Psychology

PSYC 101     Introduction to Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Psychology 101 introduces students to theories and research in the field of psychology. This course focuses on the scientific underpinnings of the field from both the social and natural science perspectives. (F, S, W).

PSYC 170     Intro to Psych as a Nat Sci     3 Credit Hours

A treatment of the principles of sensation, perception, maturation, learning, motivation, memory, thought, language, and physiological bases of behavior. (F,W,S).

PSYC 171     Intro to Psych as a Soc Sci     3 Credit Hours

A treatment of the principles of human development, intelligence, motivation, personality theory, social and abnormal psychology, and psychotherapy. (F,W,S).

PSYC 200     Introduction to Developmental Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Developmental Psychology represents one of the sub-fields of Psychology as a whole; other sub-fields include Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Biological Psychology. Although each sub-field shares the core goal of psychology—to scientifically study the mind and behavior—each sub-field has its own “lens.” In developmental psychology, the focus is on how we become who we are—how various genetic and environmental factors interact over time to influence how we think and how we behave. In this course, students will be introduced to the field of developmental psychology, gaining a basic understanding of what it is, how it is studied, and how it applies to “real life.” This course uses readings written for a general audience to draw out and discuss selected topics in each developmental “stage”—infancy, childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood, middle adulthood, and later life). A basic exposure to research methods, statistics, APA format, peer-review, and ethics also prepares students to succeed in upper-level psychology courses. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101

PSYC 220     Introduction to Social Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Students will be introduced to the field of Social Psychology, which considers how individuals affect and are affected by other people and by their social and physical environments. Basic research methods in social psychology, as well as foundational social psychological theory and research will be covered. (F, YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101

PSYC 240     Introduction to Mental Health and Adjustment     3 Credit Hours

This course is designed to help students continue to develop a foundational knowledge about psychology through the exploration of mental health. Building on the key concepts students learned in other psychology courses (e.g., introduction to psychology), this course will examine scientific approaches to the study and treatment of mental health issues and general human adjustment. The course will cover topics related to clinically based research, defining and classifying mental health and illness, general types psychological distress, and introductory treatment considerations for individuals with mental health problems. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101

PSYC 260     Introduction to Brain and Behavior     3 Credit Hours

Students will be introduced to the scientific study of human behaviors and mental processes (such as attention, memory, language,emotion and motivation), and the underlying brain mechanisms. Topics on basic brain anatomy and research methods will also be introduced. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101

PSYC 299     Careers in Psychology     1 Credit Hour

This one-credit course for psychology majors provides students with information and skills to help pursue a career in psychology or in a related field. The course focuses on career options within each of the major sub-fields of psychology. Psychological research on resumes, interviewing and negotiation skills, and networking is incorporated into the course. Students develop a career plan, write a resume, and complete an e-portfolio. (F)(W)

PSYC 300     Life-Span Developmental Psych     3 Credit Hours

Theoretical issues of psychological development from birth through late adulthood are emphasized, along with issues regarding research methods. Topics include cognitive, intellectual, personality, and social development through the life-span. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 171

PSYC 301     Psych of Infant Development     4 Credit Hours

In addition to learning the current developmental theories and research findings concerning physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of the infant, students will work directly with infants and toddlers ages 0-3 years in local daycare centers. This course is an academic service learning (ASL) course. This structured service- learning has the goal of making the material discussed in lecture and in the textbook more concrete. Students will be directly involved in the care of children ages zero to three years at Early Head Start in Detroit. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 101

PSYC 302     Psych of Child Development     3 Credit Hours

An examination of current theories and findings concerning physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development from conception to late childhood. Topics include genetic and experiential factors affecting child development. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

PSYC 303     Intro to Women's & Gender Stud     3 Credit Hours

This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of the key theories and topics in Women's and Gender Studies. Special attention is given to how gender intersects with class, race, nationality, religion and sexuality to structure women's and men's lives. Students are also introduced to methods of gender analysis and will begin to apply these methods to topics such as women and health, gender roles in the family, violence against women, and gendered images in the mass media.

