Undergraduate Department of Psychology

College of Arts and Sciences

Chair: Brad Schmidt; Associate Chair: Hardy; Professors: Compton, Cougle, Eckel, Ganley, Hajcak, Joiner, Kaschak, Keel, Kistner, Kofler, Lonigan, Maner, McNulty, Patrick, Plant, Rinaman, Schatschneider, Schmidt, Spector, Wagner, Wang; Associate Professors: Gratton, Hammock, Meltzer, Meyer, Nee, Ribeiro, Wilber, Zhang; Assistant Professors: Braithwaite, Buitron, Dewan, Harmon, Haughbrook, Hermiller, March, Martin, Nugiel, Olcaysoy Okten, Riddle, Varela, Zhang; Teaching Faculty: Bonner, Hansen, Hardy, Kemper, Koehler, O. Johnson, Kline, Polick, Towne; Affiliated Faculty: Flynn, Phillips, Roehrig, Tenenbaum, Wetherby; Adjunct Instructors: O'Neal-Moffitt, Sullivan, Wells Harrison; Professors Emeriti: Bailey, Baumeister, Berkley, Brigham, Carbonell, Contreras, Hokanson, Hull, Hyson, F. Johnson Kelley, Lang, Megargee, Miller, Rashotte, Smith, Stephan, Torgesen, Weaver

The undergraduate program in psychology offers introductory survey courses to give the CoreFSU Curriculum student a broad background in the study of behavior, as well as upper-division courses for the advanced student who has more specialized interests. The undergraduate major includes a rigorous course of study that covers the methodology and content needed to understand and further explore the causes of behavior in humans and animals. It is the intent of the program that the level of knowledge attained by the successful major will be such that the student is well prepared for graduate-level studies in any of the specialty areas in psychology. Likewise, the undergraduate program will provide excellent preparation for those interested in advanced training in a professional school (e.g., law or medical school), although additional coursework outside psychology may be required. For students who do not wish to pursue graduate studies, this program assures that the successful major will attain a strong science-based liberal arts education, which can prepare students for a variety of careers, although additional training (e.g., internships) may be required.

Majors are required to take two laboratory courses, and qualified students are strongly encouraged to work in the department's research laboratories or to participate in research in educational and clinical settings. Students also are strongly encouraged to consult early and regularly with the departmental Advising Office to be sure they are meeting program requirements and to ask about opportunities for intensive study in a specialty area while pursuing the major, as well as how to better prepare for graduate school or employment. Advisors are available M-F from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at (850) 644-4260 or advising@psy.fsu.edu. Students are encouraged to make appointments with advising staff through Campus Connect. A Career Center Liaison is also available to consult and advise students as they explore careers and prepare for their profession. The optional areas of emphasis include clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and social psychology. Students on the Panama City campus may specialize in applied behavior analysis and performance management. For the student wishing to study abroad, the department offers a summer program to study psychology in London. The Psychology London Program includes two 4000 level elective courses that are not offered at other FSU campuses and which use the city of London as a classroom for experiential learning about various aspects of psychology. There also may be opportunities to study for a semester in one of FSU's many study centers and programs abroad (including, but not limited to, Florence, Valencia, London, Panama, and Prague) while completing CoreFSU Curriculum requirements, one's minor, and/or one's world language requirement. For detailed information about the psychology major and the department, please refer to https://psy.fsu.edu/.

The department also offers an interdisciplinary major, behavioral neuroscience, in conjunction with the Program in Neuroscience and the Department of Biological Science. The behavioral neuroscience major offers students the opportunity to build knowledge across the natural and social sciences – exploring the elaborate chains of causality that lead from molecules to behavior, as well as the dramatic impact exerted by social, personal, and environmental influences on dynamic patterns of human thought and emotion. Students will experience a synthesis of coursework offered by the Departments of Biological Science, Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Statistics. The unique multidisciplinary breadth of the behavioral neuroscience major prepares students for a variety of STEM-related careers as technicians, researchers, educators, or health professionals. While understanding human brain function (in health and disease) has long been of central importance to physicians, psychologists, researchers, and educators, the knowledge accruing from this effort is also beginning to impact traditionally non-STEM professions such as law, business, or economics. Students are strongly encouraged to consult early and regularly with the Neuroscience Advising Office to be sure they are meeting program requirements and to ask about opportunities for intensive study in a specialty area while pursuing the major, as well as how to better prepare for graduate or professional school, or employment. For an appointment, please call (850) 645-9565 or e-mail advising@neuro.fsu.edu. For detailed information about the behavioral neuroscience major, please refer to https://www.neuro.fsu.edu/.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information
Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications
Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology
Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications
Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively
Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.

