Psychology
Overview
Students in the Department of Psychology may elect to major in psychology, or they may elect an interdisciplinary major in neuroscience, sponsored jointly by the Departments of Psychology and Biology (see Neuroscience). The program in psychology examines contemporary perspectives on principles of human behavior in areas ranging from cognition, language, development, and behavioral neuroscience to interpersonal relations and psychopathology. Its approach emphasizes scientific methods of inquiry and analysis.
Learning Goals
Goal 1: Demonstrate understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, basic research findings, and methods in psychology.
- Breadth in the discipline is accomplished through Introduction to Psychology (1101) and the 2000-level topics courses. Majors are required to complete three topics courses; minors are required to complete at least two. Depth is achieved through 2700-level laboratory courses and the 3000-level seminar courses in which students demonstrate mastery of methodologies and literature in two or more sub-disciplines.
Goal 2: Apply principles of psychology to better understand one’s own and others’ behavior and mental processes as found in the real world.
- Introduction to Psychology, topics courses, and seminars emphasize the relevance of psychological principles and findings to everyday life.
Goal 3: Develop an understanding of the social and cultural context of psychology.
- Across the psychology curriculum, social and cultural differences (e.g., class, ethnicity, gender, race) are discussed and analyzed as factors that influence, and are influenced by, human behavior.
Goal 4: Rigorously evaluate the methods, findings, and conclusions in published research.
- Although courses across the psychology curriculum encourage rigorous questioning of the existing literature, this expectation is most thoroughly actualized by students in advanced seminars.
Goal 5: Acquire skills to empirically test questions and claims about behavior and mental processes.
- In PSYC 2510 Research Design in Psychology, PSYC 2520 Data Analysis, and laboratory courses, students develop the tools necessary to apply the scientific method by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
Goal 6: Design and conduct original research.
- Laboratory courses, advanced seminars, and independent study and honors courses require students to move beyond evaluating previous research to formulate and test novel questions and hypotheses.
Goal 7: Communicate effectively through written, oral, and other modes (e.g., videos, images, graphs).
- Students learn to effectively convey their knowledge and critical analysis of the literature and their research findings in Research Design. These skills are further developed in laboratory courses and advanced seminars.
Samuel P. Putnam, Department Chair
Donna M. Trout, Senior Department Coordinator
Professors: Samuel P. Putnam, Louisa M. Slowiaczek
Associate Professor: Suzanne B. Lovett‡
Assistant Professors: Erika M. Nyhus (Neuroscience), Hannah E. Reese, Zachary K. Rothschild
Visiting Faculty: Andrew Christy, Kelly Parker-Guilbert, Thomas W. Small (Neuroscience)
Psychology Major
The psychology major comprises ten courses; these are selected by students with their advisors and are subject to departmental review.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| The following three core courses should be completed before the junior year when feasible: | ||
| PSYC 1101 | Introduction to Psychology (which is a prerequisite to further study in psychology) | 1 |
| PSYC 2510 | Research Design in Psychology | 1 |
| PSYC 2520 | Data Analysis | 1 |
| Select two laboratory courses from Psychology 2700–2799. a | 2 | |
| Select two advanced courses from Psychology 3000–3999. b,c | 2 | |
| Select three additional elective courses chosen from topics-level courses (2000–2699). | 3 | |
| a | Only one of PSYC 2750 Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience: Social Behavior or PSYC 2775 Laboratory in Cognitive Neuroscience may be used to fulfill the major requirements. |
| b | Only one of PSYC 3010 Social Development or PSYC 3011 Cognitive Development may be used to fulfill the major requirements. |
| c | Only one of PSYC 3050–3059 may be used to fulfill the major requirements. |
Psychology Minor
The psychology minor comprises six courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PSYC 1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 1 |
| PSYC 2510 | Research Design in Psychology | 1 |
| PSYC 2520 | Data Analysis | 1 |
| Select three additional elective courses including one laboratory course (2700–2799). | 3 | |
Additional Information and Department Policies
- Students are encouraged to consider an independent study course on a library, laboratory, or field research project. Independent study courses do not count toward the core, laboratory, advanced course, or topics-level requirements for the major.
- Students who are considering a major in psychology are encouraged to enroll in PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology during their first year at Bowdoin, and to enroll in PSYC 2510 Research Design in Psychology and PSYC 2520 Data Analysis during their second year.
- Students must take PSYC 2510 Research Design in Psychology before PSYC 2520 Data Analysis and prior to any course numbered 2700 or higher. PSYC 2520 Data Analysis must be taken concurrently with or prior to any laboratory course (numbered 2700–2799). PSYC 2520 Data Analysis must be taken prior to advanced courses (3000–3999). If possible, students should begin their laboratory work no later than the fall of their junior year.
