Psychology
Chair: Peter S. Kaplan
Program Assistant: Isabell Saari
BA and Psychology Minor Undergraduate Advisor: Mitchell Handelsman
BS and Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Minor Undergraduate Advisor: David Albeck
Director of Undergraduate Studies: David Albeck
Office: North Classroom, 5002
Telephone: 303-315-7050
Fax: 303-315-7072
Overview
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, consisting largely of the following major areas of study: experimental psychology, biopsychology, animal behavior, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, personality, industrial/organizational psychology and abnormal psychology. The requirements for the major are designed to introduce the student to the spectrum of Psychology, including an early exposure to research methods and statistics.
The Psychology major prepares students for employment and for graduate study in Psychology and related fields. The Psychology department also offers a PhD in Clinical Health Psychology.
Honors
There are two ways in which a student graduating with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology can graduate with honors. First, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) awards the honor of graduating “with distinction.”
The second form of honors, “Latin honors,” is awarded by individual departments within CLAS, including psychology. The CU Denver Department of Psychology has approved a very rigorous set of requirements for Latin honors, also based on overall GPA. Level of Latin Honors will be awarded to both Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science graduates according to the following criteria:
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Summa Cum Laude: 3.9 - 4.0
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Magna Cum Laude: 3.75 - 3.89
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Cum Laude: 3.6 - 3.74
Students who wish to participate in Psychology research, please see the Gardner Psychology Research Scholar opportunity for the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science.
Curriculum Goals and Essential Learning Outcomes
Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology
Students will recognize, explain, and distinguish the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in Psychology.
Essential Learning Outcome: The development of Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World
Goal 2: Research Methods in Psychology
Students will demonstrate the statistical, organizational, writing, and analytical skills necessary to interpret and conduct meaningful and valid research in Psychology.
Essential Learning Outcomes: The development of Intellectual and Practical Skills, including Quantitative Literacy, Information Literacy, and Inquiry and Analysis skills.
Goal 3: Critical Thinking Skills
Students will use skeptical inquiry and scientific thinking skills to interpret and solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
Essential Learning Outcomes: The development of Intellectual and Practical Skills, including Critical Thinking skills.
Goal 4: Application of Psychology
Students will apply psychological principles to solve personal, social, and/or organizational problems.
Essential Learning Outcomes: The development of Intellectual and Practical Skills, including Problem Solving skills.
Goal 5: Values in Psychology
Students will evaluate evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, recognize and respect diversity, and/or reflect other values that are the underpinnings of Psychology as a discipline.
Essential Learning Outcome: The development of Personal and Social Responsibility, including Ethical Reasoning and Intercultural Knowledge and Competence.
Graduate Information
Please go to the Graduate catalog to read about our graduate programs.
Faculty
Professors:
Elizabeth Sandlin Allen, PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Richard Allen, PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
James Grigsby, PhD, University of Colorado, Boulder
Mitchell M. Handelsman, PhD, University of Kansas
Peter S. Kaplan, PhD, Indiana University
Kevin S. Masters, PhD, Brigham Young University
Associate Professors:
David Albeck, PhD, University of Colorado, Boulder
Sondra Bland, PhD, University of Texas
Benjamin Greenwood, PhD, University of Colorado, Boulder
Kristin Kilbourn, PhD, University of Miami
Erik Oleson, PhD, Wake Forest University
Krista W. Ranby, PhD, Arizona State University
Jonathan Schaffer, PhD, St. John’s University
Amy Wachholtz, PhD, Bowling Green University
Jason Watson, PhD, Washington University
Assistant Professors:
Carly Leonard, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Melissa Simone, Ph.D., Utah State University
Professor, Clinical Teaching Track:
Joan Bihun, PhD, Wayne State University
Kevin Everhart, PhD, University of South Carolina
Vivian Shyu, PhD, University of Denver
Associate Professor, Clinical Teaching Track:
Jeffrey Rings, Ph.D., University of Denver
Senior Instructors:
Bethann Bierer, PhD, University of Denver
Instructors:
Christina Collins, Ph.D., Meridian University
Laurel Hyslop, Ph.D., Syracuse University
Jeremiah Ramos, M.S., University of Texas, Dallas
Paula Schmidtlein, Ph.D., University of Denver
Emeritus Professors:
Rick M. Gardner, PhD, University of Nevada
Barbara Walker, PhD, The Ohio State University
Michael Zinser, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Psychology (PSYC)
PSYC 1000 - Introduction to Psychology I (3 Credits)
Introduces the scientific study of behavior, including an overview of the biological basis of behavior, sensation or perception, states of consciousness, learning and memory, thinking and language, intelligence, motivation and emotion. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-SS3
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Behavioral Sciences; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-SS3, Soc Behav Sci:Hmn Behav, Cul.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 1005 - Introduction to Psychology II (3 Credits)
