The numbering system used for courses in the Psychological and Brain Sciences department is intended to be meaningful. The magnitude of a course's number has implications for the format of the course and for the level of coverage.
Courses numbered below 10 do not have prerequisites, are introductory in nature, and do not carry major credit. These courses include Introductory Psychology (1) and Introduction to the Neurosciences (6). Find out more here. In addition, First-Year Seminars (7) are offered in Psychology. Psychology 10 (Experimental Design, Methodology, and Data Analysis Procedures) is a prerequisite for the Psychology major and for Psyc 11.
Psychology 11 is a required course for the psychology major. Psychology 10 is the prerequisite for this course and may NOT be taken concurrently. This laboratory course will provide a general introduction to the experimental methods of psychological science. Lectures and lab exercises will provide an overview of experimental techniques in four content areas (behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, social psychology and applied psychology).
Courses numbered in the 20's are open enrollment (though sometimes limited by available seating), courses designed to provide broad coverage of a particular area of Psychology. Complete descriptions of these courses are available in the ORC. These courses usually have PSYC 1 or 6 as a prerequisite, but in some cases, alternate prerequisites are possible. Courses numbered in the 20s are a part of both the Psychology and Neuroscience majors. Consult the relevant major requirements for details. Most of the 20-level courses are taught in a lecture format. Enrollments in such courses over the past few years have ranged from 60-150. In general these courses use the Registrar's priority system as follows: Senior majors, junior majors, senior minors, junior minors, sophomores, other seniors, other juniors and first-year students. As much as is possible, 20 level courses are offered every year, and in the same term each year.
Courses numbered in the 30's are open enrollment courses (though sometimes limited by available seating) that provide broad coverage of a particular area of Neuroscience. Complete descriptions of these courses are available in the ORC. These courses usually have PSYC 6 as a prerequisite, but in some cases, alternate prerequisites are possible. Courses numbered in the 30s are the core courses for Neuroscience majors. In general these courses use the Registrar's priority system as follows: Senior majors, junior majors, senior minors, junior minors, sophomores, other seniors, other juniors and first-year students. As much as is possible, 30's-level courses are offered every year, and in the same term each year.
Courses numbered in the 40's have a somewhat narrower focus than courses in the 20's. Enrollment may be limited. In general these courses use the Registrar's priority system as follows: Senior majors, junior majors, senior minors, junior minors, other seniors, other juniors, sophomores, and first-year students.
Courses numbered in the 50's are focused on a specific topic, and enrollment is usually limited to 35 students. In general these courses use the Registrar's priority system as follows: Senior majors, junior majors, senior minors, junior minors, other seniors, other juniors, sophomores, and first-year students. Most instructors in these courses attempt to provide a mixture of lecture and discussion. These courses carry major credit, and usually have Psychology 1 or 6 as a prerequisite. Courses in the 50's are not necessarily offered every year, and the term of offering varies. Descriptions and terms of offering are supplied in the ORC and on the department webpage.
Courses numbered in the 60s are advanced laboratory courses. These courses provide students with direct involvement with research. These courses usually have one or more prerequisites and permission is required and enrollment is limited. (See section on permission policy.) Descriptions of these courses and information on prerequisites can be found in the ORC and on the department webpage. Courses at this level can be used to fulfill the Culminating Experience requirement for psychology majors.
Courses numbered in the 80's are focused on a specific topic, and enrollment is usually limited to 15 students. These seminars fulfill the Culminating Experience requirement for both the neuroscience and psychology majors. These courses usually have one or more prerequisites and permission is required. (See section on permission policy.) Descriptions of these courses and information on prerequisites can be found in the ORC and on the department webpage. When chosing a culminating experience, neuroscience majors should be sure to consult the list of courses which qualify for neuroscience credit. The list is available on the neuroscience major page.
PBS offers advanced students the opportunity to do Independent and Honors Research for credit. Up to, but not more than, two terms of these courses may count toward the major requirements.