Psychology

Psychology is the science of behavior and mental experiences. Psychology includes a variety of subfields including biological, developmental, clinical, counseling, school, and experimental psychology.

Degrees:

• AA-T - Psychology

Career Opportunities

The Las Positas Psychology program offers an AA-T degree that provides students with a basic understanding of behavior and motivation that is valuable in many careers in business, government, and education. To become a psychologist, however, requires graduate.

Psychology Courses

PSYC 1 - General Psychology

3 units

Introduces students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Provides an overview of major psychological concepts and theories in such areas as consciousness, learning, memory, motivation, perception, personality, stress, and social behavior. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D9; IGETC: 4I; C-ID# PSY 110.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 3 - Introduction to Social Psychology

3 units

This course will introduce theories and concepts that explain individual behavior in social settings. The topics include research methods, social perception, social cognition, beliefs, prejudice/discrimination, interpersonal relationships, aggression, and group behavior. Strongly Recommended: PSYC 1 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D9; IGETC: 4I; C-ID# PSY 170.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 4 - Brain, Mind, and Behavior

3 units

Introduction to the field of biopsychology. The biopsychology of cognitive, perceptual, emotional, developmental, and social processes. Includes the biopsychology of personality, gender, emotions, learning, learning disabilities, drugs, neurological and developmental disorders, and mental health. Examination of information and theory for practical application. Prerequisite: PSYC 1 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B2, D9; IGETC: 4I, 5B; C-ID# PSY 150.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 6 - Abnormal Psychology

3 units

An introduction to mental health and the major mental health disorders in adults and children; includes anxiety, mood, personality, sexual, and psychotic disorders. The course will include the study of the major psychological, biological, and sociocultural models of mental health disorders and their treatment. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D9; IGETC: 4I; C-ID# PSY 120.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 10 - Psychology of Human Sexuality

3 units

Physiological and psychosocial aspects of sexual health in our contemporary society. Understanding the interrelationship of attitude and behavior as it relates to sexual well-being and sexual integrity. 54 hours lecture. AA GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: E; C-ID# PSY 130.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 12 - Life-Span Psychology

3 units

Introduction to the psychological, physiological, and socio-cultural factors influencing development from conception through death. Emphasis on the process of normal development and its variations. Examination of theoretical models and research for practical application. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D9, E; IGETC: 4I; C-ID# PSY 180.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 13 - Psychology of Women

3 units

This course examines the diverse experiences of women from a psychological perspective. Students will explore psychological theory and research on gender and issues that affect women, and will gain insight into how psychologists investigate gender-related issues. Strongly Recommended: PSYC 1 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D4, D9; IGETC: 4D, 4I.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 15 - Abnormal Child Psychology

3 units

An exploration of the emotional, cognitive, developmental, and behavioral problems of childhood and adolescence. Topics include: common stresses and problems of adjustment; the effects of stress, abuse, and traumas on development; intellectual disability, autistic spectrum disorder, and other developmental disabilities; normal and abnormal problems of attention, conduct, mood, anxiety, sleep, eating, sex, learning and speech. Examination of the causes of mental health problems in children and adolescents and approaches to treatment. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D7, D9; IGETC: 4G, 4I.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 17 - The Psychology of Sleep and Dreams

3 units

An introduction to the scientific study of sleep and dreams. Major historic, modern, multicultural views and theories of sleep and dreams; research methods in the study of sleep and dreams; the biological basis of sleep and dreams; biological rhythms; individual differences in biological rhythms; the stage sand cycles of sleep; sleep requirements and changes across the lifespan; sleep deprivation and its effects on cognitive, emotional, behavioral functioning and health; the role of sleep and dreams in mental health; the relationship between sleep and daytime alertness and performance; theories of dream content, function, and meaning; dreaming and creativity; and lucid dreaming; sleep disorders, their characteristics and treatments. Examination of information and theories for practical application. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 21 - Introduction to Cross-Cultural Psychology

3 units

This course is an introduction to cross-cultural identities, which focuses on the way culture influences human behavior and shapes mental processes. We will study a variety of ethnic, social, and cultural group developmental norms and the extent of influence these norms may have on an individual. This course seeks to strengthen diversity awareness and knowledge by bringing awareness to the importance of engaging in difficult discussions. This course will review a broad range of theories and research findings regarding cultural influences on human behavior and cognitive process. Topics covered include development of an individual worldview, identity development, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, immigration & acculturation, privilege, oppression and cross-cultural issues in psychological literature. Strongly Recommended: PSYC 1 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D; IGETC: 4.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 25 - Research Methods

4 units

Introduction to the use of the scientific method in the study of human and animal behavior. Coverage of descriptive, experimental, and non-experimental methods commonly used in psychological research. Topics will include ethical principles in research, hypothesis development and testing, observational methods, survey research, the fundamentals of experimental design, basic data analysis, and the presentation of research findings. Prerequisite: PSYC 1 with a minimum grade of C and MATH 40 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D9; IGETC 4I; C-ID# PSY 200, PSY 205 B.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 27 - Introduction to Cognitive Science

3 units

An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of cognitive science. Basic issues related to cognition, including perception, memory, language, learning, problem solving, spatial cognition, attention, mental imagery, consciousness, brain damage, development, and artificial intelligence, are considered from the perspectives of psychology, philosophy, computer science, and neuroscience. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D; IGETC: 4.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

PSYC 29 - Independent Study, Psychology

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.