Introductory Courses, 2019-2020
PSYC 1
Introductory Psychology
In 19F at 10, Bradley Duchaine and Thalia Wheatley
In 20S at 10, David Bucci and Thalia Wheatley
A course designed to serve as a general introduction to the science of human behavior. Emphasis will be placed upon the basic psychological processes of perception, learning, and motivation as they relate to personality, individual differences, social behavior and the behavior disorders.
Dist: SOC.
PSYC 6
Introduction to Neuroscience
In 19F at 11, Catherine Cramer
In 20W at 2, Robert Maue
This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamental principles of neuroscience. The course will include sections on cellular and molecular neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and cognitive neuroscience. Neuroscience is a broad field that is intrinsically interdisciplinary. As a consequence, the course draws on a variety of disciplines, including biochemistry, biology, physiology, pharmacology, (neuro) anatomy and psychology. The course will begin with in depth analysis of basic functions of single nerve cells. We will then consider increasingly more complex neural circuits, which by the end of the course will lead to a analysis of the brain mechanisms that underlie complex goal-oriented behavior.
Dist: SCI.
PSYC 7
First-Year Seminar
Consult Special Listings. This course does not carry major credit.
PSYC 10
Experimental Design, Methodology, and Data Analysis Procedures
In 19X and 19F at 9L, John Pfister
In 19W at 9L, Keilah Worth
In 19S at 9L, Alireza Soltani
This course covers the various ways in which empirical information is obtained and analyzed in psychology and neuroscience. Statistical techniques covered will include ways to describe center and spread, t-tests, linear regression, chi-square, and complex analysis of variance (ANOVA), as well as use of a common statistical program to analyze data. This course is the preferred preparation for PSYC 11, Laboratory in Psychological Science.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1 or PSYC 6 (may be taken concurrently). Because of the large overlap in material covered, no student may receive credit for more than one of the courses ECON 10, GOVT 10, MATH 10, QSS 15, PSYC 10, or SOCY 10 except by special petition. Cannot be taken concurrently with PSYC 11.
Dist: QDS.
PSYC 11
Laboratory in Psychological Science
In 19X at 12, Catherine Cramer
In 19F at 12, Annemarie Brown
In 19S at 12, Catherine Cramer
Have you ever wondered why people act a particular way, or why you think like you do? If so, you’re well on your way to becoming a real live psychological scientist! This course will train you in the ways of the modern experimental research psychologist. During the first half of the course, we will use lectures, discussions, and guided laboratory exercises to develop the tools and the research background needed to conduct scientifically sound and ethical research. During the second half of the course, you will design and carry out an original experimental research project as part of a small (3-4 person) team. You’ll present your results during a poster session at the end of the term, and you’ll also write up your work in a final paper.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1 or PSYC 6, and PSYC 10 or equivalent. Cannot be taken concurrently with PSYC 10.
Dist: SLA.