UMUC Europe - Psychology

A survey of the basic principles, research concepts, and problems in psychological science. The biological, cognitive, and social perspectives of human thought and behavior are addressed. Topics include neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning and conditioning, memory, motivation, language and intelligence, personality and social behavior, and psychopathology and therapy. Applications of psychology are also presented. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 101 or PSYC 100.

PSYC 301 Biological Basis of Behavior (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100; Recommended: STAT 225 (or STAT 200). An introduction to the anatomical structures and physiological processes that determine behavior. Topics include the acquisition and processing of sensory information; the neural control of movement; and the biological bases of complex behaviors (such as sleep, learning, memory, sex, language, and addiction) as well as the basic functioning of the nervous system.

PSYC 305 Research Methods in Psychology (3)

Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and STAT 225 (or STAT 200). A survey of research methods in sensory systems, memory and cognition, motivation, development, and personality and social behavior. Statistical and computer applications are introduced. Opportunities to enhance laboratory skills and gain experience in the psychological sciences are provided.

PSYC 307D Improving Memory and Thinking (1)

(Formerly PSYC 309D.) Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A presentation of methods of improving memory and thinking as outcomes of basic theory and research. Assignments include workshop activities and critical review of relevant research.

PSYC 307H Sleep and Dreams (1)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An introduction to the clinical, cultural, and research aspects of sleep and dreams. Topics include historical and theoretical approaches to sleep and dreams, sleep deprivation and disorders, biological rhythms, typical dreams, and dream interpretation.

PSYC 307X Substance Abuse: An Introduction (1)

(Formerly PSYC 309X.) Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An introduction to the study of drug abuse. Topics include the causes, symptoms, and defenses for substance abuse, as well as prevention and treatment. Review covers biology, personality, life style, and relationships with families, peers, and communities. Drug abuse is compared to other social problems, including self-destructive, high-risk, and sabotaging behavior. How different cultures respond to drug abuse is also addressed. Practice exercises, observations, interviews, and media summaries supplement class discussions.

PSYC 309C Psychology of Eating Disorders (1)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An introduction to the current research on eating disorders—anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and obesity. Topics include adolescent eating behavior, theoretical explanations, factors associated with eating disorders, and the general management of disorders.

PSYC 309K Managing Interpersonal Stress and Conflict (1)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An exploration of the nature and causes of stress and techniques for its management. Discussion covers psychological processes that cause interpersonal conflict and those that can bring about its reduction, as well as interpersonal and group factors such as cooperation and negotiation.

PSYC 310 Perception (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: STAT 225 (or STAT 200) and PSYC 305. A survey of phenomena and theories of perception. Topics include the psychological, anatomical, physiological, and environmental factors important in determining how humans perceive the world. Historical background and contemporary research are examined.

PSYC 321 Social Psychology (3)

(Formerly PSYC 221.) Prerequisite: PSYC 100. An examination of the influence of social factors on individual and interpersonal behavior. Topics include conformity, attitudinal change, personal perception, interpersonal attraction, and group behavior. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 221, BEHS 421, BEHS 450, PSYC 221, or PSYC 321.

PSYC 332 Psychology of Human Sexuality (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A survey of historical and contemporary psychological views on a wide variety of sexual behaviors. Topics include theory and research on the interrelationship of lifespan psychological development, psychological functioning, interpersonal processes, and sexual behaviors. Political and social issues involved in current sexual norms and practices are also discussed. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 363, HLTH 377, or PSYC 332.

PSYC 341 Introduction to Memory and Cognition (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: STAT 225 (or STAT 200) and PSYC 305. An introduction to basic models, methods of research, and findings in the fields of memory, problem solving, and language. Applications as well as theory are explored.

PSYC 345 Group Dynamics (3)

Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and PSYC 321. Recommended: STAT 225 (or STAT 200). An analysis and exploration of psychological forces in small-group behavior. Issues of growth, conflict, and successful performance are considered. Emphasis is on the application of rigorous scientific theory and research to the impact group dynamics have on real organizational and community problems. Topics include group development, team building, sports psychology, multicultural influence, social advocacy, and leadership. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC 309A, PSYC 345, or SOCY 447.

PSYC 353 Adult Psychopathology (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: STAT 225 (or STAT 200) and PSYC 305. An examination of mental disorders among adults. Topics include the identification and diagnosis of specific disorders as well as their etiology and treatment. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC 331, PSYC 353, or PSYC 431.

PSYC 354 Cross-Cultural Psychology (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: STAT 225 (or STAT 200) and PSYC 305. An exploration of cultural components of theory and research in the fields of personality, social psychology, and community psychology. The interplay of individual, ethnic, and cultural factors in psychosocial growth and well-being, as well as in cross-cultural and cross-ethnic communication, is stressed. Counseling and psychotherapeutic interactions are discussed.

PSYC 355 Child Psychology (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: STAT 225 (or STAT 200) and PSYC 305. A survey of research and theory focusing on psychological development, from conception through childhood. Physiological, conceptual, and behavioral changes are addressed, with attention to the social and biological context in which individuals develop. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC 333, PSYC 355, or PSYC 433.

PSYC 432 Introduction to Counseling Psychology (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A survey and critical analysis of research and intervention strategies developed and used by counseling psychologists. Historical as well as current trends in content and methodology are examined.

PSYC 435 Personality Theories (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A study of major theories and perspectives on personality, including trait, psychodynamic, behavioristic, and humanistic theories. Methods of personality research and relevant findings are also introduced and applied to real-world settings.

PSYC 436 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. A survey of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies employed by clinical psychologists. The scientist-practitioner model is emphasized through the critical analysis of theories and empirical research that provide the foundation for determining effective treatments of mental disorders.

PSYC 441 Psychology of Human Learning (3)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: STAT 225 (or STAT 200). A review and analysis of the major phenomena and theories of human learning. Conditioning, the application of behavior analysis to real-world problems, and laboratory techniques in learning research are also presented.

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Last updated: 17 July 2008