2019-2020 BSC Catalog

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
221
psychology of judgment and decision making. Topics may include heuristics used and
biases shown when making estimations, evaluations, predictions, and choices; automatic
vs. deliberate processing; and personal and situational factors that influence judgments,
choices, and choice satisfaction. The course will also examine how research findings in
judgment and decision making apply to human history, current events, and daily human
experience. A Leadership Studies designated course. Prerequisites: PY 101 and at least
sophomore standing.
PY 312 Biological Psychology (1)
A study of the biological bases of behavior. Includes the study of brain and neural
anatomy, communication between neurons, and the function of major brain areas. The
course will build on this knowledge to study the effects on various behaviors including
vision, movement, learning, memory, sexual behavior, lateralization of function, drugtaking
behavior, and psychopathology. Prerequisites: PY 101 and at least junior standing.
PY 313 Abnormal Psychology (1)
An examination of abnormal behavior with an emphasis on the etiology, symptomatology
and epidemiology of mental health disorders within child, adolescent, and adult
populations. Empirically-based theories of assessment, development and treatment of
disorders are also discussed. Prerequisite: PY 101.
PY 314 Cognitive Neuroscience (1)
An investigation of the biology of the human mind at the systems level. Broad topics
include the structure and function of the nervous system, hemispheric specialization,
sensation and perception, attention, action, memory, emotion, and language. Special
topics include current theories of human consciousness, social cognition, and morality.
Prerequisites: PY 101 and at least junior standing.
PY 315 Animal Behavior (1)
An examination of the immediate causes and evolutionary explanations for the behavior
of animals. Emphasis is placed on exposure to historical perspectives and current ideas
about animal behavior, training in the methodology of behavioral experimentation, and
development of independent, critical thought. Topics include sexual selection, bird song
learning, and aggressive behavior. (Also listed as BI 315.) Prerequisites: BI 225 and PY
101. Spring of odd-numbered years.
PY 316 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (1)
A survey of psychological disorders that primarily affect children and adolescents. The
course takes a developmental approach to childhood psychopathology, focusing on
diagnostic criteria and familial, educational, and individual features associated with each
disorder. Research on etiological theories and treatment is also discussed. Prerequisite:
PY 101.
PY 317 Death and Dying (1)
An overview of the basic concepts and psychosocial issues relating to the meaning of loss
and death, the process of death, and the experience of grieving. Health care practices and
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2019-2020