2023-2024 BSC Catalog Updated_UG ONLY_FINAL[82]

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
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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
community resources are considered, and students challenged to examine their own
personal attitudes towards psychological, medical, legal, ethical, religious, and cultural
aspects of death, dying, and bereavement. Prerequisite: PY 101.
PY 370 Cognitive Psychology (1)
Introduction to the concepts, theories, and methods of cognitive psychology or the
empirical study of the mind and mental processes. Topics may include neuroscience,
attention and consciousness, perception, memory, knowledge, language, problem solving,
reasoning, judgment, and decision making. Emphasis is placed on theoretical models
grounded in empirical support. Prerequisites: PY 101 and at least junior standing.
PY 372 Psychology of Learning (1)
A survey of the theories, components, and applications of Pavlovian and Operant learning
in humans and animals. In the laboratory component, students will demonstrate and apply
principles learned in class, providing first-hand experience with psychological
experimentation. Laboratory required. Prerequisites: PY 101 and at least junior standing.
PY 374 Sensation and Perception (1)
Survey of the processes by which the information available in the physical world is
encoded and transformed to produce our perception of the world. Mechanisms that
mediate perceptual phenomena and their interaction will be highlighted. Topics may
include sensory physiology and perceptual phenomena in major sensory systems: vision,
hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Prerequisites: PY 101 and at least junior standing.
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2023-2024