Offered by Department of Psychology
College of Natural and Social Sciences
PSY Courses
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- 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.
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- 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 388GS - General Studies Capstone - 3 hours
- Prereq: open to juniors and seniors or to students within 6 hours of completion of their General Studies program
An interdisciplinary experience where students apply the knowledge, cognitive abilities, and communication skills they have
gained from General Studies in designing and completing an original project or paper. Students employ methods and interpretive
means of two or more disciplines to integrate knowledge and synthesize their results. Satisfies the General Studies capstone
course requirement. Students may take their Capstone course in any discipline.
- 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
A survey of human behavior and psychological principles related to industrial/personnel issues. Topics include: job and work
analysis; personnel recruitment, selection and training; performance appraisal and management; and implementation strategies.
- PSY 411 - Organizational Psychology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
A survey of the prominent theories, principles, and research related to organizational psychology. Topics include: work motivation;
leadership; job satisfaction and other attitudes; decision-making; employee socialization; and the design of jobs and organizations.
- PSY 411L - Organizational Psychology Laboratory - 1 hour
- Prereq: Students must be taking (or have taken) PSY 410 or PSY 411
This laboratory allows students to review historical and contemporary research in the area of organizational psychology.
In addition to reading and discussing existing works, students will develop and complete a research project targeting an
area of interest within the broader field of I/O psychology.
- PSY 415 - Group Dynamics - 3 hours
- Prereq: PSY 203GS
Group Dynamics includes the study of group development; structure; influence and interaction and group outcomes. Students will
apply material covered to various types of groups such as dyads or couples, teams, collaborative learning groups, juries, cults
and crowds. Even 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 435 - Psychology of Humor - 3 hours
- Prereq: PSY 203GS
Survey of psychological theories, principles, and facts in areas such as social psychology, personality, psychobiology,
development, cognition, industry/organizations, and health as they apply to humor. Specific topics include: why we laugh,
how we understand humor, prejudice and humor, multicultural similarities and differences, humor in applied settings (e.g., workplace, education),
and humorous media. PSY 270* is recommended.
- 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 440 - Health Psychology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
Examines how thoughts, emotions, behaviors, physiology, and culture influence health and well-being. Topics include: physical systems
of the body, stress and illness, health-related behaviors, health services, and end-of-life care.
- 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 - Experimental Child 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.
