Introductory Courses, 2023-2024

PSYC 1

Introductory Psychology

In 23F at 10, Thalia Wheatley and Bradley Duchaine

In 24S at 10, Tor Wager and Kiara Sanchez

This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior. Emphasis is placed upon the basic psychological processes of perception, consciousness, cognition, memory, and motivation as well as development, personality, individual differences, social behavior, and psychological disorders.
Dist: SOC.

PSYC 6

Introduction to Neuroscience

In 23F at 11, Emily Finn

In 24W at 2, Shawn Winter

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 23X at 10, John Pfister

In 23F at 9L, John Pfister

In 24W at 2, John Pfister

In 24S at 2, Samantha Wray

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 23X at 11, Kimberly Rose Clark

In 23F at 12, Kimberly Rose Clark

In 24S at 10, Jeremy Manning

Progress in psychological science depends upon the analysis and thoughtful interpretation of results from well-designed experiments.  In this course you will learn how to think critically about this research process, first through a series of guided readings and exercises.  In the second part of the course you will design, carry out, and analyze your own original experimental research project as part of a small team and then present your work in a public forum and as a written journal-style manuscript.

Prerequisites: PSYC 1 or PSYC 6, and PSYC 10 or equivalent. Cannot be taken concurrently with PSYC 10.
Dist: SLA.