Undergraduate majors in psychology and behavioral neuroscience satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in PSY 3213C.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Psychology

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.

FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Psychology. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/2/179.

Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.

Admission Requirements for a Major in Psychology

Admission to the undergraduate program in psychology is based on the successful completion of prerequisite course requirements. A Psychology major who applies for readmission to the college must meet the degree requirements of the catalog in force on the date of readmission. Students whose psychology credits are ten years old or older will need to have their existing credits evaluated by the Department of Psychology to determine if any requirements need to be repeated to ensure that their knowledge of Psychology is current.

Note: While some of these requirements overlap with the state of Florida Common Program Prerequisites (listed above), there are additional requirements for formal admission to the psychology major. Please note that students who qualify for upper-division status and who wish to enter FSU as a Psychology major must complete all of the following prerequisites prior to being accepted at FSU:

Meet requirements for progression to upper division status
Completion of the four courses listed below (each with a “C–” or better); these three courses should be taken as part of the CoreFSU Curriculum requirements or the AA degree.
1. PSY 2012, General Psychology
2. One biology course, with one of the following strongly preferred: BSC 1005, 2010, 2085, 2086, PCB 2099, ZOO X010, or equivalent
3. Any statistics course, with STA 2122 or STA 2171 strongly preferred. The Research Methods course (PSY 3213C), which is required of all majors, requires that STA 2122 or STA 2171 or equivalent be taken as a course prerequisite (or corequisite, if necessary). It is important that students see a psychology advisor for guidance as to when it is best to schedule these courses.
4. Three-hours of psychology electives, beyond PSY 2012, with a PSY, CLP, DEP, EAB, EXP, INP, PCO, PPE, PSB, or SOP prefix.

Requirements for a Major in Psychology

Note: Please see the undergraduate link on the department's Website at https://psy.fsu.edu/ or contact the Psychology Advising Office at (850) 644-4260 for requirements.

Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the “College of Arts and Sciences” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Please also see the section in this General Bulletin on University-wide undergraduate degree requirements regarding the following: diversity, oral communication competency, and computer skills competency. For the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in psychology, the requirements listed below, along with the requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, must be fulfilled. For the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, nine additional semester hours in the humanities and history are required above and beyond the requirements for the BS degree.

The Department of Psychology offers a broad selection of courses in order for each student to select a curriculum appropriate for his/her needs. All students must fulfill the major requirements listed below, which ensure a balanced program of study. Any of the courses listed below, if presented by the student toward fulfillment of the major, must be completed with a minimum grade of “C–”. A student who has accumulated more than four unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D–, D, D+) in courses required for the psychology major, excluding State Common Program Prerequisites listed as Term 1–4 milestones, taken after enrolling at FSU, will not be permitted to graduate with a degree in this major.

Due to course overlap within the Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, students are not permitted to pursue a secondary major in Behavioral Neuroscience or Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. Students who obtain a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, or Cell and Molecular Neuroscience will not be permitted to pursue a second bachelor's degree in these major areas.

In an effort to maintain quality and to give students a direct way to affect the program, the Department of Psychology asks all of its graduating seniors to complete a survey to provide information about their experiences in and impressions of the department.

Required Upper-Level Courses for a Psychology Major

Note: EXP 3202C, 3422C, 3604C; PSY 3213C; and PSB 3004C are each four-hour courses with both lecture and laboratory components.

Thirty-six semester hours of psychology courses (not including General Psychology) are required for the major. At least eighteen of these thirty-six hours must be taken in residence at FSU. Courses taken outside the Department of Psychology will not count toward the Psychology thirty-six-hour requirement. Courses with a WST prefix will not count toward the Psychology major, even though they may be listed on the Psychology course search. Students pursuing a double major may use up to six hours of Psychology coursework toward another major, provided that major accepts those courses. Students should check with advisors in both majors on these course requirements. Students can use only one psychology course (either IDS 2651 or PSB 2000) to count toward both psychology major and CoreFSU Curriculum requirements. The thirty-six hours must include:

Group 1: Research Methods. STA 2122 or 2171 or equivalent is a prerequisite (or corequisite, for students with prior statistics credit). Group 1 totals four hours of credit. PSY 3213C must be completed by the end of Term 5 (first semester, junior year).

