Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree with a

  Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)

Psychology is the study of mind and behavior. In the past few decades, the biological bases of behavior are getting more emphasis in psychology. However, there is more than brain: experience, and social and cultural influences also shape our mind. This course explores various areas within modern psychology, psychobiology, learning, memory, cognition, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disease and psychological treatment methods. We begin with a short history of psychology and describe psychology as a science with its methodologies in doing research.

  Applied Statistics I (4 credits)

Introduces the tools of statistical analysis. Combines theory with extensive data collection and computer-assisted laboratory work. Develops an attitude of mind accepting uncertainty and variability as part of problem analysis and decision-making. Topics include: exploratory data analysis and data transformation, hypothesis testing and the analysis of variance, simple and multiple regression with residual and influence analyses.

Provides a comprehensive overview of normal human development throughout the life span. It encompasses all of the topics of interest in psychology through both normal and abnormal behavior within the growth of a single individual.  Similarities among people in their development are examined, as well as differences due to various individual experiences.

  Experimental Psychology (4 credits)

Students will learn the basics of doing experimental research in psychology, from the ethics of working with human subjects, to researching ideas in the literature, designing, running, analyzing, and interpreting experiments. The principles learned here apply in many domains, scientific or otherwise, where systematic examinations of cause and effect can be brought to bear.

  Social Psychology (3 credits)

Studies the nature and causes of individual behavior and thought in social situations. Presents the basic fields of study that compose the science of social psychology, and how its theories impact on most aspects of people's lives. Focuses through lectures and discussions on research in the areas of: conformity, persuasion, mass communication, propaganda, aggression, attraction, prejudice, and altruism.

  Biological Psychology (3 credits)

Students will learn the biological bases of behavior and thought. Specific topics include the anatomy and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems, how nerve cells convey messages, sensory processes, hormones and sexual behavior, emotion and motivation, and how drugs affect the brain. Attention is also paid to the brain processes that correlate with mental disorders.

  Plus PY490 Senior Seminar (3 credits)

General electives to total 120 credits can be chosen from any other degree program in the university.  See AUP Catalog for details.