2012-2013 CATALOG

This is an archived copy of the 2012-2013 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.miracosta.edu

Psychology

Psychology is the study of people through an examination of their thoughts, emotions, and behavior. MiraCosta's Psychology program has a biological and physiological emphasis. Students are introduced to the science of psychology, including systematic research and analysis. They learn how to follow the principles of the scientific method and how to write using American Psychological Association (APA) style. The Psychology discipline provides the tools to gather data efficiently and skillfully and to examine the nature of human behavior. Students may take courses to prepare for a psychology major or to fulfill general education requirements.

Contact Information

Department Chair: Stephen J. Eso

Dean: Alketa Wojcik

www.miracosta.edu/PSYC

Department: Psychology

Office: Building OC3100, 760.795.6871

Full-Time Faculty

Wendy J. Curtiss
Stephen J. Eso
Lisa Fast

Robert Kelley
David McField

Associate Degrees

Associate in Arts Degree

Human Development

Human development is the study of people's lives from conception to death. The Human Development program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in human development. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.

Required courses:
PSYC 121	Human Development	3
PSYC/SOC 104	Statistics for Behavioral Science	4
or BIO/BTEC 180	Biostatistics
ANTH 101	Biological Anthropology	3
or ANTH 101H	Biological Anthropology (Honors)
Select three courses from the following (no more than two courses from one discipline):		9-11
ANTH 102	Cultural Anthropology
or ANTH 102H	Cultural Anthropology (Honors)
ANTH 103	Introduction to Archaeology
BIO 100	General Biology (Lecture and Lab)
or BIO 101	General Biology
BIO 202	Foundations of Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Organismal Biology
BIO 204	Foundations of Biology: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology
BIO 220	Human Physiology
CS 150	C++ Programming
GERO 101	Introduction to Aging
HIST 141	Mexican American History Through 1877
HIST 142	Mexican American History Since 1877
HIST 145	African American History to 1877
HIST 146	African American History Since 1877
PSYC 101	General Psychology
or PSYC 101H	General Psychology (Honors)
PSYC 260	Physiological Psychology
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
SOC/PSYC 205	Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences
Total Units		19-21

Associate in Arts Degree

Psychology

The Psychology program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.

Required courses:
PSYC 101	General Psychology	3
or PSYC 101H	General Psychology (Honors)
PSYC/SOC 104	Statistics for Behavioral Science	4
PSYC/SOC 205	Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences	3
Select three courses from the following:		9-15
ANTH 101	Biological Anthropology
or ANTH 101H	Biological Anthropology (Honors)
BIO 100	General Biology (Lecture and Lab)
or BIO 101	General Biology
BIO 202	Foundations of Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Organismal Biology
BIO 204	Foundations of Biology: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology
CHEM 100	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 102	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry
CHEM 110	General Chemistry
CHEM 111	General Chemistry
CS 111	Introduction to Computer Science I: Java
CS 112	Introduction to Computer Science II: Java
CS 113	Basic Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 150	C++ Programming
MATH 115	Calculus with Applications
MATH 150	Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
or MATH 150H	Calculus and Analytic Geometry (Honors)
MATH 155	Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
MATH 260	Calculus and Analytic Geometry III
PHIL 100	Informal Logic and Critical Thinking
PHIL 101	Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
PHIL 102	Contemporary Moral Problems
PSYC 121	Human Development
PSYC 211	Learning and Behavior Modification
PSYC 260	Physiological Psychology
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
Total Units		19-25

Certificates

Certificate of Proficiency

Research Fundamentals

This certificate emphasizes the skills needed to interpret research data and conduct basic research in accordance with the procedures and methods of behavioral science. The certificate is designed for individuals interested in learning research skills and for those who need assistance in improving these skills for their work.

Required courses:
PSYC/SOC 104	Statistics for Behavioral Science	4
LIBR 101	College Research Skills	1
Select three units from the following:		3
PSYC 101	General Psychology
or PSYC 101H	General Psychology (Honors)
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology
SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
ADM 100	Introduction to the Administration of Justice
ADM 100H	Introduction to the Administration of Justice (Honors)
Select three elective units from the following:		3
PSYC/SOC 205	Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences
LIBR 201	Research in the Digital Age
Total Units		11

Certificate of Proficiency

Volunteer Services

This certificate offers students core courses in behavioral science combined with at least one behavioral science course that offers service learning. The academic courses provide a fundamental understanding of human behavior. A course that includes service learning requires volunteering in the community combined with written reflection on the volunteer experience. This certificate emphasizes working directly with people in need within the service-learning tradition, and it integrates academics with practice. This certificate can enrich the service of experienced volunteers, guide those interested in volunteering for the first time and transfer students interested in teaching and social service agency work, and provide early experience in public service. Students need to contact the Service Learning Office for information about instructors in behavioral science who offer service learning. In addition, students must provide verification of their volunteer participation through the Service Learning Office to earn the certificate.