PSY 3213C Research Methods in Psychology with Laboratory (4)
Group 2: Neuroscience. Students must take PSB 2000. PSB 2000 must be completed by the end of Term 5 (first semester, junior year).
Group 3: Social, Cognitive, Clinical, and Developmental Psychology. Students must take one course in at least three of these four areas of psychology. The following list is a guide to the courses that qualify under each area; students can consult the advising office about whether other courses are eligible to count toward a particular area.
- Clinical Psychology: CLP 3305 (Clinical and Counseling Psychology), CLP 4134 (Abnormal Child Psychology), CLP 4110 (Eating Disorders), CLP 4143 (Abnormal Psychology), CLP 4392 (Psychology of Criminal Behavior),
- Cognitive Psychology: EXP 3604C (Cognitive Psychology with Laboratory), EXP 4404 (Human Memory and Learning), EXP 4640 (Psychology of Language)
- Developmental Psychology: DEP 3103 (Child Psychology), DEP 4404 (Psychology of Adult Development and Aging)
- Social Psychology: SOP 3004 (Social Psychology), SOP 4722 (Prejudice and Stereotyping), PPE 3003 (Psychology of Personality)
Group 4: Lecture/Laboratory Courses. Students must take one course from the list below. Each course contains a lecture and laboratory component.

EXP 3202C Sensation and Perception with Laboratory (4)

EXP 3422C Conditioning and Learning with Laboratory (4)

EXP 3604C Cognitive Psychology with Laboratory (4)

Note: If EXP 3604C is used to fulfill a Group 3 requirement, it may also be used to fulfill the Group 4 laboratory requirement. By double-counting, students will not be able to graduate with fewer hours in the major; rather, they will take more psychology electives (Group 6) to total thirty-six semester hours. Group 4 adds either zero or four hours of credit, depending on if EXP 3604C is double counted.

Group 5: Careers in Psychology. Students must complete Careers in Psychology (PSY 2023) by the end of Term 5 (first semester, junior year).
Group 6: Psychology Electives. Students must take enough psychology elective courses to total thirty-six hours of psychology courses (not including General Psychology). Group 6 adds fifteen to eighteen hours of credit.
1. Up to nine total hours of applied learning experiences can count toward psychology electives. Courses in this category include Directed Individual Study (DIS: PSY 4911–4914) and Research Topics (PSY 4910, 4915, 4920) and Psychology Internship (PSY 4944). These are taken by instructor permission only.
2. Honors thesis work (PSY 4039r). Students can use honors thesis work to bring the total number of hours of applied courses that count toward the major to twelve hours maximum. For example, if a student took nine combined hours of PSY 4920 and PSY 4911, they can count an additional three hours of honors thesis work toward the major.
3. Psychology electives are courses listed under the department's code of “ASPSY”, excluding courses used to meet Groups 1 through 5 requirements. If courses in Groups 3 or 4 are taken beyond the minimum requirements, they may count as electives.
4. For students who have not taken any 4000-level psychology courses at Florida State University to fulfill Psychology requirements, at least three hours of psychology electives must be taken at the 4000-level at Florida State University. This cannot include PSY 4910–4915, PSY 4920, PSY 4039, PSY 4944, or PSY 4970.
5. ISC 4244C (Computer Applications in Psychology with Lab) counts as a 4000-level psychology elective.