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is Freshman

PSYC 315     Personality Development     3 Credit Hours

An investigation of the factors involved in the formation of personality and the changes in personality across the life-span. The influence of family, peers, and society will be emphasized. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 101

PSYC 320     Social Psychology     3 Credit Hours

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology focusing on a review of the field's founding principles and classic studies, as well as a focus on recent research. Topics include social cognition; interpersonal behavior (e.g., attraction, aggression, and altruism); attitudes; prejudice and discrimination; social influence; group processes (e.g., intergroup relations; conflict resolution); and social issues (e.g., income inequality). (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 171

PSYC 322     Psychology of Prejudice     3 Credit Hours

A consideration of ethnic (including racial), sexual, and religious prejudice from the psychological point of view, focusing on the mind of both the oppressor and the oppressed. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 101

PSYC 325     Psyc of Interpersonal Relation     3 Credit Hours

This course presents an overview of theory and research conducted by social psychologists that has been aimed at understanding interactions between individuals. Topics include an exploration of the research process that is used to investigate interpersonal relationships, the processes underlying social perception, friendship, liking, love, close relationships, aggression and violence in interpersonal relationships. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 171

PSYC 335     Psychology of Bilingualism     3 Credit Hours

This course is an introduction to the study of bilingualism with a focus on biological and cognitive aspects of bilingualism. Topics covered include definitions and types of bilingualism; differences between monolinguals and bilinguals; language development in children and adults and differences between early and late learning; brain areas involved using one and multiple languages; language processing in bilinguals, including topics such as working memory, executive control, proficiency, age of acquisition, and language attrition; and the relationship between language, thought, and culture. We will also discuss social aspects of bilingualism, including heritage language, identity, and attitudes. (F,W)

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101

PSYC 363     Cognitive Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Analysis of human perceptual and cognitive functioning from an information-processing point of view. Emphasis will be placed on attention, pattern-recognition, memory, problem solving and other cognitive processes. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

PSYC 370     Physiological Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Integration of physiological concepts with behavioral phenomena. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

PSYC 372     Animal Behavior     3 Credit Hours

Comparative psychology. Descriptive analysis of human and animal behavior. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or BIOL 100 or PSYC 101

PSYC 375     Psychology of Language     3 Credit Hours

The nature of human language as seen from the perspective of experimental psychology. The course will also introduce the student to current developments in linguistic theory. (AY).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or LING 280 or PSYC 101

PSYC 381     Prin of Stat and Exper Design     4 Credit Hours

An introduction to basic principles of experimental design and statistical analysis as employed in psychological research. Topics covered include data-gathering, descriptive statistics, hypothesis-testing and one- and two-sample experiments, correlational designs, and one- and two-way analysis of variance. (F, W, YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

PSYC 390     Topics in Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Examination of problems and issues in selected areas of psychology. Title listed in Schedule of Classes will change according to content. Course may be repeated for credit when specific topics differ. (OC).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

PSYC 391     Topics in Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Examination of problems and issues in selected areas of psychology. Title listed in Schedule of Classes will change according to content. Course may be repeated for credit when specific topics differ. (OC).

PSYC 394     Psychology and Theater     3 Credit Hours

The linkages between psychology and theater are analyzed from the perspective of the actor, the audience, and the analyst (both psychotherapeutic and literary). This includes ties between plays and theories of human behavior, psychodrama, and self-insight through performance. Class involves a significant experiential component.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101

PSYC 3955     Diversity and the Workplace     3 Credit Hours

This course will: 1) discuss gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, and appearance as aspects of diversity; 2) examine social values and practices, and organizational policies and procedures that affect or have affected the employment opportunities of underrepresented groups; 3) examine individual (e.g., prejudice, stereotypes), group (e.g., in-groups and out-groups), and organizational (e.g., climate and culture) processes that affect work place diversity and; 4) discuss "best practices" for promoting an organizational culture that values diversity, along with a diverse work force. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or WST 275 or OB 354 or HRM 405 or WGST 275 or WGST 303 or PSYC 275 or ANTH 275 or SOC 275 or HUM 275 or PSYC 303 or SOC 303 or ANTH 303 or HUM 303 or PSYC 101

PSYC 398     Independent Studies in Psych     1 to 3 Credit Hours

Readings or analytical research in psychology selected in accordance with the interests and needs of students enrolled and agreed upon by the instructor and student. Permission of instructor. (F,W,S).

