental design and statistical analysis. Prerequisite: PSYC 233 (with grade of C- or better), or co-requisite with PSYC 233. 3 credits. Open only to Psychology majors and minors.
PSYC235. Research Design and Analysis I
An examination of basic experimental and correlational research procedures, including data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings. Pre-requisites: MATH 155 or MATH 171 with a C- or better and PSYC 101 with a C- or better. 4 credits.
PSYC236. Research Design & Analysis II
An examination of advanced experimental and correlational research procedures, including data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings. Pre-requisites: PSYC 235. 4 credits.
PSYC295. Special Topics Psychology
Selected topics in Psychology. The topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change. 1-3 credits.
PSYC2XX. Psychology Elective
PSYC300. Sensation and Perception
A study of transduction, organization, and interpretation of information. Topics include sensory physiology, theories of perception, theories of attention, subjective influences on perception, and consciousness. Prerequisites: PSYC 235 and PSYC 236 (with grades of "C-" or better). Lecture and one double-lab period. 4 credits.
PSYC301. Psychobiology of Stress
An in-depth study of the physiological and psychological aspects of stress. Students will discover how the psychological experience can impact physiology, and how psychological responses can alter behavior. Specific emphasis will be placed on understanding the nervous system and endocrine system and their roles in the stress response. Prerequisites: PSYC 151 or NEUR 105 (with grades of C- or better) and one 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC313. Hormones & Behavior
This course examines how hormones can produce changes in behavior, and how behavioral interactions can alter hormones. Topics may include sexual differentiation, sex differences in behavior, reproductive and parental behavior, dominance, aggression, and hormonal and behavioral homeostatic regulations. Prerequisites: PSYC 151 or NEUR 105 (with grades of C- or better) and one 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC320. Psyc UG Major Prof
In this course, advanced psychology majors will prepare for the career and graduate school search and application process. Students will develop professional materials, such as cover letters and a resume, and investigate post-graduate opportunities. Pre-requisite: PSYC 120 (with a C- or better) and junior standing. 1 credit.
PSYC321. Behavioral Neuroscience
Study of the biological substrates of behavior. An in-depth examination of the structure and function of the mammalian nervous system as it relates to specific behaviors, such as sensation, coordination of the motor system, and cognition. In the laboratory component of this course, students will be introduced to techniques relevant to the study of Behavioral Neuroscience. Prerequisites: PSYC 151, or NEUR 105; PSYC 235, PSYC 236 (all with a grade of C- or better). 4 credits.
PSYC322. Cognitive Psychology
Examination of core concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in the study of psychological thought processes. Includes coverage of perception, attention, imagery, memory, language, and decision-making. Prerequisites: PSYC 235 and PSYC 236 (with grades of "C-" or better). 4 credits.
PSYC324. Learning
Examination of the classic and contemporary literature in animal learning and motivation. Prerequisites: One 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC332. Cyberpsychology
An exploration of the ways people use social media and other digital technology, and the manner in which digital media and i-technology use relates to individual development, social behavior, and sociocultural change. In the laboratory component, students will design, conduct, and interpret an empirical study of digital media use and human characteristics. Pre-requisites: PSYC 235 and PSYC 236 with grades of C- or better. 4 credits.
PSYC333. Individ Diffs and Social Behav
Examination of the conceptual frameworks and research methodologies used to predict behavior. This lab course will draw from social and personality psychology to explore the interaction of situations and individual differences in the context of self-regulation, happiness, romantic relationship functioning, and other topics. Prerequisites: PSYC 235 and 236 (with grade of C- or better). Lecture and one double lab period. 4 credits.
PSYC335. Psychology of Belief
This course will examine the social and psychological aspects of belief and belief systems from a scientific perspective. The course integrates moral psychology, political psychology, psychology of religion and their intersection in American life. Pre-requisites: Completion of FHBS pillar. 3 Credits PHBS. WI.
PSYC337. Countering and Preventing Viol
Students will use theory and research from multiple disciplines, including psychology, communication studies, and political science, to understand the process of radicalization and critique the strategies employed to counter and prevent violent extremism. Pre-requisites: Completion of FHBS Pillar. PHBS. WI. 3 credits.