Admission Requirements for a Major in Behavioral Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of brain and nervous system function. The elective coursework in the behavioral neuroscience major offers an emphasis that includes the effects of sensory and social experience on brain and behavior, the mechanisms of learning and memory, cognitive processes and emotion, human brain disorders and disease, and the neural and behavioral effects of drugs and hormones. Admission to the behavioral neuroscience major is based on the following admission requirements:

Completion of the following courses with a grade of “C minus” or higher:
1. BSC X010, X010L (3, 1) Biological Science I and Lab
2. BSC X011, X011L (3, 1) Biological Science II and Lab
3. CHM X045, X045L (3, 1) General Chemistry I and Lab
4. CHM X046, X046L (3, 1) General Chemistry II and Lab
5. MAC X311 (4) Calculus I
6. STA X0XX (3) Statistics: STA 2122 (3) preferred
Completion of at least 52 academic credits or an A.A. Degree.
A preliminary meeting with the Neuroscience Academic Advisor (advising@neuro.fsu.edu) to discuss program requirements and career goals.

Certification and admission to upper-division status can occur during any semester (Fall, Spring, Summer). However, prospective transfer students should contact Ms. Shellie Camp, as-admissions@fsu.edu, with specific questions about admission and mapping requirements.

Requirements for a Major in Behavioral Neuroscience

Summary of Minimum Program Requirements

Total Hours Required: 120
General Education: 36 (encouraged to take PSY 2012 to fulfill Social Science requirement) *
Collateral Coursework: 37
Major Coursework: 36
Minor Coursework: 0 (none beyond collateral science coursework, which constitutes a minor)
Foreign Language: 0–12 (depending on placement)
Computer Skills: 0 beyond major requirements PSY 3213C
Oral Competency: 0–3
Electives to bring total hours to 120

Note: Some coursework required for the major may also be applied towards General Education and/or minor requirements.

Major Program of Studies at FSU

36 hours of degree core and elective coursework. Grades below “C-” will not be accepted for major credit.

A student who has accumulated more than four unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D–, D, D+) in courses required for the behavioral neuroscience major, excluding State Common Program Prerequisites listed as Term 1–4 milestones, taken after enrolling at FSU, will not be permitted to graduate with a degree in this major.

Students must complete the following requirements:

Degree Core Coursework (19 hours)

PSY 2012 General Psychology (3)

PCB 3134 Cell Structure and Function (3)

PSY 3213C Research Methods (4)

PCB 4843 Fundamentals of Neuroscience (3)

PSB 3004C Physiological Psychology with Brain Anatomy Lab (4)

PSB 4400 Molecules to Behavior (2)

Degree Elective Coursework (17 hours)

Take any combination of Biological Science electives up to 6 hours:

PCB 3063 General Genetics (3)

PCB 4024 Molecular Biology (3)

PCB 4024L Molecular Biology Lab (1)

PCB 4233 Immunology (3)

PCB 4233L Immunology Lab (1)

PCB 4244 Biology of Aging (3)

PCB 4253 Animal Development (3)

PCB 4701 Human Physiology (3)

BSC 4731L Experimental Physiology Lab (2)

BSC 4900 Directed Individual Study (1–6)

ZOO 3713C Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)

ZOO 4343C Biology of Lower Vertebrates (4)

ZOO 4353C Biology of Higher Vertebrates (4)

ZOO 4513 Animal Behavior (4)

ZOO 4753C Histology (4)

Take any combination of Psychology electives up to 11 hours:

EXP 3202C Sensation and Perception with Lab (4)

EXP 3422C Conditioning and Learning with Lab (4)

EXP 3604C Cognitive Psychology with Lab (4)

EXP 4640 Psychology of Language (3)

PSB 4006 Social Neuroscience (3)

PSB 4040 Affective Neuroscience (3)

PSB 4240 Neurobiology of Brain Dysfunction (3)

PSB 4447 Psychopharmacology (3)

PSB 4461 Hormones and Behavior (3)

PSB 4710 Biology of Eating Disorders and Obesity (3)

PSB 4731 Biopsychology of Sexual Behavior (3)

PSY 4910 Directed Individual Study (1–6)

CLP 4143 Abnormal Psychology (3)

CBH 4304 Behavioral Genetics (3)

SOP 3004 Social Psychology (3)

Minor Coursework

None beyond the prerequisite science coursework, which constitutes a minor.

Computer Skills Competency (0 beyond major requirements)

PSY 3213C Research Methods in Psychology meets this requirement.

Oral Communication Competency (0–3 hours)

Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met with an approved college-level course such as SPC 2017 or SPC 2608.

Class Attendance

The Department of Psychology enforces a strict first-day attendance policy. Students missing the first day of any class or laboratory will be dropped. For courses involving both a lecture and laboratory component, students missing the first day of either component will be dropped from the four-credit course.