PSYC 400     Cognitive Neuroscience     3 Credit Hours

Cognitive neuroscience focuses on the fundamental question of how our nervous system, especially the brain, supports our (generally-defined) cognitive function, such as sensory/perception, learning/memory, language social/emotion, and executive functions. This is a fast-growing inter-disciplinary research field that bridges psychology and neurobiology. In this course, we will discuss the recent advances in these cognitive neuroscience subfields and learn how various brain systems may play unique roles in supporting these distinct functions. We will also discuss important research methods/techniques used in cognitive neuroscience, such as the functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Electro/Magnetoencephalography (EEG/MEG), intracranial recording, and brain damage/lesion/stimulation methods, and related research paradigms and resulted theories. Students will also learn to read and criticize cognitive neuroscience research articles. Gross neuroanatomy will be introduced to provide a foundation for understanding systems and interconnectedness of the brain and related cognitive processing. How cognitive neuroscience can help us better understand normal and pathological psychological functions will be discussed. (F, W).

Prerequisite(s): (PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101)

PSYC 404     Parent-Child Relations     3 Credit Hours

This course examines parental effects on children and children's effects on parents. Emphasis is placed on how the psychologist can collect additional information on the interactions of such people as parents and their children. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 101

PSYC 405     Gender Roles     4 Credit Hours

This course will investigate the development of gender roles in childhood and adolescence due to either innate physiological differences or sociological patterning, the effect of gender roles upon male-female relationships within our society, and the possibility of transcending sociological gender roles in alternate modes of living. Students cannot receive credit for both SOC 443 and SOC 543. (F, W, S).

Prerequisite(s): SOC 200 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or SOC 201 or PSYC 101

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is

PSYC 407     Psychology of Adolescence     3 Credit Hours

Considers adolescence as an interaction of rapid biological and social change. Students lacking the prerequisite may elect course with permission of instructor. Examines the theoretical and empirical literature in some detail. Students cannot receive credit both both PSYC 407 and PSYC 507. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

PSYC 412     Psychology of Aging     3 Credit Hours

This course examines development of the individual from middle adulthood through old age. Special emphasis is given to the understanding of developmental theories and issues in adulthood. Topics include biological basis, socialization, family relationships, personality, and intellectual development in the aging individual. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 101

PSYC 415     Lab in Developmental Psych     4 Credit Hours

An examination of research design and methodology as related to developmental psychology. Special emphasis will be given to training students in data collection techniques used in developmental research and in providing practical experience in designing and conducting research. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): (PSYC 300 or PSYC 301 or PSYC 303 or PSYC 407 or PSYC 412) and PSYC 381

PSYC 425     Lab in Social Psychology     4 Credit Hours

A broad introduction to research methods in basic and applied social psychology. Students will receive training in construction, implementation, and interpretation of scientific procedures used in the study of social psychology. Topics include: questionnaire construction, experimental design, and various multivariate analytic techniques. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 381

PSYC 426     Applied Social Psychology     4 Credit Hours

The field of Applied Social Psychology utilizes social psychological theory and research to understand social problems with the goal of improving social conditions. This course will examine social issues from both macro (social institutions and policies) and micro (interpersonal/intergroup behaviors and beliefs) perspectives. We will investigate how social institutions such as social policy, mass media, and education impact individuals, families, communities, and the environment. (YR)

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 171

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

PSYC 427     Media Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Media Psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on the psychological processes associated with media, technology use and the impact that these have on individuals and society. This seminar class will provide an in-depth examination of research methods and psychological theories related to persuasion, media effects, media identification and media participation. Research across several content areas including, aggression, prosocial behavior, health and well-being, risky behaviors, relationships, news and politics, as well as media literacy, will also be considered. (YR)