- Those who plan to study away from campus for one or both semesters of their junior year should complete at least one laboratory course before leaving for their off-campus experience and plan their courses so that they can complete the major after returning to campus. Students should speak with the chair of the department regarding their off-campus study plans and transfer of credit toward the major. Laboratory or advanced courses taken elsewhere may be counted as electives, but are not normally counted toward the laboratory or advanced course requirement.
Grade Requirements
To fulfill a major (or minor) requirement in psychology, a course must be taken for a standard letter grade and a grade of C- or better must be earned. There is one exception: PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology may be taken with the Credit/D/Fail grading option, and it counts toward the major (or minor) if a grade of CR (Credit) is earned for the course.
Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate (AP/IB)
Students who receive a minimum score of four on the Psychology AP exam or a minimum score of five on the Psychology IB exam are considered to have met the prerequisite for courses requiring PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology. If students place out of PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology, ten psychology courses must still be completed for the major, and six for the minor. In order to receive credit for Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate work, students must have their scores officially reported to the Office of the Registrar by the end of their sophomore year at Bowdoin.
PSYC 1101 (b) Introduction to Psychology
Every Semester. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 50.
A general introduction to the major concerns of contemporary psychology, including physiological psychology, perception, learning, cognition, language, development, personality, intelligence, and abnormal and social behavior. Recommended for first- and second-year students. Juniors and seniors should enroll in the spring semester.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015.
PSYC 2010 (b) Infant and Child Development
Every Fall. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 35.
A survey of major changes in psychological functioning from conception through childhood. Several theoretical perspectives are used to consider how physical, personality, social, and cognitive changes jointly influence the developing child’s interactions with the environment.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2015.
PSYC 2012 (b) Educational Psychology
Non-Standard Rotation. Spring 2020. Enrollment limit: 35.
Examines theories of how people learn and the implications of those theories for the education of students, particularly those who have been traditionally underserved in the United States. Concepts grounded in empirical research and authentic activities geared towards understanding the nuances and complexities of perspectives on behavior, cognition, development, motivation, sociocultural identities, and pedagogy in PK-12 educational contexts. Insights for the ways educators can structure learning experiences to better serve students’ needs from a variety of backgrounds cultivated through a field placement working with students. (Same as: EDUC 2222)
Prerequisites: EDUC 1101 or PSYC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
PSYC 2025 (b) Abnormal Psychology
Every Fall. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 35.
An introduction to the phenomenology, etiology, and treatment of mental disorders. Major topics include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Current paradigms for understanding psychopathology, diagnosis and assessment, and research methods specific to clinical psychology also discussed.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015.
PSYC 2030 (b) Social Psychology
Every Spring. Spring 2020. Enrollment limit: 35.
A survey of theory and research on individual social behavior. Topics include self-concept, social cognition, affect, attitudes, social influence, interpersonal relationships, and cultural variations in social behavior.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or SOC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
PSYC 2032 (b) Health Psychology
Focuses on the behavioral, cognitive, psychosocial and physiological factors that influence individual emotional health and psychological state. The course proceeds from a core perspective of the biological (i.e., neuroendocrine) basis of well-being. Covers topics such as health-enhancing and health-compromising behaviors, stress and coping, health care settings, pain and neurological and age-related disorders. Also explores the role of personality, gender interpersonal relations, and ethnic and sociocultural influences and their linkages to health, wellness, and optimal emotional well-being.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2016.
PSYC 2033 (b) Positive Psychology
While psychological research investigates the problems facing human beings, the field—and people in general—have come to realize that life devoid of the negative is not synonymous with a life well-lived. Focuses on aspects of life that help individuals and communities flourish. Topics including emotions (past-, present-, and future-oriented), character traits (strengths and virtues), and institutions (work, school, family) and how these influence the good life are discussed. Through readings, discussions, and hands-on activities, the empirical literature on positive psychology is examined, including points of conflict and avenues for future research.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2017.
PSYC 2034 (b) Psychology of Diversity
An introduction to the variety of human experiences, identities, and cultures in the United States and internationally. Difference in power and privilege is analyzed as they relate to various social categories such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and physical ability.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2017.
PSYC 2040 (b) Cognitive Psychology
Every Spring. Spring 2020. Enrollment limit: 35.
A survey of theory and research examining how humans perceive, process, store, and use information. Topics include visual perception, attention, memory, language processing, decision making, and cognitive development.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
PSYC 2050 (a) Physiological Psychology
Every Other Year. Spring 2020. Enrollment limit: 35.