Required courses:
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology	3
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
SOC 102	Contemporary Social Problems	3
Select at least 5 elective units from the following:		5
CHLD 210	Child, Family, and Community
PSYC/SOC 103	Social Psychology
PSYC/SOC 145	Psychology/Sociology of the Family
Total Units		11

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses listed in this catalog apply to the fall 2012, spring 2013, and summer 2013 terms. Courses are numbered numerically within alphabetically arranged subject areas.

The bolded first line begins with a capitalized abbreviation that designates the subject area. This subject-area designator is followed by the official course number and a descriptive title. The next lines indicate the course's unit value, prerequisites, corequisites, advisories, repeatability rules, enrollment limitations, UC/CSU credit acceptance, and lecture and lab hours followed by a Taxonomy of Program number in parentheses.

Prerequisites: This is a requirement that must be met before a student can enroll in the course.
Corequisites: This is a course the student must take in the same semester.
Advisories: This is recommended preparation the student is advised but not required to have before or in conjunction with the course.
Repeatability Rules: When a course belongs to a group of related courses, students can complete one course or a combination of courses within the group for a maximum of four completions.
Enrollment Limitations: Some courses place limitations on enrollment. These limitations prevent students from duplicating course work or from enrolling in two sections of the same course in any given semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU means the course is accepted for transfer at any California State University (CSU) campus; UC means it is accepted for transfer at any University of California (UC) campus. Some courses can be used to satisfy general education or major requirements while others transfer as elective credit. UC Credit Limitation means credit for the course may have UC transfer restrictions; these restrictions are identified at the end of the course description.
Lecture and Lab Hours: These are the number of hours the course meets for lecture and/or lab per week.
Taxonomy of Program (TOP) Number: The TOP number is identified in parentheses after the lecture and lab hours. This number serves an administrative purpose and is not intended for student use.

The course description summarizes the purpose and key topical areas of the course, and it includes special requirements if any exist. Some course descriptions end with information about whether the course was "formerly" another course, how many times the course may be repeated, if the course is offered pass/no pass, or what the UC credit limitation is.

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses

PSYC 100: Psychology of Personal Growth

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (2001.00)

This course introduces the principles of human behavior with a combined emphasis on the scientific method and personal growth. Topics include personality, stress, friendship and intimate relationships, human sexuality, the self, psychological disorders and psychotherapy, and health psychology. The course emphasizes the scientific basis of psychological knowledge and the application of such knowledge to achieve personal growth. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: No credit if taken after PSYC 101.

PSYC 101: General Psychology

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in PSYC 101H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2001.00)

PSYC 101H: General Psychology (Honors)

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in PSYC 101.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (2001.00)

This course examines the biological basis of human behavior, including topics such as neuroanatomy, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, language, thought, and intelligence. It introduces research methods and statistics. As an honors course, it provides an enhanced experience for motivated students through advanced course work and reading materials, enriched analysis and discussion of psychological topics, special attention to science in psychology, and refinement of critical thinking skills. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for PSYC 101 or PSYC 101H.

PSYC 103: Social Psychology

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in SOC 103.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2003.00)

Social psychology examines the influence that society, contexts, groups, and others have on individuals. This course emphasizes the sociological and psychological factors in socialization, self-concept, interpersonal relationships, and group dynamics. The course pays special attention to social cognition, attitudes, social influence, language, and cross-cultural differences in social psychology.

PSYC 104: Statistics for Behavioral Science

Units: 4
Prerequisites: MATH 64 or qualification through the Math Competency Exam or approved equivalent.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in BTEC 180, BIO 180, PSYC 104, or SOC 104.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 4 hours. (2001.00)

This course introduces statistical methods for analyzing data in the behavioral sciences. Topics include basic research design; descriptive statistics, probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference and power; linear correlation and regression; t-test and one-way analysis of variance; chi-square. Students use appropriate technology (e.g., calculators and SPSS) to analyze real-world data and report results using American Psychological Association style. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BIO 180/BTEC 180, MATH 103, or PSYC 104/SOC 104.

