Students will study descriptive and inferential statistics and how they are both important in analysis of different types of research involving human participants. Emphasis will be on statistical concepts and how they are applied in the Social Sciences. Using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), a widely-used software in the Social Sciences, students will learn how to select and utilize appropriate statistical tests to analyze datasets. The overall goals are to increase understanding of the importance of statistics in the scientific method, specifically research design and analysis, and to enhance critical thinking skills.

This course is an introduction to the research process: scientific method, basic nature of research, analysis of major research designs used in lab, field, and natural environment; how to write a research proposal, conduct an experiment, write a research report; lecture and lab. Prerequisite: PG100 or SY101 and SY/CN/PG 151 or equivalent. This course is not accepted for the Social Science General Education requirement.

Introduction to processes of human development from a lifespan perspective; focus on conception through adolescence; basic theories and research related to normal patterns of physical, cognitive, personality and social development. Prerequisite: PG100.

Continuation of human development sequence from a lifespan perspective; focus on young adulthood through old age and death. Theories, research, and myths related to stability and change in physical, cognitive, personality, and sociocultural aspects of adulthood. Prerequisite: PG100.

Attitudes and rituals relating to death in different societies; psychological, philosophical, medical, and religious questions that surround the event of death for the dying person and family. Prerequisite: PG100.

Theory and research investigating phenomena of learning and memory in humans and animals. Behavioral, neurophysiological, and information processing models are reviewed. Lecture and lab. Prerequisite: PG100.

Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of emotional disorders. Emphasis on anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Prerequisite: PG100.

Topics include neuron functioning (action potential production including the behavior of receptors, ion channels and neurotransmitters), synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems, the neurobiological perspective of learning and memory, drugs and the brain, sex and the brain. Both invertebrate and vertebrate systems discussed. Three (3) hours lecture, three (3) hours lab. Prerequisites: minimum grade of C- in BY150 or BY171 and sophomore status. Offered even-numbered springs.

Counseling is a profession predicated on centuries of work on the nature of personality, human development, interpersonal relations, mental health issues, and human adjustment. Professional counselors’ work encompasses a wide range of settings, issues, populations, and goals. Thus, this course, while not intended as professional training, presents the theoretical and research bases for various approaches, techniques, and objectives relevant to counseling. Prerequisites: PG100.

Central topics of management behavior: organizational structure and behavior, informal organization, behavior modification and group dynamics. Prerequisite: PG100 or BS201.

The course examines the psychological aspects of sport and sport injury and helps one gain a clearer understanding of how principles of psychology and sociology play a role in: motivation, performance, and the response to injury and rehabilitation. 

Overview of developmental psychology theories and concepts within a lifespan perspective and with health care applications. Specifically designed for students in the Nursing program. Psychology majors and minors cannot count PG380 credit if PG208 is counted. Prerequisites: PG100 and permission of instructor.

Individually-negotiated project of defined nature established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar. Prerequisite: approval of the department chairperson.

Development of a collaborative research project proposal, in preparation for data collection, analysis, and research poster and research manuscript write-up for PG403. Application of content knowledge and research skills to a literature review paper, Institution Review Board Protocol, oral research proposal presentation, and written research proposal. Seminar will include discussions of issues related to research, graduate studies, professional/ethical standards, and careers in psychology and related fields. Prerequisite: PG202; permission of instructor. Should be taken fall of senior year.

This course introduces students to the characteristics, roles, and functions of professionals involved with therapy with special attention to legal, ethical, and professional issues. The course provides a comprehensive overview of programs and services in helping professions. Emphasis will be on understanding professional and ethical standards of the ACA and the AMHCA and ethical decision making models to prepare students to manage effectively ethical dilemmas.

This course provides an examination of various theories and models of intervention within families, with strong emphasis on systems theory. Students are expected to develop family treatment plans and to demonstrate them in simulated family systems such as families facing a medical crisis.