PSYC340. Health Psychology
This course is an introduction to health psychology theory and research. Students will integrate knowledge and skills from across the disciplines of psychology, medicine, public health, and sociology to examine conceptualizations of health, explore factors that influence health, and address important issues related to health, healthcare systems, stress, and illness. Students will learn how to use psychological science to promote physical, mental, and social well-being. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 (with grade of C- or better) and completion of FHBS. 3 credits. WI.
PSYC345. Psychological Tests Measuremen
A survey of methods, techniques, and instruments for measuring individual differences in behavior, personality interests and intellectual ability. This lab course will give special attention to the psychometric properties required for sound psychological measurement as well as to how psychological tests are developed. Prerequisites: PSYC 235 and 236 (with grades of C- or better). 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab period. 4 credits.
PSYC352. Psychopharmacology
This course serves as an overview of the research and current thought on the topics of treating and counseling people addicted to drugs. In addition, the course will review the use and misuse of prescription medications. We will be reviewing the history of various drugs, the neuropharmacological actions, the affects on health, and the psychopharmacological actions. Pre-requisite: PSYC 151 or NEUR 105 (with grade of C- or better) and one 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC353. Psychology of Language
This course surveys the psychological foundations of language. Topics will range from basic issues such as the structure of language, language development, language comprehension, and language production, to special issues such as the relationship between language and thought, the relationship between language and the brain, bilingualism, and learning a second language. Pre-requisites: One 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC354. Introduction to Clinical Metho
This course provides students with an introduction to theoretical frameworks and intervention methods used within clinical and counseling psychology. Students will learn about key principles of behavior change and the science and practice of psychological therapy across a diverse range of clinical approaches. The course places an emphasis on clinical science, evidence-based approaches to psychological therapy, and cultural competence within clinical and counseling psychology. Pre-requisites: One 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC357. Psychopathology of Child/Adole
Diagnostic classifications and models of abnormal childhood behavior. Attention will be given to physical, learned and social bases of abnormal behavior. Pre-requisites: One 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC360. Consumer Psychology
Study of the psychological relationship between individuals who receive services and purchase goods and those organizations that provide such services and goods. Pre-requisites: One 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC362. Human Factors Psychology
This course examines the relationship between human behavior and technology, with a focus on understanding how knowledge of psychology can be applied to make the human-technology interaction more efficient and effective. Pre-requisites: One 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC371. Infant and Child Development
An examination of the biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral changes that take place during prenatal development, infancy, and childhood including genetic influences, transformations in attachment, autonomy, family relations, sibling relations, peer relations, moral thinking and behavior, intelligence, language, and achievement. Brief examination of childhood psychopathology. Pre-requisites: One 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC373. Adolescent & Adult Dvlpmnt
An examination of the biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral changes that take place during adolescence and adulthood, including transformations in identity, intimacy, autonomy, sexuality, achievement, and attachment. Brief examination of adolescent and adult psychopathology. Pre-requisite: One 200-level psychology course except PSYC 235 and PSYC 236. 3 credits.
PSYC390. Directed or Independent Study
Must be approved by the head of the department. May be repeated as 391. 1-18 credits.
PSYC3XX. Psychology Elective
PSYC457. History & Systems
This course surveys the development of schools of thought in psychology with an emphasis on key figures in the history of the discipline and historical influences on current controversies. Pre-requisites: 74 earned credits and one 300-level psychology course. 3 credits.
PSYC460. Psyc Capstone: Content Appl
Through the application of psychological content to common interpersonal, workplace, and community situations, this course provides students with a review of contemporary concepts, theories, methodologies, and issues in the field of psychology. Prerequisite: 74 earned credits, PSYC 320, and one 300-level psychology class other than PSYC 320. 3 credits.
PSYC461. Psychology Capstone: Research
This integrative capstone course provides students with experience designing and conducting psychological research. Students will review literature and will develop and implement an empirical research project. Emphasis will be placed on presenting the project and its findings in oral and written formats. Prerequisites:74 earned credits and one of the following psychology lab courses (with a grade of "C-" or better): PSYC 300, PSYC 321, PSYC 322, PSYC 332, PSYC 333, or PSYC 345. 3 credits.