Introduces the scientific study of behavior, including an overview of the history of psychology, development, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, health psychology and social behavior. PSYC 1000 is not a prerequisite for this course. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-SS3
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Behavioral Sciences; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-SS3, Soc Behav Sci:Hmn Behav, Cul.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 1111 - First Year Seminar (3 Credits)
Restriction: Restricted to Freshman level students. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to Freshman level students
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSYC 2050 - Improving Memory (2 Credits)
Applies psychological principles of memory function and process to everyday settings and experiences. Covers topics such as how memory works, principles of memory improvement, and strategies for effective learning. Max hours: 2 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSYC 2060 - Psychology Applied to Everyday Life (3 Credits)
A primer in psychological principles applied to everyday situations. Covers topics such as learning, stress and health, attraction and love, and personality. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSYC 2090 - Statistics and Research Methods (4 Credits)
Introduces statistics and research methods in the field of psychology. Note: Intended for those who plan to major in psychology. Completion of college algebra or equivalent is recommended. Prereq: PSYC 1000 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 4 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: PSYC 1000 with a C- or higher
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 2111 - Sophomore Seminar: Psychology as a Major and Career (3 Credits)
This course will introduce you to the BA and BS major in psychology. It will provide you with information on the careers and professional opportunities available to you within Psychology and related fields. After this course, you will be able to answer your friend’s and family’s question “But what can you do with a Psychology degree?” Well, the answer is, quite a lot. In addition, this course will help you to develop and articulate the professional skills that you have as a student of psychology. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 2205 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology for Health Majors (3 Credits)
This course will examine the normative physical, cognitive and soci-emotional changes and milestones that occur through the human lifespan highlighting health-related issues at each stage. Prereq: PSYC 1000 or PSYC 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 2220 - Biological Basis of Behavior (3 Credits)
Introduces the biological basis of behavior. This course will feature concepts like neurons, synaptic and hormonal transmission, and physiological set-points. Behavior of simple (invertebrate) and complex organisms (vertebrates) will be related to the activity of specific brain neural networks. Prereq: PSYC 1000 or BIOL 2020 (BIOL 2051) with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits. GT: Course is approved by the Colorado Dept of Higher Education for statewide guaranteed transfer, GT-SC2
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Biol Phys Sci - No Lab; GT courses GT Pathways, GT-SC2, Nat Phy Sci:Lec w/o Req Lab.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 2939 - Internship (1-3 Credits)
Experiences involving application of specific, relevant concepts and skills in supervised employment situations. Prereq: Students must have completed 15 hours of PSYC courses with a 2.75 GPA and must work with Experiential Learning Center advising to complete a course contract and gain approval. Repeatable. Max Hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Prereq: 15 hours of PSYC courses with a 2.75 GPA in PSYC courses
PSYC 2990 - Topics in Psychology (1-3 Credits)
Studies special topics to be selected by the instructor. Note: May be repeated for credit. Repeatable. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
PSYC 3050 - Decision Making (3 Credits)
This course discusses current research on decision making/behavioral economics, as well as its application to individual well-being and public policy. You will gain insights on how and why people can be irrational in their daily decisions. Max hours: 3 Credits. Cross-listed with PBHL 3050 and ECON 3050.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSYC 3090 - Research Methods in Psychology (3 Credits)
Covers principles of experimental methodology in Psychology. Includes active participation in data collection and interpretation, presentation of results, evaluation of scientific literature, scientific writing and advanced statistical concepts as they relate to the field of Psychology. Prereq: PSYC 1000, 1005 and 2090 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 3144 - Human Cognition (3 Credits)
PSYC 3145 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3 Credits)
Surveys the fields of industrial and organizational psychology. These fields apply psychological principles to improving productivity and satisfaction in the workplace. Topics include motivation, leadership, group processes, team functioning, occupational health, selection and training of employees, and performance management. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSYC 3205 - Human Development I: Child Psychology (3 Credits)
Studies human development covering birth, infancy, toddler, preschool and school-aged child. Covers biological, cognitive and social processes. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and PSYC 1005 or PSYC 3215 with a grade of C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 3215 - Human Development II: Adolescence and Adulthood (3 Credits)
PSYC 3222 - Principles of Learning and Behavior (3 Credits)
Introduces the scientific study of learning and behavior, focusing on "Behaviorism." Principles of operant and classical conditioning are discussed. A particular emphasis is placed on the relevance and application of these principles to understanding human behavior and psychopathology. Prereq: PSYC 1000 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: PSYC 1000 with a C- or higher
