Application of psychological principles to professions directly concerned with human behavior. Special emphasis on the various positions psychologists fill in: business and industry, consumer research and advertising, law and government, education, health management, sports and athletic performance, and the social services.

This course explores the foundations of health psychology by examining the relationship between psychological processes and physical health. Students will apply psychological models of health behavior and learn how to apply the biopsychosocial model of health to various health behaviors, such as smoking tobacco, using alcohol, eating and weight management, exercising, stress and pain management. They will analyze the psychological factors influencing health behaviors and outcomes and critically assess current research and ethical issues in health psychology.

This designation is for courses offered as electives in the Undergraduate Honors Program, and may include both Honors-only courses and augmented Honors versions of courses that are offered elsewhere in the catalog. Courses have limited enrollment and content reflects Honors Program course outcomes around rigorous critical engagement, interdisciplinarity, effective communication, and meaningful collaboration.

This course will focus on how humans evolved psychological mechanisms to solve various adaptive problems associated with ecology, nutrition, mating, kinship, cooperation, aggression, and other social and sexual conflicts. Each week, we will cover readings from anthropology, biology, and psychology, addressing fundamental questions on human nature – Why does sex exist? Is beauty arbitrary? Why do we get “sick” physically and mentally? Why do we have emotions? The course unifies different subfields of psychology and integrates findings across natural and social sciences.

Study of basic criteria which an authentic psychological test is expected to meet: standardization, reliability, and validity. Description of most prominently known tests of intelligence, achievement, aptitude, and personality.

Examines the scientific study of social behavior. Students will be challenged to investigate and critically think of such interesting human topics as: the intrigue of personal attraction; the accuracy of impressions, the emotional sources of persuasion, conformity, prejudice; and altruism; and finally the influence of personal attitudes and beliefs on social behavior.

Provides a broad overview of the relationship between brain function and behavior. Topics include basic brain anatomy and neural transmission; the neurobiology of sensation and perception, motivated behaviors, learning and memory, reward, pain, attention, sleep, stress and emotions; and what happens when brain function goes wrong (i.e., neurological and psychological disorders). By the end of this course, students should be able to evaluate claims made about brain research and function, and have a richer understanding of how people behave the way they do.

Study of diverse theoretical approaches to understanding personality; review of current assessment and research methods employed in the study of the person.

Examines the steps of the research process, in particular research design, using various methods of psychological research. Students will review and write research reports and develop skills in the critical analysis of research design. Students will begin an original Experimental Research Study (ERS) to include research questions, problem identification and literature review. (Prerequisites: PSY 101, 208). Writing Intensive.

Continues to examine the steps of the research process, in particular research design, using various methods of psychological research. Students will conduct research, gather and analyze data, review and write research reports and develop skills in the critical analysis of research design. Students will complete an original Experimental Research Study (ERS) to include designing a research project, collecting and analyzing data, and writing an APA style research report. (Prerequisites: PSY 313)