Prerequisite(s): (PSYC 101 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 171) and (PSYC 320 or SOC 382 or CRJ 382)

PSYC 428     Self & Identity     3 Credit Hours

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the vast body of research concerning psychological perspectives on the self and identity. Through reading academic journal articles pertaining to theories and research findings about the self and identity, students will learn about a) the structure and components of self and identity, b) self-knowledge and self-assessment, c) self-damage, d) self-protection and self-enhancement, and e) aspects of the psychologically healthy self. (AY).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 171

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Junior or Senior
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate
Can enroll if College is Engineering and Computer Science or Education, Health, and Human Services or Business or Arts, Sciences, and Letters

PSYC 429     Community Psychology     4 Credit Hours

Community psychology examines the interaction between individuals and their environment, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social change. Community psychology examines how the social, cultural, economic, political, environmental, and international contexts influence individual, interpersonal, and systemic levels. As an applied field of psychology, community psychology research questions focus on finding science-based solutions to enhance the quality of life. (F, YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101

PSYC 4305     Psychology in the Workplace     3 Credit Hours

This course introduces students to some of the core content areas of Industrial/Organizational (I/O) psychology. These content areas include: selection, training, performance appraisal, work teams, job design, motivation, leadership, union-management relations, and stress and health in the workplace. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 4305 and PSYC 530. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or OB 354 or PSYC 101

PSYC 431     Organizational Entry     3 Credit Hours

An in-depth consideration of the psychological aspects of the organizational entry process. Topics to be covered include recruitment, selection, orientation, socialization, and training. (OC).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or HRM 405 or OB 354 or PSYC 101

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is Graduate
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

PSYC 440     Abnormal Psychology     3 Credit Hours

An introduction to the field of psychopathology, the study of mental disorders. Includes exposure to a number of historical and theoretical perspectives, each with their own theories, methodologies, and treatment approaches. Disorders covered will include: anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, sexual disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 440 and PSYC 540. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 101

PSYC 441     Intro to Clinical Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Introduction to the logic, problems, and limitations of clinical observations and inference. Issues in diagnosis and treatment are examined, with an attempt to understand parallels between clinical interpretation and problems in other disciplines. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 101

PSYC 442     Child Psychopathology     3 Credit Hours

A review of the major psychological disorders of children from birth to adolescence. These disorders are considered from a clinical and theoretical point of view. In addition to an examination of causes, approaches to treatment and behavior modification are considered. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 442 and PSYC 542. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is

PSYC 443     Development of Sex Roles     3 Credit Hours

PSYC 4445     Personality Assessment Lab     4 Credit Hours

This is a course in methods of assessing personality. The theory and methods of observation, interviewing, questionnaires, IQ tests, and projective tests are discussed and employed in brief individually-designed studies. In addition to the course prerequisite, students should have at least three upper-level psychology credits and junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 4445 and PSYC 544. (S, W).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Junior or Senior

PSYC 446     Human Sexual Behavior     3 Credit Hours

A comprehensive review of facts about human sexuality. The emphasis is on psychological aspects of sex, but there is also a consideration of genetic, physiological, and anatomical aspects of sex, and contemporary issues. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 446 and PSYC 546. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 101

PSYC 450     Personality Theory     3 Credit Hours

A comparative review and examination of leading theories of personality; their basic concepts, similarities and differences, applications in clinical psychology, in education, in social planning, and in research. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 450 and PSYC 550. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 101

PSYC 455     Health Psychology     3 Credit Hours

A discussion of the research on health promotion, psychological factors in the development of illness, cognitive representations of health and illness, stress and coping, social support, nutrition and exercise. Focus will be on the factors related to the development and maintenance of optimal health. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 455 and PSYC 555. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is