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 3235 - Human Sexuality (3 Credits)
Examines the physiological, psychological, and social psychological bases of human sexuality. Research on the range of sexual behaviors, individual sexual response, sexual development, sexual dysfunction, and variants of sexual orientation. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 3236 - Introduction to Media Psychology (3 Credits)
This course examines the social, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive impacts of modern media. Theoretical and methodological approaches are discussed and both positive and negative media impacts are considered. Prereq: PSYC 1000 or PSYC 1005 with a C- or higher. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSYC 3254 - Introduction to Animal Behavior (3 Credits)
Surveys the behavior of nonhuman animals, emphasizing the evolution through natural selection. One semester of general biology, biological anthropology, or other course emphasizing evolutionary perspective is strongly recommended as preparation for optimal student success. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSYC 3262 - Health Psychology (3 Credits)
An overview of the scientific study of attitudes, behaviors, and personality variables related to health and illness. Emphasis is on the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors that cause illness and influence its treatment and prevention. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 2220 with a C- or higher. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSYC 3263 - Hormones and Behavior (3 Credits)
The hormonal regulation of behavior will be the primary focus of this course. Topics include: hormonal basis of sexual differentiation and behavioral differences, parental behavior, biological rhythms, aggression, mood and stress. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 2220 with a C- or higher. Cross-listed with PSYC 5263. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSYC 3264 - Exercise, Brain and Behavior (3 Credits)
This course explores the impact of physical activity status-being sedentary or physically active-on brain function and behavior. Topics include effects of exercise on cognitive function, mood disorders, stress, anxiety, sleep and drug addiction. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms by which exercise impacts behavior. Students who have received credit for this topic listed under PSYC 3600 may not receive credit for this course. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and PSYC 2220 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall. Cross-listed with PSYC 5264. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSYC 3265 - Drugs, Brain and Behavior (3 Credits)
Explores the pharmacological, biological, and behavioral basis of drug effects. Topics include mechanisms of drug action, brain reward pathways, role of environment and history on drug effects, and the impact of science on drug abuse and medication development. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 2220 with a C- or higher. Cross-listed with PSYC 5265. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 3305 - Abnormal Psychology (3 Credits)
This course applies a scientific approach to the examination of the symptoms, etiologies, and treatments of mental illnesses, including disorders of mood, anxiety, stress, addictions and those seen in childhood and older age. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 3385 - Psychology of Mindfulness (3 Credits)
This course will explore significant psychological, neurological, historical, societal and cultural aspects of mindfulness. It will integrate this current knowledge with more traditional aspects of the concept through classroom activities, guest lecturers, projects and field trips. Prereq: PSYC 1000 or 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSYC 3405 - Family Psychology (3 Credits)
PSYC 3415 - Experimental Social Psychology (3 Credits)
Surveys the field of Social Psychology, the study of the way in which cognitions, emotions, and behaviors are influenced by the presence, or perceived presence, of others. Heavily focuses on experimentation and experimental methods within the field of Social Psychology. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSYC 3460 - Military Clinical Psychology (3 Credits)
This course focuses on clinical psychological issues facing service members, veterans, and military families. Topics include contemporary military culture, challenges of the military lifestyle/deployment/reintegration, specific types of military trauma, psychological issues of PTSD, TBI, depression, substance abuse, and suicidality, and psychological interventions for these issues. Prereq: PSYC 1005 with a C- or higher. Students will not earn credit for this course if they have already earned credit for PSYC 3600 with a similar topic title. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSYC 1005 with a C- or higher.
PSYC 3505 - Psychology and the Law (3 Credits)
Examines the legal and extralegal applications of psychology, such as assessment of insanity and competence, psychologists as expert witnesses, accuracy of eyewitness accounts, and issues relating to employment discrimination. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 3600 - Topics in Psychology (1-3 Credits)
Studies special topics to be selected by the instructor. Note: May be repeated for credit. Term offered: fall, spring. Repeatable. Max hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 3611 - Psychology of Women (3 Credits)
Reviews psychological theories and research of women's social, cultural, emotional and behavioral experience. Examines the sociocultural context of women's experience and explores women's socialization, developmental issues, cognitive abilities and achievement motivation, personality variables, stereotypes, psychological disorders, victimization, intimacy and sexuality. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.
PSYC 3612 - Domestic Abuse (3 Credits)
Examines the nature and extent of domestic violence. Personal characteristics and dynamics that contribute to spouse abuse are reviewed. Theories and research in the general field of family violence, victims' and perpetrators' treatment, and child abuse are discussed. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSYC 3615 - Positive Psychology (3 Credits)
This course provides an introduction to the science of positive traits, subjective experiences and institutions. It focuses on the empirical study of the factors that enable humans to flourish, develop resilience, mature and master life's challenges. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSYC 3724 - Developmental Neuroscience (3 Credits)
Explores the biological influences on the development of brain and behavior. Emphasis is on the evolution and development, the role of experience in prenatal and postnatal development, the ontogeny of sensory systems, learning and memory, and the biological bases of language acquisition. Prereq: PSYC 2220 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: PSYC 2220 with a C- or higher.
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSYC 3810 - Neuropsychology (3 Credits)
Brain organization and function and its relationship to human memory, language, perception, and other cognitive abilities. Covers the application of clinical neuropsychology to working with individuals that have neurological disorders. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 2220 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 3822 - Aging, Brain and Behavior (3 Credits)
Examines the aging process, behavioral changes during senescence and the accompanying changes in the aged brain. Changes that are part of healthy aging are studied, as will age-related brain disorders. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 2220 with a C- or higher. Cross-listed with PSYC 5822. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSYC 3832 - Neural Basis of Learning (3 Credits)
Survey of advances in neuroscience that further the understanding of how neurons within our brains are modified by experience and thus influence subsequent behavior. Includes discussions of how these mechanisms contribute to various psychopathologies. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 2220 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSYC 3939 - Internship (1-3 Credits)
Designed experiences involving application of specific, relevant concepts and skills in supervised employment situations. Prereq: Students must have Junior standing, have completed at least 12 hours in PSYC courses with a 2.0 GPA in PSYC courses and must work with Experiential Learning Center advising to complete a course contract and gain approval to enroll. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Prereq: Junior standing and 12 hours of PSYC courses with a 2.0 GPA in PSYC courses
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 4054 - Behavioral Neuroscience (3 Credits)
The morphological, neurochemical and physiological bases of behavior. Emphasis is on structure and function of the brain. Prereq: PSYC 1000/PSCH 1001, 1005, 2090, 2220, 3090 and (6 credits hours or 2 courses from PSYC 3050-4990) with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: PSYC 1000/PSCH 1001, 1005, 2090, 2220, 3090 and (6 credits hours or 2 courses from PSYC 3050-4990) with a C- or higher
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 4090 - Research Design and Development (3 Credits)
This advanced writing and research methods course is designed to help students develop independent research ideas into formal products, such as a thesis proposal, grant application, presentation, and study protocols. Prereq: PSYC 3090 and instructor permission. Cross-listed with MARC 4090. Term offered: fall, spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: PSYC 3090.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 4101 - Applied Statistics Using SAS and SPSS I (3 Credits)
Teaches the practical statistical tools social scientists use to analyze real-world problems. It is split into four modules, each taught by a different instructor. The first module introduces SAS and SPSS; modules 2-4 are problem-based and cover topics such as ANOVA, multivariate regression, and cluster analysis. Students are recommended to have taken and completed at least one statistics course, at any level, as preparation for optimal success. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSYC 4102 - Applied Statistics Using SAS and SPSS II (3 Credits)
Students use the skills they learned in the previous semester to analyze a social issue of their choosing and present their findings. Note: A continuation of PSYC 4101. In addition to lectures, weekly one-on-one meetings between faculty and students are required. Prereq: PSYC 4101 with a C- or higher. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: PSYC 4101 with a C- or higher
PSYC 4111 - Senior Seminar in Psychology: Career Capstone (3 Credits)
This course provides a focused integration of the skills and knowledge gained through the psychology major curriculum. As a capstone course, it will prepare students to apply what they have learned to their professional careers. Prereq: PSYC 3090 with a grade of C- or higher. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prerequisite: PSYC 3090 with a grade of C- or higher.
