The department's scientific orientation can be seen in the courses required of all psychology majors and minors and in the orientation of the introductory courses. Psyc 110 is a laboratory course stressing a research orientation to the understanding of human and animal behavior.  Psyc 120 focuses on the quantitative methods psychologists use to answer questions about behavior.  Psyc 203 is an advanced research design laboratory course.  Majors also select from other courses that include laboratory experience:  Learning, Perception, Physiological, Comparative, Cognition, Human Factors, and Advanced Social. 

The department maintains a balanced approach, offering many non-laboratory courses, such as Child and Adolescent Development, Personality, Social Psychology, Health Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Adult Development and Aging, Industrial Psychology, and Counseling.  In addition, a field experience course (Advanced Applied Psychology) is offered to upperclass students interested in working in a variety of settings including social service, business, health, and other areas.  Students spend eight to ten hours a week at their internship sites and work routinely with both a field supervisor and a faculty mentor. 

Students interested in advanced study beyond the undergraduate degree are strongly advised to take Psyc 304 (Design and Analysis II), and to consider working individually with a professor through Independent Study (Psyc 391, 392), Advanced Research (Psyc 491, 492), or Honors (Psyc 495, 496).  The Honors program requires two semesters of independent research that result in a thesis, which is usually empirical in design.  To qualify for Honors, students must have completed their first semester junior year with at least a 3.00 overall GPA and a 3.20 GPA in Psychology.  Neither Independent Study nor Advanced Research has a cumulative grade prerequisite;  each may be taken for one or two semesters.  A research manual describing research opportunities within the department is available upon request. 

The Psychology Department also plays a significant role in the Neuroscience major.  This interdisciplinary major focuses on the development, structure, and behavioral consequences of nervous systems.  Within this program, students have the freedom to create their own combination of electives that suit their particular interests (e.g., behavioral neuroscience or cellular neuroscience).  More information about this major is available from the Psychology Office. 

Requirements for the Psychology major:

Most of the courses in psychology are described below. All A.B. (Bachelor of Arts) Psychology majors are required to take 10 courses in psychology including Psychology 110, 120, and 203, plus two laboratory courses in psychology from the set 304-327, one course from the set 335-496, and four other courses of their choice. Courses are to be distributed among at least four of the six major subdivisions of psychology to achieve a broad foundation in the major. The six subdivisions are: Biological (225, 322, 323, 324, 423), Clinical (231, 232, 337), Cognitive/Learning (236, 242, 321, 325), Developmental (233, 234, 338), Industrial/Organizational (326, 335, 336), and Social (235, 240, 248, 327). 

All B.S. (Bachelor of Science) Psychology majors are required to complete 12 courses in Psychology including 110, 120, and 203, plus three other laboratory courses in psychology from the set 304-327, one course from the set 335-496, and five other courses. Courses are to be distributed among at least four of the six major subdivisions of psychology to achieve a broad foundation in the major. B.S. students must also complete Mathematics 125 or 161 and 5 courses outside of the Psychology Department that are in the natural sciences.  It is strongly recommended that A.B. and B.S. students consider taking Psychology 304; 491, 492; or 495, 496. Students in both programs must also study humanities and social science courses as part of the Common Course of Study of Lafayette College.  Choice of major program should always be made in close consultation with the student's major adviser. 

Requirements for the minor: 

A minor in Psychology consists of a minimum of six courses in psychology to be selected in consultation with a faculty member in the Psychology department. These courses must include: Psychology 110, 120 , and 203. The remaining three courses must be selected from other departmental offerings. 

110. Introduction to Psychological Science.
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and of underlying mental and physiological processes. In this course, students are introduced to the goals of psychological science, the nature of scientific thinking, and the scientific methods psychologists use to study, explain, and predict animal and human behavior. A variety of content areas in psychology are discussed. Students apply their knowledge in weekly laboratory activities using various scientific methods. Lecture/laboratory. Offered every semester. Staff. 

120. Quantitative Methods in Psychology. 
An introduction to basic research design, measurement, and the use of descriptive and inferential statistics in psychological research. Topics include correlation, regression, reliability, validity, hypothesis testing, nonparametric techniques, and inferential statistics including analysis of variance (ANOVA). Prerequisite: Psychology 110. Lecture. Offered every semester. Staff. 

203. Design and Analysis I. 
Additional methods for studying behavior including complex experimental designs, surveys, and statistical analysis of data. Prerequisite: Psychology 120 or permission of instructor. Lecture/laboratory. Offered every semester. Ms. Bookwala, Ms. McGillicuddy-DeLisi, Ms. Pinto 

225. Psychopharmacology. 
Psychopharmacology is the study of drugs and behavior. The neurological, physiological, and psychological effects of psychoactive drugs, such as sedatives, stimulants, opiates, antidepressants, alcohol, and hallucinogens are examined. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. Offered in fall semester. Ms. Hill 

231. Personality. 
An examination of the major theories of personality including an evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses. Theories are applied to specific people in order to facilitate understanding how and why people behave. Current issues in personality research are also highlighted. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of instructor. Lecture/discussion. Offered in fall semester. Ms. Basow, Mr. Shaw 

232. Abnormal Psychology. 
This course examines current practices in classifying and diagnosing mental illnesses. Major psychological disorders, such as depression, substance abuse, and schizophrenia are evaluated in light of the latest research findings. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of instructor. Lecture/discussion. Ms. Swiatek 

233. Child and Adolescent Development. 
Theories of development and the processes underlying physical, cognitive, social, and personality growth during infancy, childhood, and adolescence are examined. Research and practical applications related to changes in abilities and behavior are discussed. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. Lecture. Offered in fall semester. Ms. McGillicuddy-DeLisi 

234. Adult Development and Aging. 
Theoretical models of change during the adult years, and research designs and methods that indicate sources of individual differences during adulthood are reviewed. Selected topics such as interpersonal relationships, career development, biological changes, and intellectual abilities in relation to adult development and aging are studied. Prerequisite: Psychology 110. Lecture. Offered in spring semester. Ms. Bookwala 

235. Social Behavior. 
The psychological bases of social phenomena in individuals and groups. Topics covered include: theory and methods, social perception, attitudes, prejudice and discrimination, leadership, aggression, small groups, attraction and love. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of instructor. Lecture/discussion. Mr. Childs, Mr. Shaw 

236. Behavior Modification. 
An examination of the application of the principles of learning to the control of human behavior. Lectures explore specific principles of operant and Pavlovian conditioning including, but not limited to, the concepts of reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, and schedules of reinforcement. Students explore how these techniques may be applied in personal, therapeutic, institutional, corporate, and social settings. The historical and empirical roots are also considered. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of instructor. Offered in spring semester. Mr. Allan 

240. Health Psychology.
The role of psychology in all aspects of the health care system is examined. Students study and discuss such issues as the use of psychological methods in preventive medicine and treatment; research methods for examining and improving interpersonal relationships within the hospital setting; and the role of psychology in health care delivery. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of instructor. Offered in spring semester. Mr. Childs 

242. Educational Psychology.
This course introduces students to the theory and research underlying instructional practice. The following topics are covered: cognitive and behavioral approaches to learning, components of effective teaching, classroom motivation, measurement and testing issues, and considerations of individual differences. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of instructor. Offered in spring semester. Ms. Swiatek 

248. Psychology of Gender.
An examination of gender from a psychological perspective including research on gender similarities and differences and gender socialization. Emphasis is placed on the consequences of gender stereotypes and roles for the individual, relationships, and society as a whole. Change strategies and goals are also discussed. Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or permission of instructor. Ms. Basow 

255.  Memory
The human brain contains a system for classifying, storing, and retrieving information that exceeds the capacity of the best computers in flexibility and speed.  Yet the same system is often so unreliable that it cannot consistently remember a seven digit phone number long enough for one to dial it.  How can memory be so efficient in some regards and unreliable in others?  In this course, we will consider psychological research and theories that address this question. 
Prerequisite:  Psychology 120.  Mr. McGlone 

