MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Psychology

Course: PSY101

First Term: 2025 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Overview of the methods, concepts, and applications of psychological science. Includes an introduction to key domains of psychology: Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, Social and Personality, and Mental and Physical Health.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe how the scientific method is used to draw logical conclusions about behavior and mental processes. (I) 2. Interpret research findings related to psychological concepts. (I-VI) 3. Apply psychological principles to personal growth and other aspects of everyday life. (I-VI) 4. Examine how psychological science can be used to counter unsubstantiated statements and foster critical thinking. (I-VI) 5. Explain basic psychological concepts in each of these key domains: Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, Social and Personality, and Mental and Physical Health. (II-VI) 6. Identify ways psychological science can foster a more just society. (II-VI) 7. Examine how social and cultural factors, diversity, ethics, and variations in human functioning relate to basic psychological concepts. (II-VI)
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. Scientific inquiry and research methods A. Nature of psychological science B. Ethical issues in research C. Basic concepts of data analysis II. Biological domain (at least two areas covered) A. Neuroscience 1. Nervous system 2. Endocrine system 3. Nature and nurture B. Sensation 1. Sensory systems 2. Sensory processes C. Consciousness 1. States of consciousness 2. Characteristics of sleep 3. Theories of dreaming 4. Psychoactive drugs and their effects III. Cognitive domain (at least two areas covered) A. Cognition 1. Thinking and problem solving 2. Cognitive biases B. Memory 1. Processes of memory 2. Factors influencing memory C. Perception 1. Process of perception 2. Factors influencing perception D. Intelligence 1. Perspectives on intelligence 2. Assessment of intelligence 3. Issues in intelligence IV. Developmental domain (at least two areas covered) A. Lifespan development 1. Methods and issues in lifespan development 2. Physical, cognitive, and social development across the lifespan B. Learning 1. Classical conditioning 2. Operant conditioning 3. Observational learning C. Language 1. Structural features 2. Development of language 3. Language and the brain V. Social and personality domain (at least two areas covered) A. Social 1. Social cognition 2. Social influence B. Personality 1. Empirical approaches 2. Assessment C. Multiculturalism, gender, and sexual orientation 1. Psychological constructs 2. Psychosocial constructs 3. Cultural constructs D. Motivation and emotion 1. Influences of motivation 2. Domains of motivated behavior 3. Perspectives on emotion 4. Emotional interpretation and expression 5. Domains of emotional behavior VI. Mental and physical health domain (at least two areas covered) A. Disorders 1. Perspectives of psychological disorders 2. Categories of psychological disorders B. Health 1. Stress and coping 2. Mental and physical health and wellness C. Therapies 1. Types of treatment 2. Legal, ethical, and professional issues

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.