PSYC490. Independent Research
A directed research project administered by qualified specialists in the department. By permission of instructor. 1-6 credits.
PSYC492. Internship in Psychology
Directed practicum in applied setting, or research mentorship that permits supervised experiential learning. Students learn through performance in meaningful tasks in a variety of environments. By permission of instructor. 1-15 credits (hours 1-3 graded; hours 4-15 pass/fail)
PSYC495. Special Topics Psychology
Selected topics in Psychology. The topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change. 1-6 credits.
PSYC498. Senior Thesis in Psychology
Students conduct an in-depth project in psychology under the direction of a faculty member and the Longwood Senior Thesis Committee. May be repeated as 499. 3 credits.
PSYC499. Senior Thesis in Psychology
Students conduct an in-depth project in psychology under the direction of a faculty member and the Longwood Senior Thesis Committee. 3 credits.
NEUR105. Introduction to Neuroscience
This course will be a broad introduction to neuroscience. Important general principles of nervous system structure and function will be emphasized, as well as broad scientific proficiency as a foundation for further interdisciplinary study of the neural basis of behavior. Topics may include comparative vertebrate and invertebrate neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, sensory and motor systems, behavioral neurobiology, neuropharmacology, and neural basis of cognition. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods. 4 credits. FSRC, SI.
NEUR210. Decision Making
This course will explore the behavioral and biological elements affecting the ways humans make decisions. Common myths about decision-making will serve as vehicles for exploring the drives that influence human choice. Students will examine the interdisciplinary nature of decision-making, considering contributions from not only neuroscience, but also economics, management, psychology, and possibly other fields. Understanding rational decision processes will be discussed in the context of choices facing modern citizen leaders. FHBS, SI. 3 credits.
NEUR2XX. Neuroscience Elective
NEUR321. Behavioral Neuroscience
Study of the biological substrates of behavior. An in-depth examination of the structure and function of the mammalian nervous system as it relates to specific behaviors, such as sensation, coordination of the motor system, and cognition. In the laboratory component of this course, students will be introduced to techniques relevant to the study of Behavioral Neuroscience. Prerequisites: PSYC 151 (with C- or better) or NEUR 105 (with C- or better); PSYC 235 and PSYC 236 (both with grade of C- or better) OR permission of instructor; Open only to Neuroscience Studies minors. 3 lecture and one 2-hour lab periods. 3 credits.
NEUR390. Direct or Independnt Stdy-NEUR
By permission of instructor and must be approved by the Director of the NeuroStudies minor. May be repeated. 1- 18 credits.
NEUR3XX. Neuroscience Elective
NEUR405. Inter Neuroscience Application
This course emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the field of neuroscience. Through an exploration of neuroscience related careers and a community outreach project, students will investigate current trends in neuroscience and the application of neuroscience to cultural topics and real world problems. Prerequisite: PSYC/NEUR 321 (with grade of “C-“ or better) or permission of instructor. 3 credits.
NEUR490. Independent Research in NEUR
A directed reading or experimental research project. May be repeated. By permission of instructor and must be approved by the Director of the NeuroStudies minor. 1-18 credits.
NEUR492. Internship in Neuroscience
NEUR 492. Internship in Neuroscience. A semester-long, on-the-job experience designed to apply the principles of neuroscience. By permission of instructor and must be approved by the director of the Neuro Studies minor. 1-15 credits (hours 1-3 graded; hours 4-15 pass/fail).
NEUR495. Special Topics
Specialized courses on a variety of topics that may be offered periodically. May be repeated for credit when topics change. 1-6 credits.
NEUR498. Senior Thesis in Neuroscience
Students conduct an in-depth project in neuroscience under the direction of a faculty member and the Longwood Senior Thesis Committee. May be repeated as 499. 3 credits.
NEUR499. Senior Thesis in Neuroscience
Students conduct an in-depth project in neuroscience under the direction of a faculty member and the Longwood Senior Thesis Committee. 3 credits.
NEUR4XX. Neuroscience Elective