304. Design and Analysis II.
This course focuses on theory and application in the areas of measurement, research design, and statistical analysis and interpretation. Topics include coverage of selected multivariate techniques (e.g., multiple regression, discriminant analysis, factor analysis), measurement theory, and meta-analytic techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing the necessary skills for success as an independent researcher. Prerequisite: Psychology 203 or permission of instructor. Lecture/laboratory. Offered every other year. [W] Mr. Vinchur 

321. Learning.
The course focuses on three aspects of the field of learning: the study of empirical phenomena, the development of learning theory, and the application of behavioral principles. Of particular emphasis are the research methods used to analyze learning at behavioral, mechanistic, and cognitive levels. Prerequisite: Psychology 120. Lecture/laboratory. [W] Mr. Allan 

322. Perception. 
Perceptual systems evolved so that organisms could acquire information about the environment in order to survive and reproduce. This course explores the structure and function of perceptual systems such as vision and audition, as well as the experimental methods employed to investigate these systems. The course examines various perspectives on studying perception that range from biological to cognitive. Topics include the physics of stimuli, the physiology of sensory receptors, and the relationships between the environment, perceptual processes, and behavior. Prerequisite: Psychology 203 or permission of instructor. Lecture/laboratory. [W] Ms. Pinto 

323. Physiological Psychology. 
The neural, hormonal, and physiological bases of animal and human behavior are examined. Physiological aspects of such topics as language, learning and memory, feeding, sexual behavior, emotions, sleep, and abnormal behavior are covered. Prerequisite: Psychology 120. Lecture/laboratory. Offered in fall semester. [W] Ms. Hill, Ms. Britton 

324. Comparative Psychology: Animal Behavior. 
Comparative psychology, as its name implies, compares behaviors among animals, in both the generalities and the diversity. The discipline examines how evolution has shaped the behaviors of animals to be adaptive (i.e., increase survival and reproduction) and so the course primarily explores the functional significance of animal behavior. Topics examined include animal communication, foraging, antipredator strategies, sociality, mating systems, and parental care patterns. The laboratory involves naturalistic observations and experimental research with a variety of animal species. Prerequisite: Psychology 120. Lecture/laboratory. Offered in spring semester. [W] Ms. Hill 

325. Cognitive Psychology.
The study of how humans process (i.e., acquire, store, and use) information. Topics include attention, pattern recognition, short- and long-term memory, mnemonics, implicit memory, imagery, language, reading, problem solving, and reasoning. Approximately equal time is spent on research techniques, empirical findings, and theoretical explications. Prerequisites: Psychology 203 or permission of instructor. Lecture/laboratory. [W] Mr. McGlone, Ms. Pinto 

326. Human Factors and Engineering Psychology.
This course examines the investigation and application of the psychological principles used in designing products, machines, and environments for human use. In particular the course explores the physical, cognitive, and perceptual limits of humans as users of machines and processors of information. An examination of the literature and survey of experimental methods reveals how human factors psychologists work with engineers in designing equipment that will enhance the efficiency of human-machine interaction (i.e., increase productivity) and decrease accidents and fatigue. Prerequisite: Psychology 120 or permission of instructor. Lecture/laboratory. Offered every other year. [W] Staff 

327. Advanced Social Psychology. 
This advanced laboratory course demonstrates how social psychologists conduct research. Students read and critique primary sources on such topics as altruism and compliance. For laboratory, students conduct research projects illustrating various social psychological methods. Lecture/laboratory. Prerequisites: Psychology 203 and 235 or permission of instructor. Offered every other year. Mr. Shaw 

