Department of Psychological Sciences

PSYC 1000. TCC Dual Admit. 0 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

PSYC 1100. Transitioning to University Studies in Psychology. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

Practical study designed to prepare the student for university life, and in the development of skills for academic success, promote personal growth and responsibility, and encourage active involvement in the learning process from an individual college perspective. Also included will be the development of skills to promote physical and mental health.

PSYC 2301. General Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An overview of psychology, the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes and the variables that influence these processes. Topics covered in the course include motivation, emotions, intelligence, sensory processes, perception, learning, thinking, mental health, and psychotherapy. All psychology majors must earn a C or better in the course.

PSYC 2308. Child Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of children from infancy through adolescence with emphasis on the analysis of behavior based on experimental evidence and contemporary theory.

PSYC 2314. Life Span Growth & Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A lifespan study of the development of human beings from conception to death. The growth and developmental patterns of the eight age groups are studied with attention directed to experimental evidence, case studies, and contemporary theories. May not be counted as part of the professional education component for teacher certification.

PSYC 2315. Psychology of Adjustment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of human behavioral and mental processes that permit us to adjust or to meet the demands of a changing physical or psychological environment with an emphasis upon effective personal-social adjustment. Topics covered include social influence, stress, psychological factors and physical health, health-enhancing behaviors, addictive behaviors, methods of coping, gender roles and differences, and interpersonal attraction.

PSYC 2317. Statistical Methods in Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Study of statistical methods used in psychological research, assessment, and testing. Includes the study of measures of central tendency and variability, statistical inference (including analysis of variance), and correlation and regression as these apply to psychology. All psychology majors must earn a C or better in the course. Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 and either MATH 1314, MATH 1316, MATH 1332, MATH 1324, MATH 1325, MATH 1342, MATH 2412, or MATH 2413.

PSYC 2319. Social Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to the theories and topics of social psychology. This course emphasizes the effect of social variables upon the behavior of individuals. Topics covered include socialization, language and communication, prejudice, social attitudes, attitude change, aggression, prosocial behavior, and group behavior. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 2301 or approval of the department head. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or approval of the department head.

PSYC 2320. Abnormal Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An overview of the history, causes, and treatments of deviant behavior. Psychological, social, and physiological factors as they relate to the development of abnormal behavior and its subsequent treatment. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or approval of the department head.

PSYC 2345. Biological Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introductory course in the biological and neuroscientific basis of behavior with emphasis on how the brain influences behavior. The basic chemical, electrical, and functional components of the nervous system that influence behaviors, cognition, and emotion will be examined. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301.

PSYC 3301. Psychology of Learning. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An investigation into the major theoretical approaches, concepts and principles, and experimental methods of learning. All psychology majors must earn a C or better in the course. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 - must pass this course with a C or better, or approval of the department head.

PSYC 3303. Educational Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The study of the psychology of learning within educational settings. Topics include theories and research on human development, cognition, learning, and motivation, and their application to the processes of teaching and learning. Issues such as cultural diversity, standardized testing, individual differences, exceptionalities, and the learning environment are also considered.

PSYC 3305. Human Cognitive Processes. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of human cognition and information processing, including perception, attention, memory, reasoning, and problem solving. Also included are the experimental methods and current theories of human cognition. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or approval of the department head.

PSYC 3307. The Human Lifespan. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Surveys development from conception through adulthood with emphasis on social adaptation of individuals and roles in families, groups, and communities. Cognitive, social, personal and biological factors of the stages of development are included.

PSYC 3309. Writing in Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

The study of advanced technical communication in psychology. Involves learning and using the current edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for formal research reports, literature reviews, grant proposals, and professional articles. Also involves learning to write professional psychological reports. Psychology majors must pass the course with a C or better. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 with a C or better.

PSYC 3311. Behavior Analysis and Behavior Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Examines the basic principles and methods of behavior analysis and behavior management techniques. Includes a systematic review of behavioral and cognitive-behavioral methodologies for dealing with human problems such as disruptive behavior, personal adjustment difficulties, behavioral deficits, phobias and fears, developmental disorders, stress and maladaptive behavior in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or approval of the department head.

PSYC 3320. Psycholinguistics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course emphasizes the study of language, understanding languages, producing language and speech, language development, and related topics such as reading, language and the brain, linguistic diversity, and universals. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or approval of the department head.

