This course surveys the scientific study of behavior and mental processes as natural phenomena. Basic psychological areas such as biopsychology, perception, learning, memory, motivation and emotion are typically addressed. Broader, integrated topics such as development, personality, social and abnormal psychology are also explored. The laboratory section (101) focuses on how psychologists formulate research questions, gather data and interpret findings based on the major conceptual approaches in the field of psychology. Psychology 100 or 101 is a prerequisite for all other courses.

This course surveys the scientific study of behavior and mental processes as natural phenomena. Basic psychological areas such as biopsychology, perception, learning, memory, motivation and emotion are typically addressed. Broader, integrated topics such as development, personality, social and abnormal psychology are also explored. The laboratory section (101) focuses on how psychologists formulate research questions, gather data and interpret findings based on the major conceptual approaches in the field of psychology. Psychology 101 (or 100) is a prerequisite for all other courses.

This course presents students with various techniques for applying the scientific method to behavioral research. It also emphasizes effective communication through scientific writing. Students learn about observational, correlational and experimental research designs. They have the opportunity to apply these designs in the laboratory while investigating relevant psychological phenomena. Appropriate statistical procedures and computer software are used to analyze the data from these labs. For this reason it is highly recommended that prior to the course the student take a course in statistics (Mathematics 113). Counts toward the minor in Applied Statistics and the Neuroscience major (behavioral track).

This course is intended to describe and explain the changes in behavior that occur with the passage of time from conception until death. While emphasis is placed on the early years of most rapid change, appropriate topics are covered throughout the life span. As the mature individual is a product not only of his or her own history, but also of the history of other species, there is some discussion of evolutionary theory and developmental data gathered on other species.

These seminars are offered occasionally in specific areas of psychology at a depth intermediate between Psychology 100,101 and advanced-level courses. Topics and format vary depending upon the instructor. Consult the Class Schedule for descriptions of courses currently offered. First priority is given to first-year students and sophomores, second priority to junior and senior non-psychology majors.

This course explores the contributions psychological science can make and has made to legal policy and the legal system through the examination of several topics within the field of psychology and law. Topics include expert testimony in the courtroom (e.g., eye-witness identification, syndrome evidence), issues of competence (e.g., competence to stand trial, insanity defense), jury behavior, capital punishment and the psychology of law enforcement.

These courses cover special topics not regularly offered in the curriculum. The courses are designed for first-year students and sophomores and are taught in a regular class format. Refer to the Class Schedule for course descriptions. First enrollment priority will be given to first-year students and sophomores.

Personality theories provide a framework with which to understand a person's development, motivation and behavior. This course examines traditional and contemporary theories of personality focusing on representative theorists from the psychoanalytic, trait, behavioral, cognitive and phenomenological approaches. Evaluation of theories on logical and empirical grounds is discussed.

This course is designed to develop understanding of human behavior and mental processes in sport and exercise settings. Topics that we examine include: (a) psychosocial aspects (e.g., motivation, psychological responses to injury, aggression) involved in the sport training process and competition among adults, youth and children at all skill levels, (b) psychological skills training for athletic performance (e.g., relaxation, self-talk, mental routines), (c) sport group dynamics (e.g., leadership, communication) and (d) major exercise psychology concepts and issues (e.g., exercise adherence, motives for participation, and exercise and psychological well-being).