An introductory survey of biological influences on behavior. The primary emphasis is on the physiological regulation of behavior in humans and other vertebrate animals, focusing on genetic, developmental, hormonal, and neuronal mechanisms. Additionally, the evolution of these regulatory systems is considered. Topics discussed include perception, cognition, sleep, eating, sexual and aggressive behaviors, and mental disorders. (Same as: NEUR 2050)
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1109 or Placement in above PSYC 1101 or Placement in BIOL 2000 level.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
PSYC 2060 (a) Cognitive Neuroscience
An introduction to the neuroscientific study of cognition. Topics surveyed in the course include the neural bases of perception, attention, memory, language, executive function, and decision making. In covering these topics, the course will draw on evidence from brain imaging (fMRI, EEG, MEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation, electrophysiology, and neuropsychology. Also considers how knowledge about the brain constrains our understanding of the mind. (Same as: NEUR 2060)
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2015.
PSYC 2510 (b) Research Design in Psychology
Every Semester. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 35.
A systematic study of the scientific method as it underlies psychological research. Topics include prominent methods used in studying human and animal behavior, the logic of causal analysis, experimental and non-experimental designs, issues in internal and external validity, pragmatics of careful research, and technical writing of research reports.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015.
PSYC 2520 (a, MCSR) Data Analysis
Every Semester. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 32.
An introduction to the use of descriptive and inferential statistics and design in behavioral research. Weekly laboratory work in computerized data analysis. Required of majors no later than the junior year, and preferably by the sophomore year.
Prerequisites: Two of: either BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1109 or Placement in BIOL 2000 level or PSYC 2510 and PSYC 1101 or Placement in above PSYC 1101.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015.
PSYC 2710 (b) Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
Every Spring. Spring 2020. Enrollment limit: 20.
Multiple methods used in developmental research are examined both by reading research reports and by designing and conducting original research studies. The methods include observation, interviews, questionnaires, and lab experiments, among others. Students learn to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Prerequisites: Three of: PSYC 2010 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2016.
PSYC 2725 (b) Laboratory in Clinical Psychology
Every Spring. Spring 2020. Enrollment limit: 20.
An overview and analysis of the diverse research methods employed by clinical psychologists. Through reading, analysis, and hands-on experience, students gain an understanding of the relative merits of various approaches to understanding the nature and treatment of mental disorders. Major topics include clinical interviewing and assessment, information-processing approaches to understanding psychopathology, and the principles of behavior change. Class participation culminates with the design and conduct of an original research project.
Prerequisites: Three of: PSYC 2025 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
PSYC 2735 (b) Laboratory in Social Psychology
Every Fall. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 20.
An examination of different research methodologies used by social psychologists, including archival research, observation, questionnaires, lab experiments, and online data collection. Students learn about the relative strengths and weaknesses of these different methodological approaches, both by reading research reports and by designing and conducting original research.
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2030 or PSYC 2032 - 2034 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015.
PSYC 2736 (b) Laboratory in Environmental Psychology
Explores research methods in the psychological and emotional response to the complex environment of modern Western society. Proceeds from a perspective of the biological basis of states such as stress and well-being and related environmental stimuli to that of neuroendocrine activity.
Prerequisites: Two of: PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2017.
PSYC 2740 (b) Laboratory in Cognition
Every Fall. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 20.
An analysis of research methodology and experimental investigations in cognition, including such topics as auditory and sensory memory, visual perception, attention and automaticity, retrieval from working memory, implicit and explicit memory, metamemory, concept formation and reasoning. Weekly laboratory sessions allow students to collect and analyze data in a number of different areas of cognitive psychology.
Prerequisites: Three of: PSYC 2040 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015.
PSYC 2750 (a, INS) Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience: Social Behavior
Every Year. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 20.
A laboratory course that exposes students to modern techniques in neuroscience that can be applied to the study of social behavior. Underlying concepts associated with various molecular, neuroanatomical, pharmacological, and electrophysiological methods are discussed in a lecture format. Students then use these techniques in laboratory preparations that demonstrate how social behavior is organized within the central nervous system of vertebrate animals, including humans. (Same as: NEUR 2750)
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2050 (same as NEUR 2050) or BIOL 2135 (same as NEUR 2135) or PSYC 2060 (same as NEUR 2060) and PSYC 2510 or either BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1109 and PSYC 2520 or either MATH 1300 or MATH 1400.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016.
PSYC 2752 (b) Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
A laboratory course that exposes students to modern techniques in neuroscience that can be applied to the mechanistic study of behavior. Underlying concepts associated with various behavioral, neuroanatomical, and pharmacological methods are discussed in a lecture format. Students then use some of these techniques in laboratory exercises that explore the relationships between the brain and behavior.
