Summer Sessions | Courses | Psychology

UN1021 offers a broad introductory survey of psychological science, discussing relations between the brain, behavior, and experience, with regard to topics including: sensation and perception; learning, memory, language, and cognition; emotions and motivation; development, personality, health and well-being, and social behavior. The course emphasizes science as a process of discovering both new ideas and new empirical results -- and the ways in which psychological research can be used to address real-world challenges.

Introduction to the techniques of research employed in the study of human behavior. Students gain experience in the conduct of research, including design of simple experiments, observation and measurement techniques, and the analysis of behavioral data.

An introduction to basic concepts in cognitive psychology. Topics include theories and
phenomena in areas such as attention, memory, concepts and categories, language, reasoning,
decision making, and consciousness.

Prerequisites: PSYC UN1001 or equivalent Traditional psychologists have focused primarily on answering “how?” questions regarding the mechanisms that underlie behavior (i.e. How does the system work?). In contrast, evolutionary psychologists focus primarily on answering “why?” questions (i.e. Why does this system exist, and why does it have the form it does?). This course is designed to apply our knowledge of evolutionary theory to psychology in order to answer such questions.

Prerequisites: PSYC W1001 or PSYC W1010 or the instructor's permission. An examination of definitions, theories, and treatments of abnormal behavior.

A seminar for advanced undergraduate students exploring different areas of clinical psychology. The specific focus within clinical psychology may differ each time the course is offered, so it is possible for the course to be retaken for additional credit.

Examines current topics in neurobiology and behavior.

In this course we will examine and discuss some of the multiple interactions among the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems, and the  consequences of these interactions for health and behavior, using both the human and animal literatures. Topics include the role of the immune system in neural circuit formation and function, cognition and emotion, neuroendocrine-immune interactions during stress, and the effects of infection, stress, or toxin exposure during critical life stages on health vs. disease throughout the lifespan. We will consider current events related to COVID19 in these topics as well. The critical role of the immune system in brain development and the potential role of early-life inflammatory events in the etiology of psychopathology (autism, schizophrenia), allergies and autoimmunity, and neurodegenerative conditions (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's) will be highlighted.