Psychology

http://www.odu.edu/psychology

George Noell, Chair
Suzanne Morrow, Chief Departmental Advisor
Krystall Dunaway, Undergraduate Program Director

The BS in Psychology is designed to provide a knowledge base of current methods, content areas, and theories. It seeks to facilitate the development of intellectual skills and characteristics that enhance the student's lifelong personal and career success. The program begins with a general psychology course and includes courses in quantitative methods and experimental design. Additional coursework is selected from a broad range of available courses. Students are encouraged to pursue breadth across the areas of psychology, particularly when planning for advanced study in psychology. The department does, however, identify sets of courses particularly relevant for students interested in health, clinical, industrial/organizational, or human factors (engineering) psychology.

Psychology Awards

The Alan L. Chaikin Psychology Honors Thesis Award is given each year to a student in the Department of Psychology for the outstanding honors thesis.

The Elizabeth C. Guy Outstanding Psychology Service Award is given each year to the student selected by the faculty who has contributed significant service to the department or field of psychology. Service is primarily defined as participation in departmental, University, community, or professional organizations. However, other qualifications, such as research activity, may be considered. Eligible students must have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 and 18 credits in psychology at Old Dominion University.

The Elizabeth C. Guy Outstanding Psychology Academic Award is given each year to the graduating senior with the highest overall grade point average. To be eligible, a student will have completed a minimum of 60 hours at Old Dominion University by graduation. Further, the student will have completed a minimum of 18 psychology credits at Old Dominion University. In the case where two or more students meet the criteria and have identical GPAs, the student with the highest number of credit hours earned at Old Dominion University will receive the award.

The Michael Greenspan/ODU Psychology Study Abroad Award is given each year to a selected psychology major to study psychology at one of ODU's partner institutions in the United Kingdom. Students interested in this opportunity should contact the ODU Office of Study Abroad.

Advanced Placement

The Department of Psychology offers course credit for PSYC 201S and PSYC 203S through testing procedures or a qualifying score on AP and IB subject examinations. See the equivalency charts on the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website at https://www.odu.edu/admission/undergraduate/credit. Students may also earn credit for some courses via prior learning assessment options. Interested students should visit the Undergraduate Program office MGB 246 for more information or refer to the section on Prior Learning Assessment Credit Options at the Undergraduate Level in this Catalog.

Courses

Psychology (PSYC)

PSYC 197 Undergraduate Research Experience in Psychology (0 Credit Hours)

Student participation in a supervised, undergraduate research experience for which credit will not apply to the degree. Experience must be related to the student's major, minor or career area of interest.

Prerequisites: permission of the instructor

PSYC 201S Introduction to Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Introduction to the scientific study of psychology, including the methods used to gather and interpret data. The student is introduced to fundamental terms, theories, and concepts dealing with the biological bases of behavior; learning; perception; cognition and intelligence; personality; psychological disorders; human development; and social processes. An emphasis is placed on application of concepts and critical thinking.

PSYC 203S Lifespan Development (3 Credit Hours)

A broad contemporary view of the processes of development. The influences of biological and environmental factors in the development of personality and cognitive functioning are explored.

PSYC 300 Careers in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Discussion of available careers in psychology with a bachelor's degree, job-search skills, and required job search materials. Open to declared psychology majors only.

Prerequisites: Junior standing and completion of PSYC 201S with a C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 303 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

An application of psychological principles and research to human behavior in work settings. Among the topics covered are personnel selection, training, and evaluation; employee motivation and job satisfaction; and organizational leadership and theory.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 304 Social Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

The behavior of the individual as affected by other people and groups. Interpersonal attraction, attitude change, group dynamics, and the application of psychology to social problems are among the topics covered.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 306 Health Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Course examines how psychological states (e.g., anxiety, stress) influence physical health. The course also examines how physical states (e.g., illness, pain, injury) influence psychological health. Topics include the impact of stress on health and proneness to illness; coping with illness, injury and trauma; and the role of health-enhancing behaviors in maintaining physical health.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or permission of the instructor

PSYC 307 Institutionalization of Human-Centered Computing (3 Credit Hours)

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of human-computer interaction. Emphasis is placed on leadership knowledge needed to implement human-centered design practices into an organization's culture.

Prerequisites: PSYC 201S

PSYC 308 Positive Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines and discusses psychological theories and research that focus on human strengths and potential. Factors that contribute to happiness and a fulfilling life are emphasized. Lectures, self-assessments and experiential exercises are used to understand how to cultivate a meaningful life.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 311 Psychology of Criminal Behavior (3 Credit Hours)

The study of crime from a psychological perspective. Topics include theories of criminal behavior, violent and non-violent crime, sexual offenses, insanity, addiction, white collar crime, and other criminal behaviors.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 317 Quantitative Methods (4 Credit Hours)

The application of inferential statistical principles to psychological research problems.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S and MATH 102M or higher, all with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 318W Research Methods in Psychology (4 Credit Hours)

An examination of research principles and techniques in psychology. Experimental design and interpretation is stressed. Students learn to locate and read technical articles and to report on research projects in the style of the American Psychological Association. This is a writing intensive course.

Prerequisites: Completion of ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C and PSYC 317 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 321 Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3 Credit Hours)

A study of the psychological development of the child with physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and educational disabilities.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S or PSYC 203S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 322 The Psychology of Adolescence (3 Credit Hours)

A survey of the processes of development during adolescence. Covers topics such as the influences of biological, emotional, social, and cognitive factors on personality development and adjustment of the adolescent.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S or PSYC 203S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 324 Psychology of Gender (3 Credit Hours)

Concepts and theories of sex and gender, including models of how gender roles are developed and maintained, will be examined. Major research findings regarding gender will be reviewed.

Prerequisites: PSYC 201S

PSYC 325 Drugs and Behavior (3 Credit Hours)

An examination of the effects of psychoactive drugs on behavior and the factors involved in drug use. Current research literature is discussed.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 343 Personnel Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

The application of psychological principles and research to the development and improvement of personnel subsystems in business and industry. Emphasis is placed on the assessment, selection and training of workers and manager.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 344 Human Factors (3 Credit Hours)

The application and evaluation of psychological principles and research relating human behavior to the design of tools, technology, and the work environment.

Prerequisites: PSYC 201S

PSYC 345 Organizational Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course emphasizes the study of human behavior in organizations. Topics include leadership, motivation, group behavior, communications, power and politics, and organization change.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 351 Child Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

The development of children within their diverse environments is examined. A focus is on the methods used to understand how children experience their world.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 203S or PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 353 The Psychology of Adulthood and Aging (3 Credit Hours)

The study of adults with emphasis on aging. Current theories and research as well as the characteristics, lifestyles, and activities of adulthood and aging will be discussed.

Prerequisites: PSYC 201S or PSYC 203S

PSYC 363 Psychology of Sex (3 Credit Hours)

A study of critical issues in human sexuality; gender and sexual identity, sexual arousal and erotic behavior, relationship development, and sexual dysfunction and deviation disorders.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or permission of the instructor

PSYC 368 General Internship in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

For ODU psychology majors only. Students engage in academically relevant work-related activities in non-clinical settings. Available for pass/fail grading only. Students should work with the Instructor to identify their placement in the semester prior to enrollment. A maximum of 6 credits of PSYC 368 and/or PSYC 369 can be counted towards the major in Psychology. Pre- or

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 317 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher and permission of the instructor

Corequisites: PSYC 318W

PSYC 369 Clinical Internship in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

For ODU psychology majors only. Students engage in academically relevant work activities in clinical settings. Available for pass/fail grading only. Students should work with the Instructor to identify their placement in the semester prior to enrollment. Instructor approval is required prior to registration. A maximum of 6 credits of PSYC 368 and/or PSYC 369 can be counted towards the major in Psychology.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 317 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher; at least 80 earned credits hours; at least 14 hours in Psychology at the 300/400 level; and permission of the instructor

Pre- or corequisite: PSYC 318W

Corequisites: PSYC 371

PSYC 371 Clinical Supervision in Psychology (1 Credit Hour)

Students doing clinical internships at designated clinical placements must also enroll in this course taught by a faculty member. This seminar addresses the special issues in the areas of safety, confidentiality, and professionalism that arise in clinical settings. Students doing general (non-clinical) internships may also enroll in the course with permission of the Instructor. A maximum of 2 credits of PSYC 371 can be counted towards the major in psychology.

Prerequisites: PSYC 317 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher and permission of the instructor

Pre- or corequisite: PSYC 318W with a grade of C or higher

Corequisites: PSYC 369

PSYC 395 Topics in Psychology (1-3 Credit Hours)

The department offers selected topics that may not be offered on a regular basis.

Prerequisites: permission of the instructor

PSYC 396 Topics in Psychology (1-3 Credit Hours)

The department offers selected topics that may not be offered on a regular basis.

Prerequisites: permission of the instructor

PSYC 403 History of Psychology (2-3 Credit Hours)

A survey of the historical development of modern psychology. The major systems and their influences on contemporary American psychology are studied.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 405 Psychopathology (3 Credit Hours)

A study of psychopathology, covering various behavior disorders, their descriptions, characteristics, and causation. Methods of therapeutic technique are reviewed.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 408 Theories of Personality (3 Credit Hours)

A study of the structure of personality and the dimensions along which individuals differ. The contributions of major personality theorists and the implications of current research are considered.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 410 Human Cognition (3 Credit Hours)

An investigation of the ways in which people learn and think. Current models of human memory and cognition are considered in relation to the evidence on human thinking capabilities. The role of language in thought and knowledge acquisition is also explored.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 412 Psychological Tests (3 Credit Hours)

An examination of the history, theory and applications of psychological testing.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 413 Sensation and Perception (3 Credit Hours)

An analysis of the processes by which humans obtain information about the environment through the eyes, ears, and other sensory systems.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 414 Principles of Learning (3 Credit Hours)

Course focuses on basic learning principles and processes; classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, discrimination, attention, appetitive and aversive conditioning.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 417 Advanced Statistics and Computer Applications (3 Credit Hours)

The course covers advanced statistical methods and computer applications that build on knowledge and skills acquired in PSYC 317 and PSYC 318W.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 317 and PSYC 318W with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or permission of the instructor

PSYC 420 Cross-Cultural Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

A wide variety of psychological research and theory relevant to human behavior in different cultures is examined and the impact of culture on human behavior is discussed. The course examines cross-cultural research conducted by scholars around the world. In addition to factual knowledge, emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem solving.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher and junior standing or permission of the instructor

PSYC 424 Physiological Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

An investigation of the biological bases of behavior including mental illness, motivation, learning, memory and language.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher

PSYC 460 Psychology of African Americans (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines the issues and perspectives related to the psychological evolution of African Americans in the United States. Particular emphasis is placed on exploring the discipline of psychology from an Afrocentric focus.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or permission of the instructor

PSYC 487 Honors Program in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

For ODU psychology majors only. With psychology faculty supervision, student develops an honors thesis proposal for approval by the Psychology Honors Program committee. See section on Honors Program in Psychology in this Catalog.

Prerequisites: PSYC 497; cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and psychology GPA of 3.50 or higher; permission of the departmental Honors Program chair

PSYC 488 Honors Program in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

For ODU psychology majors only. With psychology faculty supervision, student conducts the supervised honors research and documents it in a thesis for approval by the Psychology Honors Program committee. Student also participates in a required seminar to discuss and present the research. See section on Honors Program in Psychology in this Catalog.

Prerequisites: PSYC 497; cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and psychology GPA of 3.50 or higher; permission of the departmental Honors Program chair

PSYC 489 Readings in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

The course may be taken only once. An individualized course in which the student does library research and writes a paper.

Prerequisites: approval by supervisory faculty member and department

PSYC 490 Readings in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

The course may be taken only once. An individualized course in which the student does library research and writes a paper.

Prerequisites: approval by supervisory faculty member and department

PSYC 494 Entrepreneurship in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

The entrepreneurship is a course designed to help students enhance their personal and professional development through innovation guided by faculty members and professionals. It offers students an opportunity to integrate disciplinary theory and knowledge through developing a nonprofit program, product, business, or other initiative. The real-world experiences that entrepreneurships provide will help students understand how academic knowledge leads to transformations, innovations, and solutions to different types of problems.

Prerequisites: Junior standing

PSYC 495 Topics in Psychology (1-3 Credit Hours)

The department offers selected topics that may not be offered regularly. These special topics will appear in the course listing each semester.

Prerequisites: PSYC 201S or permission of the instructor

PSYC 496 Topics (1-3 Credit Hours)

The department offers selected topics that may not be offered regularly. These special topics will appear in the course listing each semester.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 201S with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or permission of the instructor

PSYC 497 Supervised Research (3 Credit Hours)

For ODU psychology majors only. Student and faculty supervisor develop and approve a contract of required research activities for the semester, such as attending research lab meetings, data collection, coding and/or analysis, library research, etc.

Prerequisites: GPA of 2.5 and pre-approval by psychology faculty supervisor

PSYC 498 Supervised Research (3 Credit Hours)

Prerequisites: GPA of 2.5 and pre-approval by psychology faculty supervisor

Psychology

Psychology Awards

Advanced Placement

Programs

Bachelor of Science Program

Minor Program

Courses

Psychology (PSYC)

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