Course Offerings

Psychology Courses at Lyon College

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology / 3 Credits

An overview of the scientific study of behavior, its causes, prediction, and control.

PSY 182 Topics in Psychology / 3 Credits

Examination of selected area of psychology research or applied psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 220 Psychology of Women and Gender / 3 Credits

A survey of theory and research on the meaning of gender and its impact on the women's development.

PSY 235 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences / 3 Credits

This course introduces to students to descriptive and inferential techniques for analyzing research data. Topics covered include central tendency, variability, distributions, Z-scores, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and nonparametric tests of significance. Prerequisite: MTH 101.

PSY 240 Introduction to Research Methods / 3 Credits

A study of research methods in the behavioral sciences. Students are introduced to basic design and practical procedures in carrying out research, as well as ethical considerations in gathering data. Prerequisite: PSY 235.

PSY 290 Human Development / 3 Credits

A study of the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of the individual from birth through adulthood. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 310 Child and Adolescent Development / 3 Credits

This course examines the development processes from conception through adolescence. Topics will include physical, cognitive, social, and personality development, from the perspective of the major theories of the field. In addition, we will focus on cultural and educational issues that arise from the study of the development of children and adolescents. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 318 Biological Psychology / 3 Credits

An examination of the underlying brain mechanisms responsible for behavior. Topics include research methods used to study the brain, functional organization of the nervous system, properties of neurons, sensory and motor systems, and neural mechanisms related to memory, language, emotion, and intelligence. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 332 History and Systems of Psychology / 3 Credits

A study of the evolution of modern psychology from its origins in philosophy and natural science to contemporary thought in psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 335 Abnormal Psychology / 3 Credits

Examination of the definitions and etiology of major types of psychological disorders from the perspective of several psychological theories. Attention is given to their diagnosis, assessment, treatment and related ethical conditions. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 336 Social Psychology / 3 Credits

A holistic approach to the study of individuals interacting with other individuals and groups within social, psychological, and cultural environments. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 338 Personality Psychology / 3 Credits

A study of contemporary research, theory, and assessment in personality. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 339 Learning and Cognition / 3 Credits

Examination of the major theories of learning and cognition. The course will identify a variety of research tools useful in understanding thinking, learning, and teaching. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 340 Intermediate Research Methods / 3 Credits

This course builds upon the statistical concepts acquired in Statistics and experimental methods acquired in Introduction to Research Methods. It provides psychology students with advanced tools needed to engage in and to evaluate research specific to the social sciences. Specifically, students will design and collect data using a variety of research methods and will analyze data employing advanced statistical analysis. Prerequisites: PSY 235, 240.

PSY 350 Adult Development and Aging / 3 Credits

A study of the normal and abnormal changes in behavior that occur between early and late maturity. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 382 Topics in Psychology / 3 Credits

Examination of selected area of psychological research or applied psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

PSY 399 Psychology Internationl Studies Course: Variable topic / 1 Credit

Studies of varying topics in psychology, including a 2-week Nichols trip. Prerequisites will vary depending on the course topic.

PSY 410 Psychological Testing / 3 Credits

A study of the individual and group tests of intelligence, personality, interests and attitudes. Prerequisite: PSY 235, 240, 332.

PSY 440 Professional Issues and Practicum in Psychology / 3 Credits

Seminar in professional issues and supervised work experience. Prerequisite: PSY 235, 240, 332, and permission of instructor.

PSY 450 Independent Study / Variable Credit

A study of selected topics in Psychology. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and junior or senior standing.

PSY 480 Directed Research I / 3 Credits

The definition and in-depth study of a selected topic in Psychology, resulting in the completion of a research project including a paper in APA style. Prerequisite and/or corequisite: PSY 235, 240, 340, and permission of instructor.

PSY 481 Directed Research II / Variable Credit

The completion of a research project including a paper in APA style. Prerequisite: PSY 480, permission of instructor.