Courses

Courses I teach:

PSYC 2500: Research Methods in Psychological Science

In this course, students are introduced to psychological research methods, exploration and critical evaluation of professional literature, and scientific writing. Topics include the scientific method, ethical issues in research, and research design. Coverage encompasses descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental research and data collection strategies. Laboratory work is designed to enable students to apply course topics.

PSYC 3000: Statistical Applications in Psychological Science

In this course, students are introduced to descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for analyzing psychological research. Coverage encompasses selection of appropriate statistics for differing research questions and designs, and the interpretation and reporting of results. Laboratory work is designed to enable students to apply course topics.

PSYC 3310: Psychopharmacology

This course addresses how psychoactive drugs work in the central nervous system to affect behavior. Stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, analgesics and psychotropic drugs will be discussed primarily in terms of their pharmacological action in the brain. Substance abuse and treatment disorders will be addressed from a biological perspective.

PSYC 3510: Psychoneuroimmunology: Mind Body Pathways

This course takes a novel approach to the interdisciplinary field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) by exploring research and providing practical applications that illustrate how stress over time may impact psychological and physical well-being. Students will be exposed to current PNI literature, experientially explore effects of stress and coping strategies, and participate in a PNI laboratory assignment. Topics will include, but are not limited to: Mind-Body Pathways; Stress and Illness; Metabolism, Growth, and Stress; Sleep and Stress; Coping and Stress Management.

PSYC 4100:  Advanced Laboratory in Psychological Science

In this course, students integrate research design and statistical concepts to develop an understanding of how research is conducted within the field of psychological science. Students learn the importance of the scientific method and gain hands-on experience with conducting and analyzing scientific research. Topics include selecting appropriate experimental and non-experimental designs to address different research questions, selecting appropriate statistical analyses based on the chosen research design, and practicing written and oral communication of the scientific process. These concepts will be applied to areas within psychological science with a focus on cognitive psychology, learning and behavior, perception, and physiological psychology.

PSYC 4410: Physiological Psychology

This course addresses the relationship between our underlying physiological systems and behavior. The topics investigated include neural communication, the anatomy of the nervous system, and the biological bases of sleep, reproductive behavior, stress, learning and memory, and mental disorders.