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Psychology Courses

Major Courses

The Introductory course sequence for the Psychology major changed in Fall 2020. Students who started as psychology majors prior to Fall 2020 should follow the pre-FA20 curriculum presented at the bottom of this page.

In Fall 2022, an additional change to the major curriculum allows students to take EITHER PSYC 360 or PSYC 435)

A degree in psychology requires a minimum of 36 earned credits in PSYC, and includes the following:

  • PSYC 110 – Introduction to Psychology OR PSYC 115 - Honors Introduction to Psychology
  • PSYC 200 – Psychological Science
  • PSYC 315 – Psychological Statistics
  • PSYC 330 – Social Psychology OR PSYC 340 – Theories of Personality
  • PSYC 321 – Substance Abuse OR PSYC 425(G) – Principles of Physiological Psychology
  • PSYC 435 – Principles of Learning OR PSYC 360 - Cognitive Psychology (only for students in the 2022 or later catalog)
  • PSYC 455 – Developmental Science
  • PSYC 400 – Professional Issues in Psychology
  • PSYC 415 – Applied Psychological Statistics OR PSYC 442 – Psychological Measurement
  • Nine (9) hours of elective courses in Psychology
    • Elective options exclude PSYC 255.
    • Starting in Fall 2022, students can only apply one of the following courses to thier psychology electives: PSYC 220, PSYC 311, PSYC 312.

Course Descriptions

PSYC 110 - Introduction to Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

An introduction to the science of how people think, feel, and behave. Students will learn about research and discover how psychology informs what it means to be human. A student may not receive credit for both PSYC 110 and either PSYC 115 or PSYC 210.


PSYC 115 - Honors Introduction to Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

An introduction to the science of how people think, feel, and behave. Students will learn about research and discover how psychology informs what it means to be human. A student may not receive credit for both PSYC 115 and either PSYC 110 or PSYC 210.


PSYC 200 - Psychology Science (for Majors and Minors)
3 Credit Hour(s) 3 Lecture Hour(s) 0 Lab Hour(s)

Application of the scientific method to psychology with a focus on critical thinking, research methods, and APA-style writing. Introduction to professional issues in psychology, including ethics, graduate school, and career paths.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in PSYC 110, PSYC 115, PSYC 209, PSYC 210, or PSYC 215.

PSYC 209 - General Psychology I
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Overview of the scientific basis of psychology covering topics such as the history and systems, research methods, and specific areas of experimental psychology, such as physiological psychology, sensation and perception, learning and memory, cognition and language, motivational behaviors. A student may not receive credit for both PSYC 209 and PSYC 215.

Rstr: Psychology majors and minors only


PSYC 210 - General Psychology II
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Overview of applied psychology and related areas, including health, intelligence and creativity, personality, social, developmental, abnormal, and others. A student may not receive credit for both PSYC 210 and either PSYC 110 or PSYC 115.

Prereq: PSYC 209 with a grade of “C” or better
Rstr: Psychology majors and minors only

PSYC 220 - Educational Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Psychological aspects of teaching including learning processes and individual differences.


PSYC 255 - Life-span Developmental Psychology (for Non-Majors)
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

A comprehensive discussion of physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development from conception to death.

Rstr: Not available to psychology majors.


PSYC 300 - Psychology of Adjustment
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Adjustment and maladjustment of people. Specific behaviors of interpersonal skills, motivation, sex and sexuality, frustration and stress, competition, work and leisure are examined in viewing coping processes.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in six hours of psychology

 

PSYC 305 - Current Topics from a Psychology Perspective
3 Credit Hour(s) 3 Lecture Hour(s) 0 Lab Hour(s)

A selected psychological theme or issue, typically of interest across disciplines.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in three hours of psychology.

 

PSYC 310 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Use of psychological principles in business, emphasizing employee selection, training, and productivity, as well as business organization and practices.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in three hours of psychology.
 

PSYC 311 - Child Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Consideration of factors that influence the growth and development of the child from birth to age twelve years.


PSYC 312 - Adolescent Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development during adolescence and of behaviors characteristic of adolescents.

 
PSYC 315 - Psychological Statistics
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Scientific method, data analysis, and psychological report writing.

Prereq: PSYC 110, PSYC 115, or PSYC 210; and STAT 214 or STAT 215 with a grade of “C” or better


PSYC 321 - Psychology of Substance Abuse
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Symptomology, environmental factors, treatment options, and pharmacology of substance abuse.

Prereq: A grade of “D” or better in any 3-credit BIOL course, and a grade of “C” or better in six hours of psychology.