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2050 (same as NEUR 2050) or BIOL 2135 (same as NEUR 2135) or PSYC 2060 (same as NEUR 2060) and PSYC 2510 or either BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1109 and PSYC 2520 or either MATH 1300 or MATH 1400.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2015.
PSYC 2775 (a, INS, MCSR) Laboratory in Cognitive Neuroscience
Every Year. Spring 2020. Enrollment limit: 20.
A laboratory course that exposes students to multiple techniques in cognitive neuroscience that can be applied to the study of human cognition. Introduces human neuroimaging methods including electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Students will then use these methods to study aspects of human cognition including perception, attention, memory, language, problem solving, reasoning, and decision making. (Same as: NEUR 2775)
Prerequisites: Three of: PSYC 2040 or either PSYC 2050 (same as NEUR 2050) or PSYC 2060 (same as NEUR 2060) or BIOL 2135 (same as NEUR 2135) and PSYC 2510 or either BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1109 or Placement in BIOL 2000 level and PSYC 2520 or either MATH 1300 or MATH 1400.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
PSYC 3010 (b) Social Development
Every Other Fall. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 14.
Research and theory regarding the interacting influences of biology and the environment as they are related to social and emotional development during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Normative and idiographic development in a number of domains, including morality, aggression, personality, sex roles, peer interaction, and familial relationships are considered.
Prerequisites: Three of: PSYC 2010 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015.
PSYC 3011 (b) Cognitive Development
Examines the development of cognitive understanding and cognitive processes from infancy through adolescence. Emphasis on empirical research and related theories of cognitive development. Topics include infant perception and cognition, concept formation, language development, theory of mind, memory, problem solving, and scientific thinking.
Prerequisites: Three of: PSYC 2010 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2017.
PSYC 3025 (b) Psychotherapy and Behavior Change
Every Fall. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 14.
An in-depth study of the theory, research, and practice of contemporary psychotherapy. Major topics may include theoretical approaches to therapy, methods for studying its efficacy, processes of change, the role of the client-therapist relationship, and challenges to disseminating effective psychological treatments to the general public. Readings and discussion supplemented with video of psychotherapy sessions.
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2020 or PSYC 2025 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Fall 2016, Fall 2015.
PSYC 3026 (b) Psychology of Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Explores the psychological impact of many different types of trauma, including military combat, accidents, interpersonal violence, sexual assault, natural disasters, and childhood physical and sexual abuse. The emphasis is on psychological theories used to explain and treat symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Covers diagnostic methods, research on prevalence and policy issues, comorbid psychological and medical diagnoses, and social correlates. In addition to exploring the challenges associated with PTSD, addresses mechanisms of positive change following trauma (e.g., posttraumatic growth).
Prerequisites: Two of: PSYC 2025 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017.
PSYC 3032 (b) The Psychology of Happiness and Human Flourishing
Non-Standard Rotation. Spring 2020. Enrollment limit: 14.
A seminar focusing on the psychology of happiness, and on well-being and optimal human functioning more broadly. Primary-source readings, class discussions, and critical writing assignments center on three major subtopics: (1) the basic science of well-being, with a focus on how well-being is conceptualized and measured and how it is affected by different factors (e.g., income, life events, habits of both behavior and thought); (2) existential and humanistic perspectives on well-being, with a focus on authenticity and meaning in life; and (3) how communities and societies could best be structured to promote well-being (and whether they should be). In addition to addressing theories and research in each of these areas, this course encourages students to apply the course content to better understand happiness and how it may best be sought in their own lives, in the lives of others, and in society at large.
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2030 or PSYC 2025 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
PSYC 3033 (b) The Psychology of Morality and Value
A seminar focusing broadly on moral psychology. Primary-source readings, class discussions, and critical writing assignments center on four major sub-topics: (1) Cultural, Evolutionary, and Developmental Perspectives on Morality; (2) Moral Reasoning and Judgment; (3) Morality, Affect, and Motivation; and (4) Moral and Immoral Behavior. Beyond addressing basic moral-psychological mechanisms, this course considers how findings from moral psychology may inform solutions to personal and social problems.
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2030 or PSYC 2032 - 2034 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019.
PSYC 3034 (b, ESD) Social Identities and Stigma
An advanced discussion of theory and social psychological research on identity and stigma. Topics include self and identity, self-esteem, system justification, stereotype threat, dis-identification, concealability and controllability. Why individuals stigmatize, the effects of stigmatization for low status groups, and contending with a stigmatized identity are considered.
