MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Psychology Lab

Course: PSY102

First Term: 2025 Fall

Laboratory 1.0 Credit(s) 1.0 Period(s) 1.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T - Lab Load

Description: Application of psychology as a science in areas such as: learning, memory, emotion, motivation, cognition, intelligence, development, personality, physical and mental health in a socially and culturally diverse world.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Compare and contrast the major schools of psychology. (I) 2. Explain major research approaches of psychology. (I) 3. Describe the relationship between basic nervous system components, processes, and behavior. (II) 4. Describe basic concepts in sensation and perception. (III) 5. Describe components and processes of the major theories of learning and memory. (IV) 6. Identify practical applications of theories of cognition. (IV, V) 7. Understand major theories of human development and diversity. (V, VII, VIII) 8. Explain how emotions and motives apply to human behavior. (VI) 9. Apply psychological principles involved in personality, intelligence, and sociocultural issues related to self and others. (VII, VIII) 10. Distinguish among psychological treatment approaches and their appropriateness for mental health issues. (IX) 11. Classify symptoms of psychological disorders. (IX) 12. Assess personal stressors and coping strategies to evaluate their impact on physical and mental well being. (VIII, IX)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. History and methods A. Perspectives B. Research methods C. Role of statistics II. Biology and behavior A. Nervous system B. Brain and behavior III. Sensation and perception A. Psychophysics B. Gestalt principles IV. Learning and memory A. Classical conditioning B. Operant conditioning C. Cognitive learning D. Memory strategies V. Cognition and language A. Properties of language B. Problem solving C. Intelligence VI. Motivation and emotion A. Theories of motivation B. Theories of emotion VII. Diversity and human development A. Cognitive changes B. Physical changes C. Sociocultural influences D. Human sexuality and gender VIII. Applications of psychological principles to major areas of study in psychology A. Personality B. Social psychology C. Cultural psychology IX. Mental and physical health A. Stress and coping B. Psychological disorders C. Therapeutic approaches

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 25, 2024

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.