PSYC 114: Abnormal Psychology

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: PSYC 100, PSYC 101, or PSYC 101H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2001.00)

A detailed examination of behavioral disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders; somatoform and dissociative disorders; eating, sleep, and physical disorders; sexual and gender identity disorders; substance-related and impulse-control disorders; personality disorders; schizophrenia, and developmental and cognitive disorders. Special attention will be given to various clinical therapies for the above disorders. Transfers to CSU as a psychology elective but not within the psychology major.

PSYC 115: Human Sexuality

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2001.00)

One segment of the course acquaints the student with the biological aspects of human sexuality, including sexual anatomy, the sexual response cycle, sexual behaviors, sexual dysfunctions, pregnancy and birth control, and prenatal development. A second segment of the course deals with the psychological aspects of sexuality, including attraction, communication, intimacy, and love. A third segment examines the social aspects of sexuality and gender, including legal, moral, educational, and ethical issues.

PSYC 121: Human Development

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in CHLD 121.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (2003.00)

This course examines the psychological and physical development of the individual from conception through childhood, adolescence, and maturity. It covers major theories of intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development and explores cultural differences in development. The course emphasizes the interdependence of various periods of the individual's life and considers scientific methods, behavioral disorders, death, and spirituality. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for CHLD 112, CHLD 113, or PSYC 121.

PSYC 145: Psychology/Sociology of the Family

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in SOC 145.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2003.00)

This course examines the family as a social institution and applies sociological and psychological theories and concepts to couples, intimate relationships, marriage, and families. These theories and concepts provide frameworks for examining love, sexuality, and commitment and for identifying problems and adjustments for couples and family relationships. The course also studies changing models of the family, historical perspectives, cross-cultural comparisons, and the influences of changes in contemporary society affecting family life. Among the topics covered are partner selection, becoming parents, communication, family and work, family crises, divorce, aging, and issues linked to social class and living in a diverse society.

PSYC 170: Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2001.00)

This course explores normal and abnormal characteristics of aging on physical, cognitive, personality, and mental health processes as they occur in late adulthood. Topics include marriage, family and friends, intergenerational issues, and intimacy and sexuality. It probes late-adult transitions, such as retirement and widowhood, and end-of-life issues.

PSYC 205: Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences

Units: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 101H, SOC 101, or SOC 101H; and PSYC 104 or SOC 104; and ENGL 100.
Corequisite: PSYC 104 or SOC 104 (for students with MATH 103 credit).
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in SOC 205.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (2001.00)

This course introduces research methodologies used in the behavioral sciences. It emphasizes an appreciation of the scientific method, the development of research skills, knowledge of research ethics, and the evaluation of scientific research. Students conduct library research, design and implement research projects using appropriate methodologies and controls, analyze and interpret data using a statistical computer program, and write research reports using the APA format. Students with MATH 103 may take PSYC 104/SOC 104 concurrently with Research Methods.

PSYC 211: Learning and Behavior Modification

Units: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 101 or PSYC 101H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2001.00)

This course surveys the principles of learning and the research applications of behavior modification. Topics include the historical origins of learning theory; classical and operant conditioning; cognitive aspects of complex learning tasks; and biological factors in learning. The course also covers the principles of behavior modification, including reinforcement and punishment, schedules of reinforcement, and applications of behavior modification in an educational environment.

PSYC 260: Physiological Psychology

Units: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or PSYC 101H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2001.00)

This course introduces the biological basis of behavior. Students gain an appreciation of how the human brain creates a perception of the physical world, develop the ability to critically evaluate research in biological psychology, and understand the biological mechanisms that underlie psychological phenomena. Topics include research in biological psychology, anatomy of the nervous system, development of the nervous system, neurons and action potential, communication at the synapse, effects of psychoactive drugs, sensory systems, motivation and emotion, sleep/wake cycles, learning and memory, lateralization and language, and the biological basis of psychopathology.

PSYC 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

PSYC 296: Topics in Psychology

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (2001.00)

This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Psychology that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.

PSYC 298: Directed Study in Psychology

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor and department chair approval and successful completion of 12 units of college work with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
Repeatability Rule: May be taken for a total of 3 units.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours
Laboratory 6 hours
Laboratory 9 hours. (2001.00)

This course allows students to pursue a special area of interest in order to achieve specific goals beyond the scope of existing courses within the discipline. Students work independently and interact directly with an instructor on an individual basis and as prescribed by the Directed Study Agreement.

PSYC 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU

Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.