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2030 or PSYC 2032 or PSYC 2033 or PSYC 2034 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2018.
PSYC 3035 (b) Existential Social Psychology
Every Spring. Spring 2020. Enrollment limit: 14.
An examination of how human concerns about death, meaning, isolation, and freedom influence and motivate a wide array of human behavior. Readings and discussions address empirical research on different theories of human motivation (e.g., terror management, meaning maintenance, attachment, compensatory control, and self-determination) that enrich our understanding of topics such as intergroup conflict, religious belief, prosocial behavior, interpersonal relationships, and materialism.
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2030 or PSYC 2032 - 2034 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2015.
PSYC 3040 (b) The Psychology of Language
An examination of psychological factors that affect the processing of language, including a discussion of different modalities (auditory and visual language) and levels of information (sounds, letters, words, sentences, and text/discourse). Emphasis is on the issues addressed by researchers and the theories developed to account for our language abilities.
Prerequisites: Three of: PSYC 2040 and PSYC 2510 and PSYC 2520.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
PSYC 3050 (a) Hormones and Behavior
Every Fall. Spring 2020. Enrollment limit: 16.
An advanced discussion of concepts in behavioral neuroendocrinology. Topics include descriptions of the major classes of hormones, their roles in the regulation of development and adult behavioral expression, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for their behavioral effects. Hormonal influences on reproductive, aggressive, and parental behaviors, as well as on cognitive processes are considered. (Same as: NEUR 3050)
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2050 (same as NEUR 2050) or BIOL 2135 (same as NEUR 2135) or PSYC 2060 (same as NEUR 2060) and PSYC 2510 or either BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1109 or Placement in BIOL 2000 level and PSYC 2520 or MATH 1300.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2019, Fall 2017, Fall 2016.
PSYC 3052 (b) Psychopharmacology, Neuroscience, and Addiction
Introduction to psychopharmacology of recreationally abused drugs and their effects on the brain and behavior in human and non-human species. Discusses natural and man-made substances, including alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, opioids, stimulants, cannabinoids, hallucinogens, steroids, sedatives, and inhalants. Covers basic structure and function of the nervous system, drug classification, basic principles of pharmacology, neurochemistry, structural and functional neuroimaging, neuropsychological assessment, pharmacogenomics, as well as the history and epidemiology of specific drugs of abuse and pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to limit use. (Same as: NEUR 3052)
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2050 (same as NEUR 2050) or BIOL 2135 (same as NEUR 2135) or PSYC 2060 (same as NEUR 2060) and PSYC 2510 or either BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1109 or Placement in BIOL 2000 level and PSYC 2520 or MATH 1300.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2016.
PSYC 3055 (a) Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory
An advanced discussion of recent empirical and theoretical approaches to understanding the cognitive neuroscience of memory. Readings and discussions address empirical studies using neuroimaging methods. Topics include hippocampal and cortical contributions to memory encoding and retrieval and the effect of genetic variability, drugs, emotions, and sleep on memory. (Same as: NEUR 3055)
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2040 or PSYC 2050 (same as NEUR 2050) or PSYC 2060 (same as NEUR 2060) or BIOL 2135 (same as NEUR 2135) and PSYC 2520 or either MATH 1300 or MATH 1400 and Placement in BIOL 2000 level or PSYC 2510 or either BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1109.
Previous terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2015.
PSYC 3056 (a) Computational Modelling in Cognitive Neuroscience
A survey of cognitive neuroscience literature in which researchers have used computational models to formalize their theories. Topics include executive function, learning, attention, and decisionmaking. (Same as: NEUR 3056)
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2050 (same as NEUR 2050) or BIOL 2135 (same as NEUR 2135) or PSYC 2060 (same as NEUR 2060) and PSYC 2510 or either BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1109 or Placement in BIOL 2000 level and PSYC 2520 or MATH 1300.
Previous terms offered: Spring 2017.
PSYC 3057 (a) Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience
Non-Standard Rotation. Fall 2019. Enrollment limit: 14.
An advanced seminar covering brain mechanisms that affect behavior in humans and other animals. Topics may include the neural circuits that regulate normal social interactions, learning and memory processes, and/or higher cognitive functions, as well as the relationship between disrupted neural functions and mental disorders. The major emphasis of the course will be on reading and discussing primary research articles in the field of behavioral neuroscience. (Same as: NEUR 3057)
Prerequisites: Three of: either PSYC 2050 (same as NEUR 2050) or PSYC 2060 (same as NEUR 2060) or BIOL 2135 (same as NEUR 2135) and PSYC 2510 or either BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1109 and PSYC 2520 or either MATH 1300 or MATH 1400.