PSYC 457     Positive Psychology     3 Credit Hours

This course examines the contemporary movement of positive psychology, which uses the tools of rigorous science to explore the sources and nature of human strengths and psychological well-being. It then seeks to apply this knowledge to help individuals and institutions function more effectively. Topics include the biological basis of positive emotions, resilience and post-traumatic growth, positive relationships, positive education, positive workplaces, and positive development across the lifespan. (YR)

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101

PSYC 461     Learning and Memory     3 Credit Hours

A consideration of major theories and research results related to learning and memory in humans and animals. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 461 and PSYC 561. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

PSYC 463     Sensation and Perception     3 Credit Hours

Analysis of basic sensory and perceptual phenomena with a review of relevant behavioral and physiological literature. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 463 and PSYC 563. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

PSYC 464     Applied Cognitive Psychology     3 Credit Hours

The focus will be on the application of principles of cognitive psychology (defined broadly to include sensation and perception) to benefit the student in real-life settings. Specific areas might include human factors, retention, recall, attention, reasoning, problem-solving, decision making, reading, comprehension, learning, and language. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

PSYC 465     Experimental Psychology     4 Credit Hours

Laboratory course in Experimental Psychology, including sensation, perception, learning, memory, language, and problem solving. Students will perform standard experiments, design one or two new modified experiments, collect data, analyze results, and present them in the form of laboratory reports. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): (PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101) and (PSYC 381 or STAT 301)

PSYC 470     Advanced Physiological Psych     3 Credit Hours

Further study of the subject matter of PSYC 370. Advanced study of topics in the area of psychobiology. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 470 and PSYC 570. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 370

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

PSYC 473     Clinical Neuropsychology     3 Credit Hours

This course is an in-depth examination of the field of clinical neuropsychology including a review of brain anatomy and physiology, theories of neural organization, and disorders of the nervous system. In addition, students will learn techniques utilized in neuropsychological assessment. (Prerequisite may be waived for students with Natural Science background.) (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 370

PSYC 474     Animal Learning and Cognition     3 Credit Hours

Animal Intelligence involves the study of human and non-human animal behavior and cognition in an evolutionary and comparative framework. As an introduction to human and non-human animal cognition and though processes this course will examine topics such as problem-solving, spatial cognition, categorization, memory, number concepts, tool-use and tool-production, insight, imitation, social cognition, self-recognition and language(-like) behavior. In addition to discussing basic experimental findings about cognition in animals, an emphasis is placed on the logic and evidence used to justify theoretical conclusions. The course requires reading and critiquing original journal articles in addition to textbook chapters for foundational concepts.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 372 or PSYC 363 or PSYC 461 or BIOL 419 or BIOL 456 or ANTH 336

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is Freshman or Sophomore

PSYC 479     Psychopharmacology     3 Credit Hours

This course will provide students with an introduction to the use of psychotropic medications for the treatment of various mental health conditions. The course is designed to give students history and current knowledge of pharmacodynamics, therapeutic indication, side effects, and efficacy treatment. The course will also examine the ethical and societal factors that are involved in the use of psychotropic medications. (W, OC)

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 370 or PSYC 412 or PSYC 440

PSYC 480     History of Psychology     3 Credit Hours

An overview of the development of modern psychology from the 17th century to the present, with particular emphasis on the beginning of psychology in America. The philosophical assumptions of various schools of psychology will be examined. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101

PSYC 481     Computers in Psychological Res     4 Credit Hours

An introduction to the use of computers in data analysis and psychological research. Students will receive training in computer programming using SPSSPC and other software packages. Topics will include: correlation, regression, analysis of variance, and several multivariate techniques. (YR).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 381

PSYC 4845     Research Methods in Beh Med     4 Credit Hours

This course introduces psychology students to laboratory based research methods typically used in behavioral medicine. The focus is on laboratory methods of cardiovascular and pain research, specifically cardiovascular reactivity, heart rate variability, acute and chronic pain responses. The class also includes several special topics related to health psychology research (e.g., skin conductance, cortisol sampling, etc.). Students are responsible for physical implementation of research protocols, data analysis, and presentation of research findings. (W, AY).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 455 or PSYC 381