PSYC 3332. Neuropsychopharmacology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the neuroscientific basis of the effects of drugs on behavior. Emphasis will be placed on major antipsychotic, antianxiety, and antidepressant drugs and their clinical use and side effects. Drug abuse such as alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine will also be reviewed. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 AND 8 hours of lab science.

PSYC 3340. Child Psychopathology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will cover psychological disorders affecting children, the ways in which they differ in presentation from childhood to adulthood, and the developmental impact of childhood psychological disorders. The causes, nature, identification, and treatment of behavioral and emotional disorders in children will be addressed. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301.

PSYC 3350. Personality. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to personality, which is the unique and relatively stable patterns of behavior, thoughts, and feelings that make human beings different. Various theoretical approaches - psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and existential - will be covered and will be related to personality and personality development. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or approval of department head.

PSYC 3360. Sport Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will provide students with an overview of the theories and research related to sport and exercise behavior. Topics to be covered include the history of sport psychology, behavioral principles, anxiety, motivation, leadership, group dynamics, gender, and personality. The course will also be designed to relate these principles to exercise and sport performance. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or approval of department head.

PSYC 3435. Principles of Research for the Behavioral Sciences. 4 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 1 Hour). [WI]

The study of various research designs used in the behavioral sciences. Includes laboratory exercises to acquaint and give students hands-on experience with experimental procedures and basic and applied research. Experiences are also provided in developing a research proposal, obtaining approval and consent to conduct research, using statistical computer applications, and writing a research report. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research are also considered. All psychology majors must earn a C or better in the course. Prerequisites: PSYC 3309 with a C or better and PSYC 2317 with a C or better.

PSYC 4086. Problems in Psychology. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 1-3 Hours).

Independent reading and research on various topics related to Psychology. Entry into the course will be arranged by the director of the Psychology program.

PSYC 4301. Psychological Tests and Measurements. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of psychological testing and measurement. Includes discussion of the basic theoretical concepts underlying psychological measurement, including psychological scaling, covariance/correlation, dimensionality, reliability, and validity. Also includes discussion of practical issues with test development, including test construction, item analysis, and scoring. Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 and PSYC 2317, or approval of the department head.

PSYC 4302. Adaptive Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A consideration of how adaptation has influenced social, cognitive and developmental processes in humans. Comparisons between humans and other species, and between different human cultures will be included. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or approval of the department head.

PSYC 4303. Animal Behavior. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the major areas of animal behavior research from a psychological perspective. Research examining the development and display of behaviors will include subject samples ranging from insects to humans conducted in natural, quasi-experimental, and experimental studies. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 AND 8 hours of lab science.

PSYC 4310. Industrial/Organizational Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the basic theories and practices of Industrial/Organizational psychology including selection testing, job analysis, performance appraisal training, employment motivation, job satisfaction, leadership and group processes within organizations. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 or approval of department head.

PSYC 4312. Behavioral Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Surveys the biological basis of behavior. Includes an in-depth examination of the physical structure of the human body and the role of chemical and electrical operations within it and how it influences psychological functioning. Emphasis will be placed on the developmental, cognitive, affective and behavioral effects of such operations. Recent research will also be reviewed. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301, 8 hours of lab science (preferably BIOL), or approval of the department head.

PSYC 4320. History of Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Historical analysis of prescientific psychology including philosophical and physiological roots leading to the development of the early schools of psychological thought to current psychological theoretical positions. All psychology majors must earn a C or better in the course. Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 and PHIL 1301 or approval of department head.

PSYC 4350. Senior Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

A focus on the application, integration, and demonstration of knowledge gained throughout psychology major coursework. In this course, students will be expected to demonstrate the following: knowledge base in multiple areas of psychology, knowledge of methods of scientific inquiry and critical thinking, ethical and social responsibility, effective written and oral communication, and professional development. All psychology majors must earn a C or better in the course. Prerequisites: PSYC 3435 and 90 hours completed, or permission of the department head.

PSYC 4388. Undergraduate Research Experience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will provide students the opportunity to engage in research with faculty. Students will have the opportunity to gain experience working in a lab setting, which may include engagement in design, collection, analyzing, interpreting, writing and presenting data. Students must be currently working in a lab and be invited by a faculty member to take this course. Prerequisite: PSYCH 2301.

PSYC 4390. Special Topics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Independent reading and research on various topics related to Psychology. Prerequisites: Senior standing.