Honors in the Major

The Department of Psychology offers an Honors in the Major program to encourage talented students to undertake independent and original research as part of the undergraduate experience. Psychology majors conduct this research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. Behavioral Neuroscience students conduct this research under the supervision of a psychology, biology, or biomedical sciences faculty member. Completing an honors project contributes greatly to one's preparation for graduate studies in psychology and related fields. Students must have a 3.5 GPA in psychology courses and must be admitted into the University Honors in the Major Program prior to registering for Honors in the Major hours. For requirements and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter of this General Bulletin. Students should identify a psychology faculty mentor for supervision of their honors thesis research before applying to the University Honors in the Major Program.

Requirements for a Minor in Psychology

Twelve semester hours of psychology are required for a minor in psychology. One of these courses must be PSY 2012, General Psychology (3). Grades below “C–” will not be accepted for credit toward the minor. A minimum of six of the required semester hours must be completed at Florida State University. No courses used for satisfying the CoreFSU Curriculum requirements may count toward the minor, nor may any courses taken for an S/U grade. Also, courses with a WST prefix will not count toward the psychology minor.

Areas of Special Emphasis

Several areas of emphasis are available for students. The areas are clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and social psychology. The recommended curriculum includes coursework and DIS or Research Topics to provide students with a strong background in scientific method and content pertinent to their areas of particular interest.

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Panama City

Students may complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BS) in psychology at the Panama City campus. Classes typically are small and meet once per week for two and a half to three hours. Students should refer to the common course requirements for this degree program.

For additional information about the psychology programs at the Panama City campus, visit https://www.pc.fsu.edu/.

The Panama City campus houses the Early Childhood Autism Program, where students are able to learn about autism treatment. For more information about this program, visit https://pc.fsu.edu/ecap.

Admission Requirements at Panama City

Admission requirements for the Panama City campus are:

Completion of the three courses listed below (each with a “C–” or better). These three courses should be taken as part of the CoreFSU Curriculum requirements or the AA degree:
1. PSY 2012 General Psychology
2. One biology course, with one of the following strongly preferred: BSC 1005, 2010, 2085, 2086, PCB 2099, ZOO X010, or equivalent
3. Any statistics course, with STA 2122 or STA 2171 strongly preferred. The Research Methods course (PSY 3213C), which is required of all majors, requires that STA 2122 or STA 2171 or equivalent be taken as a course prerequisite (or corequisite, if necessary). It is important that students see a psychology advisor for guidance as to when best to schedule these courses.

Required Upper-Level Courses for a Psychology Major at Panama City

Graduation requirements for the psychology major are the same as those at the Tallahassee campus.

Note: For further information about admission, degree requirements, minor requirements, or the world language requirements for the bachelor's degree program, contact the FSU Panama City campus at (850) 872-4750, or toll free at (866) 539-7588, or refer to https://pc.fsu.edu/ecap.

Definition of Prefixes

CBH—Comparative Psychology and Animal Behavior

CLP—Clinical Psychology

DEP—Developmental Psychology

EAB—Experimental Analysis of Behavior

EXP—Experimental Psychology

IDS—Interdisciplinary Studies

INP—Industrial and Applied Psychology

ISC—Interdisciplinary Sciences

PCB—Process Biology (Cell/Molecular/Ecology/Genetics/Physiology)

PPE—Personality

PSB—Psychobiology

PSY—Psychology

SOP—Social Psychology

Undergraduate Courses

General Psychology

IDS 2436. Contemporary Behavioral and Substance Addictions (3). This course is designed to provide students with a general knowledge of behavioral and substance addictions from historical, psychological, biological, sociological, and legal perspectives. This course consists of individual written assignments, portfolio, group written projects, student presentations, exams, and lectures by the professor.

IDS 2651. Language: Body, Mind, and World (3). This course provides an examination of language from biological, psychological, and social perspectives, and considers ways that our knowledge of language can be deployed to tackle real-world issues in areas such as health, law, and education.

PSY 2012. General Psychology (3). This course is a broad overview covering important psychological principles and findings within major subfields of psychology, and the basic scientific methods employed. A “bio-psycho-social” approach is emphasized throughout so that all behaviors (including how we think, feel, and act) are discussed in terms of biological, psychological, and social determinants and consequences.