PSYC 330 - Social Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Social influences on human thought, emotion, and behavior.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in six hours of psychology


PSYC 340 - Theories of Personality
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Theoretical traditions and psychological domains relevant to the study of personality. Development of and application of various theories of personality.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in six hours of psychology

 

PSYC 345 - Fundamentals of Psychopathology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Surveys diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of abnormalities in the mental development of the individual.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in six hours of psychology


PSYC 360 - Cognitive Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Research on the mental structures and psychological processes involved in knowledge including human memory, language and thought imagery and reasoning.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in six hours of psychology


PSYC 370 - Behavioral Modification
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Principles and procedures used to understand and change human behavior.

 

PSYC 397 - Experiences in Research
1-3 Credit Hour(s) 1-3 Lecture Hour(s) 0 Lab Hour(s)

Hands-on instruction and experience in the basics of psychological research. Students work with a mutually-selected instructor and/or their research lab. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of six credit hours.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in six hours of psychology and permission of department head required.



PSYC 400 - Professional Issues in Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Instruction, review, and experience in professional issues. Ethics, cultural issues and awareness, and integration of psychological principles and values into personal and career development.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in fifteen hours of psychology, including PSYC 315.

Rstr: Senior psychology majors


PSYC 405 - Issues and Themes in Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Advanced focus on a psychological theme or issue. Content varies. Specific course title will appear on student’s transcript.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in six hours of psychology


PSYC 415 - Applied Psychological Statistics
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Advanced discussion and application of experimental methodology and statistical analysis. Research projects.

Prereq: PSYC 315 with a grade of “C” or better


PSYC 425G - Principles of Physiological Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Structure and function of the physiological mechanisms underlying behavior as revealed by neuroanatomy and neurochemistry. Mechanisms involved in sensation, movement, states of consciousness, and motivation. Laboratory exercises include neuroanatomical localization.

Prereq: BIOL 111, BIOL 122, or BIOL 220; and six hours of psychology with a grade of “C” or better


PSYC 426G - Principles of Behavioral Neuroscience
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Behavioral aspects governed by physiological mechanisms. Motivational behaviors, emotions, learning and memory, and psychopathology.

Prereq: PSYC 425G with a grade of “C” or better


 
PSYC 435 - Principles of Learning
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Selected theories and topics such as reinforcement, punishment and discrimination in animal learning and of issues relating to human memory and learning.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in twelve hours of psychology


PSYC 442 - Psychological Measurement
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Rationale, methodology, and content of psychological measurement instruments.

Prereq: PSYC 315 with a grade of “C” or better


PSYC 455 - Developmental Science
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Life cycle from birth to death with emphasis on the major theories of growth, development and aging.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in nine hours of psychology
Rstr: Psychology majors and minors only


PSYC 465 - Introduction to Clinical and Counseling Psychology
3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Survey of the professional practice of psychology in applied settings. Theoretical and practical perspectives regarding case conceptualization, assessment, diagnosis,  treatment, consultation, and applied research.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in twelve hours of psychology
Rstr: Psychology majors or minors only


PSYC 497 - Special Projects I
1-3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Prereq: A grade of “C” or better in fifteen hours of psychology and permission of department head required

 
PSYC 498 - Special Projects II
1-3 Credit(s). 0 Hour(s) Lab. 3 Hour(s) Lecture.

Prereq: PSYC 497 with a grade of “C” or better and permission of department head required.

 

For additional course descriptions, visit the University's on-line catalog

 

Previous Psychology Curriculum (prior to the 2020-2021 catalog)

A degree in psychology requires a minimum of 36 earned credits in PSYC, and includes the following:

  • PSYC 209 – General Psychology OR PSYC 215 - Honors General Psychology
  • PSYC 210 – General Psychology I
  • PSYC 315 – Experimental Psychology
  • PSYC 400 – Professional Issues in Psychology
  • PSYC 435 – Principles of Learning
  • PSYC 455 – Human Psychological Development
  • PSYC 330 – Social Psychology OR PSYC 340 – Theories of Personality
  • PSYC 321 – Substance Abuse OR PSYC 425(G) – Principles of Physiological Psychology
  • PSYC 415 – Experimental Psychology II OR PSYC 442 – Psychological Measurement
  • Nine (9) hours of elective courses in Psychology
    • Elective options exclude PSYC 110 and PSYC 255. If taken after declaring Psychology as a major at UL Lafayette, PSYC 255 with NOT be applicable toward a degree in psychology.