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Major is Psychology, Behavioral and Biological Sci

PSYC 485     Psychology Internship     2 to 6 Credit Hours

The psychology internship offers experience in a wide variety of placements dealing with human services. These include programs related to child abuse, crisis intervention, geriatrics, human resources/staff development, cognitive impairment, criminal probation, teenage runaways, substance abuse, and women's issues. The program is designed for juniors and seniors with a concentration in psychology or behavioral sciences and involves training in listening and helping skills.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 171 or PSYC 170 or PSYC 101

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Junior or Senior

PSYC 488     Primatology Field Course     4 Credit Hours

This Primatology Field course will take students through an exploration of the scientific approach and methodology to the study of animal behavior. Students will gain experience in creating research projects and collecting data on free-ranging animals in a naturalistic environment. Preparation in lectures and activities on the campus of The University of Michigan-Dearborn will include learning about observational methods in detail, practicing developing ethograms and operational definitions, pilot data collection to modify the ethograms at the Detroit or Toledo Zoo, and use of GPS for data collection. Lecture materials will also cover topics of primate behavior and ecology. Students will spend a week observing a primate species (for example, one possible site for this field course may be to observe free-ranging lemurs at a reserve in Florida). Student’s data collection at the field site will be for five continuous days. This field course provides a unique opportunity to study rare and endangered primates species in a safe and accessible environment. Short day trips to other facilities are possible, such as a visit to an ape sanctuary. Topics covered in this field course include advanced observational methods stemming from the field of Ethology, practical development of ethograms (checksheets) and research design, best practices in GPS data collection methods, and collating and summarizing data on animal behavior into a research paper. Lecture topics will address ethological methods and research design and also how to conduct research with free-ranging nonhuman primates. In addition there will be a strong focus on health and safety precautions in the field for human and nonhuman primates, acclimation to the field site, and practicalities of data collection. For graduate credit on this course, extra journal articles and longer written papers required than for the undergraduate requirements.

Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is Freshman

PSYC 490     Advanced Topics in Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Examination of problems and issues in selected areas of psychology. Title in Schedule of Classes will change according to content. Course may be repeated for credit when specific topics differ. (OC).

PSYC 492     Individual Research     1 to 3 Credit Hours

No more than 6 hours may be counted for concentration. Arrangements will be made for adequately prepared students to undertake individual research under the direction of a staff member. The students, in electing, should indicate the staff member with whom the work has been arranged. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 492 and PSYC 592. (YR).

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate

PSYC 493     Capstone in Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Students completing this capstone course will apply and further develop their skills with research methods, data analysis, critical thinking and writing by completing a research project within the field of psychology. Students will work closely with the faculty member to develop the topic and specific format of the research project. Upon completion of the project, students will reflect upon the skills developed in the program and how they may be useful in the workplace, in graduate or professional school, and in their personal lives. (F, W)

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 381 and (PSYC 415 or PSYC 425 or PSYC 435 or PSYC 4445 or PSYC 465)

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Junior or Senior

PSYC 497     Seminar in Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Small seminar examination of problems and issues in selected areas of psychology. Title in Schedule of Classes will change according to content. Course may be repeated for credit when specified topics differ. Written permission of instructor required.

PSYC 497A     Seminar in Psychology     3 Credit Hours

Topic: Seminar in Cognitive Science. Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary science of mind and intelligence encompassing fields such as cognitive psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. The present seminar wil investigate cognitive science in terms of the human information processing paradigm of the 1950s and contemporary connectionist challenges to this view.

PSYC 498     Psychology Honors Seminar     4 Credit Hours

Preparation for Honors research project. Involves discussion of and writing on: choosing a topic, reviewing the literature, selecting a research method and design, and developing a research proposal. (YR).

PSYC 499     Psychology Honors Research     3 Credit Hours

Participation with two faculty members in work leading to the honors thesis. This work involves active participation in research and will culminate in an independent research report, the honors thesis. Open only to psychology honors candidates. (F,W).

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 498