PSY 2023. Careers in Psychology (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course is intended for psychology majors who are uncertain about their career goals. Students learn what career opportunities are available in psychology and related fields and what these careers involve. Students are encouraged to take this course early in their undergraduate years so they can pursue opportunities at FSU that will help prepare them for their chosen career paths.

PSY 3213C. Research Methods in Psychology with Laboratory (4). Prerequisites: Psychology major status, and PSY 2012, and STA 2122 or STA 2171 or equivalent. PSY 2012 may be taken as a corequisite. This course is an introduction to philosophical and methodological issues in the empirical study of psychology. Laboratory portion includes running simple experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting the results.

PSY 3810. Evolutionary Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course uses ideas from social psychology, cognitive science, and evolutionary biology to understand the foundations of human nature. Specific topics include close relationships, kinship, cooperation, aggression, and social hierarchy.

PSY 4604. History and Systems of Psychology (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012, junior or senior standing. This course covers the philosophical and scientific antecedents of modern psychology and the history of psychology as an independent scientific discipline.

Behavioral Neuroscience

CBH 4304. Behavioral Genetics (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and STA 2122 or STA 2171 or equivalent. This course examines the application of genetic methods to human and animal behavior. Genetic methods discussed include twin and adoption as well as molecular studies. Behaviors to be examined include personality, intelligence, and psychopathology.

EXP 3202C. Sensation and Perception with Laboratory (4). Prerequisites: EXP 3213C, and PSB 2000 or PSB 3004C. This course provides students with a sound foundation in how sensory systems interpret the world. The course explores each of the primary sensory systems by defining the physical energy that is detected, examining how that energy is transduced into neural impulses, and sampling how aspects of that information are encoded to provide a representation of the world.

EXP 3422C. Conditioning and Learning with Laboratory (4). Prerequisites: EXP 3213C, and PSB 2000 or PSB 3004C. This course explores how experience affects the behavior and physiological functioning. It provides an overview of learning from a behavioral (classical and operant conditioning) and neuroscientific perspective.

PSB 2000. Introduction to Brain and Behavior (3). This course helps students understand basic nervous system mechanisms that underlie behavior and how systematic observation and experimentation are involved in constructing our understanding of these mechanisms. The course also conveys an appreciation for utilizing critical thinking and scientific knowledge when making important decisions. (Cannot be taken after PSB 3004C.)

PSB 3004C. Physiological Psychology with Laboratory (4). Prerequisites: PSB 2000, and PSY 3213C or BSC 2010. This course provides a proper overview of the biological aspects of psychology (a.k.a. biopsychology, physiological psychology or behavioral neuroscience) as well as the necessary background for the upper level coursework in behavioral and cognitive neurosciences in this department. As such, the first part of this course focuses on basic structure, function, physiology, pharmacology, development, evolution of the nervous system, and common methodologies used in these fields. The remaining two-thirds of the course will focus on sensory systems and biological processes underlying complex behaviors (e.g., emotion, ingestive behaviors, learning, memory, neuropsychiatric disorders).

PSB 4006. Social Neuroscience: Neurobiology of Social Behavior (3). Prerequisite: PSB 2000 or PSB 3004C. This course orients students to foundational research in the neurobiology of social behavior. This course focuses on genes, molecules, and neural circuits supporting social interaction, in mammalian neural systems (including humans) and other taxa. Students develop a skill reading the primary scientific literature and refine their critical thinking skills.

PSB 4040. Affective Neuroscience (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012, a cognitive course, a neuroscience course, and junior/senior standing. This course examines the neural basis of emotion, including how the brain analyzes incoming sensory information, categorizes its motivational value, and initiates an ecologically appropriate response. The course also covers cognition-emotion interaction, abnormal emotional processing, and basic topics in cognitive neuroscience.

PSB 4240. Neurobiology of Brain Dysfunction (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and PSB 2000 or PSB 3004C or three semester hours in biology. This course focuses on clinical neuroscience, which is the exploration of the neurobiological foundations of brain dysfunction and major diseases affecting the central nervous system, including mental health and mental illness.

