Course Descriptions

Psychology - PSYCH
Course Classification

Courses numbered 1-49 — are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. Courses thus numbered are transferable to four- year institutions. Agriculture courses are designed to parallel the work taught in similar courses at California Polytechnic State University or at California State University, Fresno but may not carry the same number.

Courses numbered 50-99 — are associate degree level courses. Courses thus numbered are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses Numbered 100-201 — are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial.

Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree, and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer, and non-degree applicable courses:
(AA) Associate Degree
(CSU) Transferable to California State University System
(UC) Transferable to University of California System
(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • PSYCH-001
  • Introductory Psychology
  • Credit(s) 3

Introductory Psychology
PSYCH 001 is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The content focuses on the exploration of major psychological theories and concepts, methods, and research findings in psychology. Topics include the biological bases of behavior, perception, cognition and consciousness, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, development, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapeutic approaches, and applied psychology.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PSY 110
  • PSYCH-002
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Credit(s) 3

Abnormal Psychology
PSYCH 002 introduces the scientific study of psychopathology and atypical behaviors, broadly defined. Students investigate abnormal behavior from a variety of perspectives including biological, psychological, and sociocultural approaches. An integrative survey of theory and research in abnormal behavior, and intervention and prevention strategies for psychological disorders are also introduced.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PSY 120
  • PSYCH-003
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Credit(s) 3

Developmental Psychology
PSYCH 003 provides an overview, from a psychological perspective, of human development from conception through death, including biological and environmental influences. Theories and research of physical, cognitive, personality, and social development are examined, as well as attention to developmental problems.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
ENG 051A
P/NP
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PSY 180
  • PSYCH-004
  • Personal Psychology
  • Credit(s) 3

Personal Psychology
PSYCH 004 is designed with an applied focus for students interested in how psychology is used in everyday life and is related to other social sciences. The course surveys different psychological perspectives and theoretical foundations and how these are applied across a person's life taking into account the influence of factors such as culture, gender, ethnicity, historical cohort, and socio-economic status. A broad understanding if how scientists, clinicians, and practitioners study and apply psychology is emphasized.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PSY 115
  • PSYCH-005
  • Biological Psychology
  • Credit(s) 3

Biological Psychology
PSYCH 005 introduces the scientific study of the biological bases of behavior and its fundamental role in the neurosciences. Physiological, hormonal, and neurochemical mechanisms, and brain-behavior relationships underlying the psychological phenomena of sensation, perception, regulatory processes, emotion, learning, memory, and psychological disorders will be addressed. The course also notes historical scientific contributions and current research principles for studying brain-behavior relationships and mental processes. Ethical standards for human and animal research are discussed in the context of both invasive and non-invasive experimental research.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
PSYCH 001
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PSY 150
  • PSYCH-006
  • Research Methods in Psychology
  • Credit(s) 3

Research Methods in Psychology
PSYCH 006 surveys various psychological research methods with an emphasis on research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, instrumentation, and the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research data. Research design and methodology will be examined through a review of research in a variety of the sub-disciplines of psychology.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisites(s):
PSYCH 001
Prerequisites(s):
MATH 025
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
PSY 200
  • PSYCH-029
  • Introductio to Sport & Exercis
  • Credit(s) 3

Introduction to Sport & Exercise Psychology
PSYCH 029 is the study and application of psychological and foundations to sport and exercise across the lifespan and across activity contexts. This course is designed to promote an understanding of the concepts and applied principles of sport and exercise psychology. Findings and principles from the sport and exercise psychology literature will be applied to sport and physical activity participants, ranging from youth sport and community exercise programs to elite and world class performers.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU