Offered by Department of Psychology
College of Natural and Social Sciences

PSY Courses

 
PSY 188GS - General Studies Portal - 3 hours
Prereq: freshman or sophomore standing
Students analyze critical issues confronting individuals and society in a global context as they pertain to the discipline in which the Portal course is taught. The Portal is intended to help students succeed in their university education by being mentored in process of thinking critically about important ideas and articulating their own conclusions. Students may take the Portal in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Satisfies the General Studies Portal course requirement. Students may take their Portal course in any discipline. Students who transfer 24 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK are exempt from taking a portal course.
PSY 192 - Death and Dying - 1-3 hours
Prereq: none
Issues of death and dying are discussed from the perspectives of medicine, psychology, religion, philosophy, law and other fields. Spring only.
PSY 203GS - General Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: none
The fundamental concepts of psychology as derived through the scientific investigation of behavior are described.
PSY 210H - Issues in Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course is an introduction to the field of psychology through exposure to unresolved theoretical issues. The student receives a review of psychology by dealing with data, evidence, opinion, fact and values.
PSY 220 - Introductory Psychology Seminar - 1 hour
Coreq: PSY 203GS or PSY 230GS or PSY 231GS
Small group activities in laboratory, discussion group, or seminars that supplement an introductory course.
PSY 230GS - Human Development - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Human growth and development is surveyed from the prenatal period through old age and death. Emphasis is placed on physiological, cognitive, and social/personality developments at the various age levels.
PSY 231GS - Abnormal Behavior and Society - 3 hours
Prereq: none
An introduction to the various models for understanding abnormal behavior, e.g., genetic and developmental models; the descriptions of predominant mental disorders, and major modern treatment interventions. The course is recommended for those majoring in fields other than psychology.
PSY 250GS - Behavioral Statistics - 4 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
The methodology used in scientific research is described along with the special problems that psychologists face in the interpretation of research results. Prior completion of college algebra is recommended. One laboratory each week.
PSY 270 - Experimental Psychology - 4 hours
Prereq: PSY 250GS*
Advanced methods in data collection are presented. Research designs and their appropriateness for specific areas of study are reviewed. One laboratory each week.
 
PSY 300 - Orientation to Psychology - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 203GS and declared major in psychology
An informal review of academic, professional, and career planning issues of a psychology major.
PSY 310 - Learning and Conditioning - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
The concepts and principles of learning are studied in detail. Data from human and animal experimentation are considered. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended.
PSY 310L - Learning and Conditioning Laboratory - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
Must be taken concurrently with PSY 310. Aspects of conditioning and learning are demonstrated.
PSY 312 - Sensation and Perception - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
Sensory and perceptual systems are examined in detail. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended.
PSY 312L - Sensation and Perception Laboratory - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
Must be taken concurrently with PSY 312. Sensory and perceptual phenomena are reviewed within a laboratory setting.
PSY 313 - Physiological Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
The relationships between physiological processes and human behaviors are studied. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Fall only.
PSY 313L - Physiological Psychology Laboratory - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
Must be taken concurrently with PSY 313. The techniques and methodology used in the study of the biological influences on behavior are introduced. Fall only.
PSY 317 - Biopsychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
Biopsychology deals with the interaction of biology and behavior from the molecular to the molar level. All levels of interaction are investigated. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Spring only.
PSY 317L - Biopsychology Laboratory - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
Must be taken concurrently with PSY 317. Biopsychology Laboratory uses the methods of Ethology and Comparative Psychology to investigate the relationship between biology and behavior. Spring only.
PSY 318 - Experimental Social Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
An exploration of the theories, methods and research regarding the relationship of the individual to others and to society. Topics include person perception, interpersonal attraction, attitudes, and attitude change, conformity and leadership. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Fall only.
PSY 318L - Experimental Social Psychology Laboratory - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
A review of social psychological research methods, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, unobtrusive measures, field studies, behavioral and verbal measurement, the avoidance of bias, and ethical issues in research. Fall only.
PSY 370 - History and Systems of Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
The ideas of individuals who have influenced the development of psychology as a science from the ancient Greeks to the 20th century are reviewed.
PSY 371 - Environmental Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
The relationships between behavior and natural and man-made environments are addressed. Spring only, alternate even years.
PSY 372 - Cross-Cultural Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
Examines psychological processes related to perception, cognition, human development, psychopathology, gender influences and social behavior from a cross-cultural perspective. Current theories, methods and research findings are discussed. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Spring only.
PSY 374 - Psychology of Gender - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Motivational levels, goals, self-concept, and various personality characteristics which differentiate between women and men are studied. Rearing differences between boys and girls and their accompanying behavioral expectations are studied as well as the development of sex differences in intellectual and biological functions. Fall only, odd years.
PSY 376 - Psychology and Criminal Behavior - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
Criminal behavior and rehabilitative efforts will be investigated in light of psychological research, theory and clinical experience. Various potential causes of criminal behavior will be explored. Psychology's role within the legal system will also be addressed.
PSY 399 - Psychology Apprenticeship Programs - 1-3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
Students assist faculty members as research assistants, as classroom discussion leaders, as proctors in PSI courses, or in preparing special lectures or programs. Departmental permission required. PSI proctoring is recommended for those students preparing to take the Graduate Record Exam.
PSY 400L - Advanced Psychology Lab - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
A review of psychological research methods, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, field studies, behavioral and verbal measurement, the avoidance of bias, and ethical issues in research. Students will work individually or in groups to formulate a research hypothesis based upon their review of the literature within the field. Individuals or groups will then design and implement a scientific study. Must be taken in conjunction with a 300 or 400 level psychology course. Permission of the instructor required.
PSY 403 - Psychology of Motivation - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
The principal issues, methods, and theories of motivation are thoroughly examined. Offered on demand.
PSY 406 - Theories of Personality - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Personality theories from Freud to contemporary theorists are discussed. Prior completion of PSY 370 is recommended. Spring only.
PSY 407 - Psychopathology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
Current theoretical models and research are applied toward understanding the descriptions and causes of the predominant mental disorders. The course is based on the diagnostic system employed by most mental health professionals. Fall only.
PSY 407L - Psychopathology Laboratory - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
Must be taken concurrently with PSY 407. The methodology used in the study of common psychopathological patterns is reviewed and applied in original group projects. Ethical considerations in this research area are emphasized. The lab is not taught consistently. Special permission must be obtained.
PSY 408 - Introduction to Clinical Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 407* and junior standing
The student will be introduced to the various professional activities and settings of clinical psychologists (psychologists trained to independently assess, diagnose, and treat mental disorder). Special emphasis will be given to psychotherapeutic interventions. Spring only.
PSY 408F - Field Experience in Clinical Psychology - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 203GS and junior standing and permission of instructor
Must be taken concurrently with PSY 408. Students will visit a clinical facility for three hours a week and process their learning experiences in a one hour weekly lab. Opportunities to interact with patients and staff are included. Permission of instructor required. Spring only.
PSY 410 - Industrial Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
The application of the concepts of psychology to people at work is addressed. Topics include personnel selection and appraisal, motivation, job satisfaction, employee development, industrial engineering, and advertising. Spring only, alternate years.
PSY 416 - Eastern Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
The psychological aspects of various Eastern philosophical traditions including Sufism, Yoga, Taoism, and Buddhism are examined. The psychology of Zen is emphasized. Experiential as well as theoretical approaches are used. Fall only.
PSY 417 - Humanistic Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
The tenets and methods of humanistic psychology, its historical roots, theoretical concepts, and how it is distinguished from Psychoanalysis and Behaviorism are reviewed. Group discussion format is used. Spring only.
PSY 420 - Advanced Research Design and Analysis in Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 270* or permission of instructor
Advanced multivariate statistical techniques are explored, including Multiple Regression, Canonical Correlation, MANOVA, Discriminant Function Analysis, and Factor Analysis. Special emphasis is placed on computer analysis and on deciding which techniques are appropriate for various data sets. Fall only.
PSY 430 - Memory and Cognition - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
Topics concerning intellectual functioning are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the information processing approach to the study of mental life. Topics include perception, attention, consciousness, memory, problem solving, and language. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Spring only.
PSY 430L - Memory and Cognition Laboratory - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
Must be taken concurrently with PSY 430. The methodology used in the study of cognitive processes is reviewed. Spring only.
PSY 450 - Psychometrics - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
Basic measurement concepts, the selection, administration, and interpretation of standardized tests are reviewed. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Spring only, odd years.
PSY 450L - Psychometrics Lab - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
Must be taken concurrently with PSY 450. Practical experience in test construction and the application of concepts such as norms, standardization, reliability and validity. Prior completion of PSY 270 is required. Spring only, odd years.
PSY 453 - Developmental Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS or PSY 230GS
The psychology of child development is studied. Special emphasis is placed on experimental findings related to the development of physical, intellectual and cognitive functioning, and the development of personality. Prior completion of PSY 270 is recommended. Fall only.
PSY 453L - Developmental Psychology Laboratory - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
Must be taken concurrently with PSY 453. Methods of studying children and adolescents are investigated. Fall only.
PSY 455 - Adolescent Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS or PSY 230GS
Adolescent development is comprehensively reviewed. The intellectual, physical, and social/moral development of adolescents is discussed, along with the special problems of young adults. Spring only.
PSY 462 - Adult Development and Aging - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS or PSY 230GS
The changes in physical, cognitive and social/personality development during adulthood are addressed. Spring only.
PSY 465 - Psychopharmacology - 3 hours
Prereq: permission of instructor
The course consists of an introduction to pharmacology as a science followed by a discussion of therapeutic and recreational psychoactive drugs. Psychoactive drugs are discussed in relation to their effect on behavior and nervous system physiology. Prior completion of PSY 203GS, background in physiological psychology, or background in biology is recommended. Spring only, even years.
PSY 470 - Neuropsychology - 3 hours
Prereq: permission of instructor
The relationship between human brain function and behavior is investigated. Special emphasis is placed on the behavioral effects of brain injury and methods of neuropsychological assessment. Prior completion of PSY 313 is recommended. Spring only odd years.
PSY 475 - Practicum - 1-3 hours
Prereq: 24 completed hours of psychology coursework and permission of the department chairman
This course gives the student the opportunity to gain experience in the application of psychological principles in various settings.
PSY 475G - Practicum in Gerontology - 3 hours
Prereq: completion of 15 hours in the minor and permission of the director of the gerontology program
This course gives the student the opportunity to work with professionals in the field of aging. Includes 120-180 actual contact hours during the practicum experience.
PSY 477 - Psychology and Law - 3 hours
Prereq: PSY 203GS
Within this course, students will learn how psychology has influenced legal processes and outcomes. Topics covered include theories of criminology, factors associated with police questioning, jury selection and deliberation and punishment and sentencing. Students will also study how psychologists ranging from researchers and clinicians to expert witnesses and advocates work within the legal system.
PSY 477L - Psychology and Law Laboratory - 1 hour
Prereq: PSY 270*
Must be taken concurrently with PSY 477. Designed to be taken with the Psychology and Law Course, this laboratory option allows students to critically evaluate both historical and contemporary research in the area of psychology and law. In addition to discussing the work of others, students will develop and complete a research project targeting their specific area of interest within the broader field of psychology and law.
PSY 480 - Advanced Seminar in Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: at least 12 completed hours of psychology coursework and junior/senior/graduate standing and permission of the instructor
An in-depth examination of a particular topic in one of 13 designated areas of psychology. Taught in seminar format. Topics will be announced during the preceding semester. Offered on an irregular basis.
PSY 493 - Readings in Psychology - 1-3 hours
Prereq: 24 completed hours of psychology coursework and permission of the department chairman
The student designs a set of readings in a chosen area of psychology. The work is completed under the supervision of the Department Chair.
PSY 499 - Research in Psychology - 3 hours
Prereq: 24 completed hours of psychology coursework including PSY 270* and permission of the department chair
The student engages in a research project of his/her own design. The project is supervised by a psychology faculty member.

* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is required prior to this immediate prerequisite.

1 May 2012

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