PSB 4400. Neuroscience Methods: Molecules to Behavior (2). Prerequisite: Neuroscience major or NFA Neuroscience major. This course begins with a brief history of the experimental methods used in neuroscience, then introduces students to the modern approaches used by the FSU Neuroscience faculty in their research/experimental programs. The course concludes with information on how an understanding of experimental methods in neuroscience leads to a variety of career opportunities.

PSB 4447. Clinical Psychopharmacology (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and PSB 2000 or PSB 3004C or three semester hours in biology. This course covers neuropsychopharmacology, including the behavioral effects of brain-mind altering drugs (i.e. psychotropics) and the biological action of drugs used to treat psychological disorders.

PSB 4461. Hormones and Behavior (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and PSB 2000 or PSB 3004C or three semester hours in biology. This course provides students with current knowledge of interactions between hormones and behavior with emphasis on the brain regulation of hormone-behavior interaction in mammalian species including humans.

PSB 4641. Pain and Suffering (3). This course combines formal lectures, student-teacher discussions, and student presentations to understand what we currently know and how we can increase our knowledge about the multifaceted (genetic, biological, physiological, psychological, sociocultural) mechanisms underlying pain.

PSB 4710. Biology of Eating Disorders and Obesity (3). This course explores the biological and genetic factors that may increase susceptibility to develop an eating disorder or obesity. It also provides a survey of biological changes that arise in individuals with an eating disorder or obesity.

PSB 4731. Biopsychology of Sexual Behavior (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and PSB 2000 or PSB 3004C or three semester hours in biology. This course studies biological and sociocultural determinants of sexual development particularly as it relates to sexual orientation, sexual preference, and purported gender differences in personality, cognition, and mental disorders.

Human Learning and Cognition

EXP 3604C. Cognitive Psychology with Laboratory (4). Prerequisite: PSY 3213C. This course covers contemporary approaches to human learning, memory, and higher mental processes; lecture plus laboratory experiments.

EXP 4404. Human Memory and Learning (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012. This course introduces issues related to human memory and learning. Theories of memory, including memory systems, capacity and duration of memory, and basic memorial processes are discussed. Applied issues are covered, including disorders of memory (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), repressed memories, and memory improvement.

EXP 4640. Psychology of Language (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012. This course focuses on the mental processes involved in language use (e.g., speech, comprehension, conversation, and writing).

Clinical

CLP 3003. Psychology of Adjustment (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course covers human adjustments and the resulting forms of behavior. Abnormal and normal behavior are contrasted. Special emphasis on the determinants of adjustments.

CLP 3305. Clinical and Counseling Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course is a survey of the theory, research, and treatment procedures in the clinical process.

CLP 3314. Health Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course is a survey of health psychology and behavioral medicine. Topics include mind/body connections, health and disease, stress and coping, and psychology in medical settings.

CLP 4110. Eating Disorders (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012. Junior or senior standing is strongly recommended. This course presents an in-depth investigation of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorders not otherwise specified, spanning topics such as biological bases of disordered eating, cultural and historical patterns in prevalence of eating pathology, and cognitive disturbances and personality features associated with eating disorders.

CLP 4134. Abnormal Child Psychology (3). Prerequisite: DEP 3103. This course focuses on the development, maintenance, assessment, and treatment of various psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence. Theoretical perspectives and research findings are discussed pertaining to anxiety, depression, autism, conduct disorder, attention-deficit disorder/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities.

CLP 4143. Abnormal Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. Junior or senior standing is strongly recommended. This course focuses on the causes of personality disorganization, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, and developments in experimental psychopathology.

CLP 4182. Addictive Behaviors (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and junior or senior standing. This course addresses the broad concept of “addiction,” emphasizing substance use problems, but touching on other gratifying compulsive behaviors such as overeating, gambling, and certain sexual deviations. Critical thinking about the available theoretical, empirical, and popular literature as a well as relevant public policy is the focus.

CLP 4392. Psychology of Criminal Behavior (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course focuses on understanding psychological factors relevant to the development and maintenance of criminal behavior. As a point of reference for understanding the intrapersonal factors contributing to criminality, the course focuses in detail on the clinical phenomenon of psychopathic personality, or “psychopathy”, and the related concept of antisocial personality disorder.

