Psychology Courses
Basic principles of psychology.
Methods are presented that enable students to make inferences about a population from a knowledge of small samples. Offered each semester and in the summer session.
There is increasing evidence that biological factors either increase risk for or directly cause many psychological disorders. This lecture-based course focuses on understanding biological research on psychological disorders, including research on biological risk factors, biological factors associated with the presence of disorders, and the biological effects of various forms of treatment (e.g., therapy and medication). We will take an interdisciplinary approach, reviewing research from neuroscience, psychopharmacology, biochemistry, genetics, epigenetics, endocrinology, and physiology to understand the biological bases of the development of and treatments for psychological disorders. The course will include an introduction to a variety of biological research methods. The course will include brief introductions to the major psychological disorders listed in DSM-V, but will primarily focus on providing an understanding of the biological basis of these disorders. The course will also include discussions about controversial and ethical issues related to biological research on psychological disorders.
Scientific methods applied to the problems of psychology.
Application of experimental and statistical techniques in a laboratory setting.
This course will provide an introduction to the field of psychopathology. This course will cover clinical descriptions of psychological disorders, factors that contribute to the development and progression of psychological disorders, and treatment for psychological disorders.
A study of theories that represent the psychoanalytic, neopsychoanalytic, trait, life span, humanistic, cognitive, behavioral and social-learning approaches to understanding human behavior. Clinical and experimental data are used to evaluate representative personality theories.
This course explores the theories, research, and practice of behavioral medicine, particularly as it relates to integration of behavioral health into primary medical care. Students will examine the roles of psychology and other behavioral health professions in research and practice within healthcare. Theories of practice in the field of behavioral health will be covered. Students will develop competence in the connection between behaviors and health.
The course is the second semester of a four-semester honors sequence. Preparation of a research proposal and approval of thesis committee is required. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
This course combines specialized coursework with hands-on mentoring of middle and high school youth. It explores the development of civic engagement in youth and how to promote it.
How does our brain give rise to our abilities to perceive, act and think? Survey of the basic facts, empirical evidence, theories and methods of study in cognitive neuroscience exploring how cognition is instantiated in neural activity. Representative topics include the neural underpinnings of perceptual and motor processes, decision making, learning and memory, attention, reinforcement learning, sensory inference, and cognitive control. The course will cover a functional analysis of cognitive disorders from a biological basis and the relation between brain and behavior. The latter will be addressed through studies of lesion localization and neuroimaging of the intact brain. This class should prepare you to take more specialized upper level classes in specific areas of neuroscience.
Art to Life is an experiential seminar course offered in collaboration with Cognitive Dynamics Foundation in Tuscaloosa through the foundation’s Bringing Art to Life © program. The primary purpose of the course is to improve quality of life for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their families and care partners through art therapy and life story preservation, to teach students about Alzheimer’s/dementia and person-centered care and the development of empathy for those living with cognitive impairment, to enhance students’ understanding of the art of storytelling and life story preservation, and to promote intergenerational relationships through this novel service learning model. A trained art therapist will conduct a series of therapy sessions with participants and students over a period of eight to ten weeks. Students will document the sessions, interview family and friends of the participants, and collect memorabilia (including old photographs, sheet music, letters from loved ones, photographs of participant art, student poetry, etc.) for the creation of the life story project. Weeks not set aside for art therapy may be used for a special class session or for visiting with participants and their families.
Course will expose students to specialty areas in Psychology and provide opportunities to develop skills associated with writing and oral presentation. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.
This course is designed to give students experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Each student will be paired with a UA-ACTS student who they will meet with 2-3 times per week to address academic organization, social skills, and daily-living and career-building skills. Students will also learn about best practices, trends, and barriers in working with individuals with ASD in the college environment.
The course will expose students to issues in child mental health and treatment, with a focus on professional ethics, mentoring, and evidence-based treatments for childhood disorders. The course will combine in-class lecture/discussion with a practicum experience at Brewer Porch.
Bodily structures (nervous, muscular, and glandular) underlying behavior.
Scientific approaches to understanding the psychological development of youth and its applications. Suggested for undergraduate seniors.
Contemporary approaches to cognitive psychology, including topics such as attention and memory.
The course is the third semester of a four-semester honors sequence. Implementation of an approved research proposal.
The course is the final semester of a four-semester honors sequence. Preparation and defense of senior honors thesis.
Thorough examination of a selected contemporary psychological area. Different topics are offered each semester; descriptions are available at registration. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course. Offered each semester and in the summer session. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours.
Supervised experience and training in teaching, course administration, etc., as additional preparation for students planning to pursue graduate study in psychology.