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSYC 4164 - Psychology of Perception (3 Credits)
PSYC 4455 - Theories of Personality (3 Credits)
An in-depth look at several major theories of personality, including those from psychodynamic, behavioral, and humanistic schools of thought. Students are required to think actively and abstractly, and communicate their ideas in papers and classroom contributions. Prereq: PSYC 1000 and 1005 with a C- or higher. Term offered: fall, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.
PSYC 4485 - Psychology of Cultural Diversity (3 Credits)
Studies diversity in the development of the individual across Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American cultures. The experience of self, role of the family, expression of emotions, and psychology of prejudice are emphasized. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Denver Core Requirement, Cultural Diversity.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 4500 - Psychotherapy (3 Credits)
Overview of the major systems of psychotherapy, including psychoanalysis, person-centered therapy, family therapy, cognitive or behavioral approaches, and relationships among the various approaches. Prereq: PSYC 1000/PSCH 1001, 1005, 2090, 2220, 3090 and (6 credits hours or 2 courses from PSYC 3050-4990) with a C- or higher. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSYC 4511 - History of Psychology (3 Credits)
Development of psychological theories since 500 B.C. Schools of psychology and their adherents. Readings of primary and secondary sources. Prereq: PSYC 1000/PSCH 1001, 1005, 2090, 2220, 3090 and (6 credits hours or 2 courses from PSYC 3050-4990) with a C- or higher or admitted and enrolled in the Clinical Health Psychology PhD program (PSYH-PHD). Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: PSYC 1000/PSCH 1001, 1005, 2090, 2220, 3090 and (6 credits hours or 2 courses from PSYC 3050-4990) with a C- or higher or admitted and enrolled in the Clinical Health Psychology PhD program (PSYH-PHD).
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 4680 - Behavioral & Biomedical Sciences Research Seminar (2 Credits)
Introduces research in the behavioral and biomedical sciences. Students will learn about research programs at CU Denver and other centers, present their own research, and interact with the local scientific community. Prereq: permission of the instructor. Cross-listed with MARC 4680. Term offered: fall. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSYC 4681 - Behavioral & Biomedical Sciences Research Seminar II (1 Credit)
Continuation of research in the behavioral and biomedical sciences. Students will learn about research programs at CU Denver and other centers, present their own research, and interact with the local scientific community. Prereq: PSYC/MARC 4680 and permission of the instructor. Cross-listed with MARC 4681. Repeatable. Max hours: 2 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 2.
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSYC 4730 - Clinical Psychology: Ethics and Issues (3 Credits)
An in-depth exploration of the values and ideas that guide professional practice in psychology, including professional codes of conduct and philosophical ethical principles. Topics include confidentiality, informed consent, competence, integrity and respect. Prereq: 1000, 1005, 2090, 2220 and 3090 with a C- or higher. Term offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
PSYC 4780 - Behavioral & Biomedical Sciences Research: Ethics & Issues (3 Credits)
Students will critically review and analyze some of the major ethical and policy issues that arise during the conduct of basic and applied behavioral research. Prereq: PSYC 1000, 1005, 2090, 2220 and 3090 with a C- or higher or instructor permission. Term offered: fall. Cross-listed with MARC 4780. Term offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
PSYC 4803 - Principles of Psychological Testing (3 Credits)
Principles underlying construction, validation, and use of tests of ability, intelligence, and personality and of attitude surveys. Covers statistical topics such as content and construct validity, item analysis, and reliability analysis. Students are recommended to have taken and completed at least one statistics course, at any level, as preparation for optimal success. Cross-listed with PSYC 5803. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
PSYC 4840 - Independent Study: PSYC (1-3 Credits)
Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max hours: 12 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 4880 - Directed Research (1-6 Credits)
Students will engage in original research projects supervised and mentored by faculty. Students must work with faculty prior to registration to develop a proposal for their project and receive permission to take this course. Note: Students must submit a special processing form completely filled out and signed by the student and faculty member, describing the course expectations, assignments and outcomes, to the CLAS undergraduate advising office for approval. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 4939 - Internship (1-3 Credits)
Prereq: Students must have Junior standing, have completed at least 12 hours in PSYC courses with a 2.0 GPA in PSYC courses and must work with Experiential Learning Center advising to complete a course contract and gain approval to enroll. Term offered: fall, spring, summer. Repeatable. Max hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Prereq: Junior standing and 12 hours of PSYC courses with a 2.0 GPA in PSYC courses
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 4990 - Topics in Psychology (1-3 Credits)
Advanced study of special topics to be selected by the instructor. May be repeated for credit. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Cross-listed with PSYC 5990. Repeatable. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.