328.  Advanced Developmental Psychology.
Ms. Bookwala, Ms. McGillicuddy-DeLisi 

335. Industrial Psychology. 
An overview of industrial (personnel) psychology. Topics include criterion development, performance appraisal, recruitment and selection, validation research, selection bias, job analysis, training and development, compensation, and personnel psychology and the law. Prerequisites: Psychology 120, or Mathematics 176 or 186, or permission of instructor. Offered in fall semester. Mr. Vinchur 

336. Organizational Behavior.
An overview of organizational psychology. Topics include motivation, leadership, group processes, organizational stress, job satisfaction, communication processes, decision theory, power, and organizational effectiveness, development, and theory. Prerequisite: Psychology 120 or Mathematics 176 or 186. Offered in spring semester. Mr. Vinchur 

337. Counseling Psychology. 
An examination of some of the major current theories of counseling, such as transactional analysis, behavior therapy, and client-centered therapy. Students are involved with both conceptual and practical aspects of each counseling approach, while developing their own approach to counseling. Prerequisite: Psychology 231 or permission of instructor. Lecture/discussion. Offered in spring semester. Ms. Basow 

338. Exceptional Children.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of children who require special education and services to develop to their full potential. The history of special education, prevalent attitudes toward exceptional children, and several different types of disabilities and giftedness are studied. Prerequisite: Psychology 233. Lecture/ discussion. Ms. McGillicuddy-DeLisi 

339. Tests and Measurement.
The emphasis in this course is on the principles under- lying psychological testing. These principles are applied to tests in all content areas in psychology (e.g., clinical, educational, neurological, industrial). Topics include the history of psychological tests, technical and methodological concerns such as reliability and validity, and legal, social, and ethical issues. Prominent tests in selected content areas of psychology are examined. Prerequisite: Psychology 120 or permission of instructor. Offered every other year. Mr. Vinchur, Ms. McGillicuddy-DeLisi 

340. History and Systems of Psychology. 
This seminar places contemporary methodological, philosophical, and ethical issues of psychology in a theoretical and historical context. Topics may include environmental versus genetic influences on behavior, free will versus determinism, the role of psychological research in contemporary society, the politics of therapy, and other areas of psychological thought. Prerequisite: Psychology 110, junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor. Offered every other year. [W] Mr. Childs, Mr. Vinchur 

342, 343. Advanced Applied Psychology. 
An experientially based course in which students apply their knowledge from academic coursework to a field setting and explore research relevant to their field activities. The internship site will match the student's interest (e.g., human service agency; a personnel department). Prerequisites: Psychology major or minor, junior or senior status, and permission of instructor. Field supervision/seminar. [W] Ms. Bookwala, Ms. McGillicuddy-DeLisi 

351-360. Special Topics. 
A seminar each semester devoted to a subject of interest to students and faculty. Announcement of the proposed subject will be made before the registration period each semester. Emphasis is on topics of direct relevance to the world of today. Open to senior psychology majors or by permission of instructor. Staff 

391, 392. Independent Study. 
An opportunity for students to pursue a topic of choice. Each student examines the topic, using primary and secondary sources, and writes a paper of distinguished quality. The study may be designed for one or two semesters. Prerequisites: Psychology 203 and permission of department head. [W] Staff 

423. Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience. 
This course explores advanced topics in the field of behavioral neuroscience, pursuing in greater detail areas examined in Psychology 323. Through seminar and laboratory components, the course provides students with a deeper understanding of the field of behavioral neuroscience and increases their familiarity with the scientific techniques and methods of inquiry used by behavioral neuroscientists. Through readings and field trips, students explore the practical application of research in behavioral neuroscience. Seminar/laboratory. Prerequisite: Psychology 323 or permission of instructor. Offered in spring semester. [W] Ms. Hill, Ms. Britton 

491, 492. Advanced Research. 
An opportunity for students to continue study of research techniques. Students undertake a research project in an area of choice designed for one or two semesters. The work should culminate in a paper of distinguished quality. Prerequisites: Psychology 203 and permission of department head. [W] Staff 

495, 496. Thesis.
Open to qualified majors by permission of department head. [W] Staff