Course Description:

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Students will explore major psychological concepts, theories, and research methods that explain human thought, emotion, and behavior. Topics include the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, memory, personality, human development, psychological disorders, and social influences. Special attention is given to the brain-body connection and applied neuroscience, providing insight into how psychological principles relate to health, well-being, and real-world situations.

 

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

· Understand the scope and history of psychology as a scientific discipline.

· Explore the biological foundations of behavior and brain function.

· Identify key psychological processes such as perception, memory, learning, and motivation.

· Examine developmental changes across the lifespan.

· Analyze theories of personality and psychological health.

· Recognize the causes and symptoms of major psychological disorders.

· Apply psychological knowledge to personal, social, and health-related contexts.

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

· Define psychology and describe its major subfields and perspectives.

· Demonstrate understanding of the scientific method in psychological research.

· Explain how brain structures and neural communication influence behavior.

· Differentiate between sensation and perception and describe how they shape experience.

· Describe stages of human development and psychological growth.

· Evaluate major theories of personality and psychological assessment tools.

· Identify various types of psychological disorders and outline available treatments.

· Apply principles of social psychology to real-life interpersonal situations.

· Discuss the impact of stress on physical and mental health and identify coping strategies.

 

Recommended Course Materials:

· Textbook: Discovering Psychology by Don Hockenbury & Sandra Hockenbury (Latest Edition) or equivalent introductory psychology textbook

· Supplementary readings, handouts, and research articles provided by the instructor

· Access to multimedia content (videos, podcasts, and research databases)

 

Course Content:

1. Introduction to Psychology

o History, schools of thought, and major perspectives

o Scientific method and research designs

o Biology and Behavior

o Brain structure and function

o Neural communication and brain systems

o Sensation and Perception

o Sensory processes and perceptual interpretation

o Vision, hearing, pain, and body awareness

o Consciousness

o Sleep and dreams

o Altered states and the effects of psychoactive substances

o Memory

o Stages of memory formation and retrieval

o Biological basis and reliability of memory

o Human Development

o Prenatal, childhood, adolescent, and adult development

o Cognitive and emotional changes across the lifespan

o Health Psychology

o Stress and its impact on health

o Coping mechanisms and psychological resilience

o Personality Theories

o Psychoanalytic, humanistic, trait, and social-cognitive theories

o Personality assessment methods

o Social Psychology

o Social cognition, influence, aggression, and relationships

o Group dynamics and behavior in social settings

o Psychological Disorders

o Definition and classification of disorders

o Anxiety, mood, schizophrenia, and personality disorders

o Suicide prevention and mental health awareness

 

Course Assessment & Evaluation

· Class Participation and Homework Assignments – 10%

· Midterm Examination – 30%

· Final Examination – 60%