CLP 4950. Abnormal Psychology Field Experience (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: CLP 4143, PSY 2023, and instructor permission.

Life–Span Development

DEP 3103. Child Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course provides broad coverage of topics concerning the biological, social, and cognitive aspects of children.

DEP 3305. Psychology of Adolescent Development (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course examines recent research dealing with adolescents. Emphasis is placed on the influence of growth and on the role of cultural pressures on behavior.

DEP 4404. Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course focuses on the study of the major psychological issues of adulthood and aging, including age-related changes in psychological, social, and physical functioning; interpersonal and family relationships; career development and retirement; mental and physical health; death and bereavement; and coping with the process of aging.

Social/Personality

PPE 3003. Psychology of Personality (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course is an introduction to methods, theory, and research in personality.

SOP 3004. Social Psychology (3). This course involves the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Subjects include individual, cultural, behavioral, and biological levels of analysis.

SOP 3742. Psychology of Women (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course is a systematic study of research and theories about gender, including psychological differences and similarities between sexes.

SOP 3751. Psychology and the Law (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course is an examination of the interface between psychology and legal issues. Research on judges, juries, defendants, and police are among topics covered, as well as the role of psychologists in the legal system.

SOP 3782. Psychology of the African-American (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course is a critical examination of the psychocultural forces that shape and determine the unique behavior of African-Americans.

SOP 4114. Intimate Relationships (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and SOP 3004. This course draws from social psychology, evolutionary psychology, and clinical psychology to understand intimate relationship formation, maintenance, and dissolution.

SOP 4722. Prejudice and Stereotyping (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and SOP 3004. This course explores the nature of prejudice and stereotyping in our society using a social psychological perspective.

SOP 4850. Moral Psychology (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and SOP 3004. This course integrates perspectives from psychology, philosophy, biology neuroscience, and development to scientifically examine how people think about morality, how morality functions, and where it comes from.

Behavioral–Performance Management

EAB 3703. Applied Behavior Analysis (3). This course introduces the basic principles of behavior and exposes students to settings where techniques based on learning theory can be used therapeutically.

INP 3313. Behavior Analysis in Business and Industry (3). Prerequisites: EAB 3703, EXP 3422C, and PSY 2012. This course examines behavior principles as they are applied in business, industry, and government.

Multiple Areas

ISC 3076. Science, Technology, and Society (3). This course examines interrelations among science, technology, and society. Science is considered as an enterprise in modern society that produces technological advances and new perspectives on reality.

PSY 4039r. Honors in the Major Research (1–6). In this course, students accepted into the Honors in the Major program complete an original research or creative project in their major area of study. This course must be repeated at least twice to complete a minimum of six (6) credit hours total, but may be repeated up to a maximum of twelve credit hours in total.

PSY 4910r. Augmented Research Topics (1–3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. In this course, students participate in a research project in a specific area of psychological research. Participation is more advanced than in PSY 4920, and involves the generation of an extensive written product. The nature of the research and written product is specified by the directing professor. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

PSY 4911r–4914r. Directed Individual Study (one to three hours each.) (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course is a study on a selected topic as designated by the student and the directing professor. Each course may be repeated to a maximum of three semester hours.

PSY 4915r. Honors Advanced Research Topics (1–3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012, acceptance into the University Honors Program, instructor permission. This course involves participation in a research project on a selected topic as designated by the directing professor and the student. Participation includes more advanced work than PSY 4920 and a written product, the nature of which is detailed in a written contract between professor and student. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

PSY 4920r. Research Topics (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course consists of participation in a group research project on a selected topic as designated by the directing professor. May be repeated to a maximum of 15 semester hours within the same term.

PSY 4930r. Special Topics in Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. Topics vary. May be repeated to a maximum of twenty-four semester hours. May be repeated within the same semester.

PSY 4944r. Psychology Internship (1–6). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course allows students to take an internship experience for course credit. Before registering for the course, students need to arrange the internship experience. The psychology advising office can provide guidance on the process of setting up the internship. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

PSY 4970r. Research in Psychology (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: 3.2 overall GPA and 3.5 Psychology GPA. This course provides exposure to state-of-the-art research conducted by psychology faculty to provide opportunities for engaging in hands-on research.

For listings relating to graduate coursework, consult the Graduate Bulletin.

2024-2025 UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN