Morton Hall 206
Telephone: 256.824.6191
Email: psychol@uah.edu
The Department of Psychology offers B.A. and M.A. degrees in psychology. Psychology is an exciting and interesting scientific field that concerns why people think and behave the way they do. It is a tremendously varied field and a discipline with a bright and promising future. Though relatively young, psychology is an expansive discipline that incorporates topics from other disciplines such as biology, business, engineering, and education. Studying psychology requires students to solve problems, reason verbally and quantitatively, organize material, think critically, communicate clearly, and work effectively with others. At UAH, the psychology department is small and very student-centered. Students may take courses in clinical and counseling, experimental, social, developmental, cognitive, perceptual, biological, personality, industrial, and human factors psychology. In particular, students are required to gain an appreciation of the methods and tools used by psychologists to perform research or apply psychological principles in applied settings. Our capstone course in supervised research (PY 498) allows majors in the Psychological Sciences track to demonstrate those skills working with individual faculty members. Students in the Psychological Services track complete an internship as part of their capstone course (PY 488).
The Department of Psychology offers the following degree program at the undergraduate level:
There are two tracks within the psychology degree - the Psychological Sciences Track, for those interested in research and pursuing an advanced degree within any area of Psychology, and the Psychological Services Track, for those interested in human services and pursuing a master's in counseling, social work, or a Psy.D. degree.
Mission
The focus of the Department of Psychology is threefold:
- teaching
- scholarship
- service
Consequently, the mission of the department centers upon the development of students, development of faculty and scholarly activities, and service to scholarly and professional societies as well as to appropriate communities, including those within UAH.
The Department of Psychology supports the Mission of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences in a variety of ways. We provide close interactions between teachers and learners in our seminar courses, as well as in our research courses and internship opportunities. The Department of Psychology encourages personal and professional growth in its promotion of students’ career exploration, knowledge acquisition, skill development (i.e., critical thinking, technical writing, oral communication, and statistical analyses), and valuation of diversity.
Social Science Composite for Secondary Education Majors
Students planning to teach psychology in secondary schools will need to complete the Social Science Composite which includes courses in history, psychology, sociology, political science, and economics. The psychology courses included in this composite are PY 101, PY 102, and PY 375. Students seeking certification in secondary education should contact the Education Department for specific requirements.
PY 101 - GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY I
Semester Hours: 3
Introduction to methods and research findings in the field. Topics include learning, memory, cognition, human development, personality theories, and abnormal behavior. Credit for PY 101 may be obtained by either Advanced Placement (AP) or the College Level Examination Program
(CLEP).
PY 102 - APPLICATIONS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Semester Hours: 3
Introduction to applied topics in psychology, such as statistical analysis, counseling, human factors, health psychology, and industrial and organizational psychology. Career opportunities are discussed. Students are required to engage in approved experiential activities such as participating in current research studies and attending lectures.
Prerequisite: PY 101.
PY 201 - LIFE-SPAN DEVELOPMENT
Semester Hours: 3
Examination of the psychological, social, and physical factors that affect human behavior and development from conception to death.
Prerequisite: PY 101.
PY 300 - PSYCHOLOGICAL STATISTICS
Semester Hours: 3
Introduction to psychological statistics, with an emphasis on quantitative analysis of experimental data. Topics covered include probability, descriptive statistics, and hypothesis testing.
Prerequisite: MA 107 or MA 110 or MA 112 or MA 113 or MA 115 or MA 120 or MA 171. Corequisite: PY 300L.
PY 301 - PERSONALITY
Semester Hours: 3
Examinations of various theories of personality with possible implications for research.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 302 - EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Semester Hours: 4
Design and execution of experiments in psychology. Data analysis and manuscript preparation. Prerequisite: PY 102 and PY 300 and PY 300L or AHS 300.
PY 303 - PY RESEARCH METHODS
Semester Hours: 3
Students will learn the fundamentals of psychological research - how to form research questions and hypotheses, select an appropriate design to ethically address specific research questions, and how to critically evaluate research and findings. Student will also be taught about creating surveys, interviewing and observing participants.
Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 102, PY 300 and PY 304.
PY 304 - PSYCHOLOGICAL STATISTICS LAB
Semester Hour: 1
This course is an introduction to analyzing data with computerized statistical software. This course will provide students with a familiarity of SPSS, and the abilities to analyze experimental data, read computer statistical output and write-up statistical results.
Corequisite: PY 300.
PY 305 - PY RESEARCH METHODS LAB
Semester Hour: 1
Lab associated with PY 303. Covers the design and execution of quantitative and qualitative research designs, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
PY 316 - PERCEPTION
Semester Hours: 3
Examines sensory systems and elements of perception. Topics include vision research, audition, chemical senses, and body sensations.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 317 - PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
Semester Hours: 3
The problem of the nature of mind and its relationship to the physical world has been a perennial concern of philosophy. This course examines, theories, and arguments concerning the nature of mind.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 324 - WORK DESIGN
Semester Hours: 3
Introduces the portion of the design process that uses basic principles of methods analysis and ergonomics to fit a task to the human operator. Methods analysis topics include: work
measurement, job analysis, and job evaluation.
Prerequisite: PY 300 or ISE 390.
PY 330 - NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Semester Hours: 3
Examines the diversity of specific human nonverbal behavior such as eye contact, touch, time, appearance, and distance and how these behaviors influence everyday communication experiences. Drawing on theory, students explore the practical ways verbal and nonverbal communication intersect in everyday interactions to create shared meaning. Same as CM 330.
Prerequisite: PY 101.
PY 333 - PY OF ADJUSTMENT & ADAPTATION
Semester Hours: 3
PY 333 will explore psychological approaches to understanding, managing, and modifying our physical and emotional well-being. Students will learn ways to apply psychological principles and concepts to enhance coping with various issues of adulthood. Relationships with others, the environment and the self will be examined. Prerequisites: PY 101 and PY 102.
PY 375 - SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Semester Hours: 3
Examination of the social influences on both individual and group behavior. Topics may include attitudes, group processes, intergroup conflict, interpersonal attraction, aggression, altruism, and impression formation.
Prerequisite: PY 101 or SOC 100.
PY 399 - PROFESSIONAL DEV FOR PSY MAJOR
Semester Hour: 1
Development of skills related to graduate work and to occupations in psychology. Career and internship exploration, resume and graduate school exploration. Exposure to work and research related topics, such as teamwork and ethics.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 400 - INTRO TO CLINICAL & COUNSELING
Semester Hours: 3
PY 400 introduces clinical/counseling psychology and professional psychology. History of diagnosis and treatment, theoretical models in counseling, contemporary practice models, research basis of clinical/counseling psychology, empirically validated therapies, and doctoral program models are covered. Prerequisite: PY 101 and Sophomore standing or higher.
PY 402 - INDUSTRIAL & ORGANIZA PSY
Semester Hours: 3
Application of basic principles of learning, motivation, and perception to typical industrial and organizational problems. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 403 - HUMAN FACTORS PSYCHOLOGY
Semester Hours: 3
Human performance in human-technology-environment systems. Includes consideration of human capabilities and limitations as related to controls and displays. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 404 - THEORIES OF COUNSELING
Semester Hours: 3
This course is designed to introduce theories of psychotherapy and the process of psychotherapy and counseling. This course is a survey of counseling/psychotherapy models and techniques with emphasis on Empirically Validated Therapies (EVT) and traditional models with substantial support in the research and clinical literature.
PY 405 - PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Semester Hours: 3
Introduction to drug classification and action with emphasis on physiological psychological interactions. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 406 - PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN
Semester Hours: 3
Examines theory and research in the psychological functioning of women, both in the United States and other nations. Topics include achievement and education, mental and physical health issues, and victimization of women. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Senior Standing. Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 407 - CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY
Semester Hours: 3
Examines psychological similarities and differences between members of industrialized and non-industrialized cultures. Comparisons will include development, social interaction, and perception. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology. Senior Standing.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 408 - TEAMWORK & TEAM PROCESSES
Semester Hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to teams and teamwork processes. The foundation of the course is research-based; topics will be approached from the context of empirical research. The types of research designs that are typically used in team research are addressed. Junior Standing.
PY 409 - PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING
Semester Hours: 3
PY 409 examines psychological processes in adulthood and aging. Emphasis is placed on contemporary theories, methodological issues, and how psychological, biological, social, and environmental factors interact to predict growth, maintenance, or decline in abilities throughout adulthood and aging. Prerequisite: PY 101.
PY 410 - TASK ANALYSIS & PROTOTYPING
Semester Hours: 3
This course introduces students to methods for analyzing user actions as they interact with software and tools to complete tasks. Students apply a range of prototype techniques from fast, low-fidelity prototypes to interactive high-fidelity prototypes. Junior standing or higher.
PY 414 - HUMAN RESEARCH:LEARNING
Semester Hours: 3
Analysis of learning principles from simple relationships with animals to the complexities of human language and problem solving.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 415 - DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Semester Hours: 3
Examination of cognitive, psychoanalytic, ethological, behavioral, and humanistic theories of development.
Prerequisites: PY 101 and PY 102 or written permission of instructor.
PY 420 - SPECIAL TOPICS
Semester Hours: 3
Pre-announced special areas in seminar discussion, laboratory work, or practicum. May be taken twice for credit. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 422 - INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH
Semester Hours: 3
With advice of instructor, design and execution of original experiment in psychology. May be taken twice for credit. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 426 - HISTORY & SYSTEMS IN PSY
Semester Hours: 3
Survey of psychological theory and experimentation regarding human behavior and mental processes from ancient times to the present. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 430 - PSYCHOMETRICS
Semester Hours: 3
History and development of psychological testing with special emphasis given to both theory and process of effective evaluation. Prerequisite: PY 300.
PY 434 - PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW
Semester Hours: 3
This seminar is a survey of the major topics represented in the field of Psychology and Law. We will focus on how psychological research can contribute to a better understanding of issues related to law. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 302.
PY 435 - PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Semester Hours: 3
Survey of major psychological approaches to conceptualizing abnormal behavior, with discussion of present diagnostic categories of psychological disorders. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 436 - BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Semester Hours: 3
Neural and endocrinological systems underlying behavior. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisites: (either a or b): (a) 15 hrs of PY or approval of instructor; (b) BYS 119 and BYS 120 and 6 hours of PY or approval of instructor. Same as BYS 436.
PY 437 - PSYCHOBIOLOGY STRESS & ILLNESS
Semester Hours: 3
Overview of physiological stress responses and their influence on health behavior and illness. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 480 - COGNITION
Semester Hours: 3
Information processing: how information is acquired, encoded, organized, stored, and retrieved. This process will be applied to specific areas of psychology such as language, earning, or personality.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 488 - PY SERVICES INTERNSHIP
Semester Hours: 1-3
This course provides a supervised experience in a professional environment for students to apply their psychological skills to projects outside the classroom, facilitate their entry into the job market in psychological services after graduation, and enhance their pre-professional experience. Prerequisites: 18 hrs of Psychology courses; junior or senior standing; minimum 2.5 GPA in major, chair's approval.
PY 490 - READINGS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Semester Hours: 3
Supervised in-depth readings in area of particular interest to student. May be taken twice for credit. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 491 - SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHO
Semester Hour: 1
Pre-announced special areas in seminar discussion, laboratory work, or practicum. May be taken twice for credit. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 492 - SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHO
Semester Hours: 2
Pre-announced special areas in seminar discussion, laboratory work, or practicum. May be taken twice for credit. Open to students who have completed 15 hours of psychology.
Prerequisite: PY 102.
PY 498 - HUMAN RESEARCH I
Semester Hours: 3
Capstone course for the PY major. Human behavior observation and/or experimentation. Students engage in data collection and analysis, and report their findings. Offered Fall Semester only.
Prerequisite: PY 302.
Hannah, Linda, Lecturer, Psychology, 2019, MS, University of Central Texas, Killeen.
Lane, Sean, Dean and Professor, Psychology, 2018, PhD, Kent State University.
Neuschatz, Jeffrey, Distinguished Professor, Psychology, 2000, PhD, Binghamton University.
Ortiz, Sharlaine, Clinical Instructor, Psychology, 2021, PhD, Walden University.
Price, Jodi, Chair and Professor, Psychology, 2008, PhD, Georgia Institute of Technology.
Seemann, Eric, Associate Professor, Psychology, 2003, PhD, Lousiana Tech University.
Tenhundfeld, Nathan, Assistant Professor, Psychology, 2019, PhD, Colorado State University.
Torres, Aurora, Assistant Professor, Psychology, 1995, PhD, University of Oklahoma.
Weger, Kristin, Assistant Professor, Psychology, 2017, PhD, Otto-Friedrich-University.