NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

434 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ethical dilemmas around such issues as self-disclosure, harm reduction, dual relationships, and limits of confidentiality. PSYC 2900 Introduction to Quantitative Psychology (3 credits) This course is an introduction to the quantitative methods employed by psychologists and other social scientists to answer their empirical questions. You will learn both descriptive and inferential statistics during the semester. After you have taken this course, you should be better able to understand and interpret the results sections of articles in scientific journals. You will understand, for example, what it means to say that two groups have different levels of anxiety at a statistically significant level, and what calculations are involved in drawing such a conclusion. As another example, you should come away from this class with a good understanding of what it means (and, importantly, what it does not mean) to say that crime rates and ice cream sales are positively correlated. Prerequisites: MATH 2020 or MATH 2020H or MATH 3020 or MATH 3020H and PSYC 1020 or PSYC 1020H. PSYC 3000 Psychological Research Methods (3 credits) This course covers the methodological tools used in psychological research studies, with specific emphasis on observational, correlational, experimental, and quasi- experimental designs. Students will develop testable hypotheses, design a quantitative experimental research study, and use APA-format to write a report similar to those found in professional psychological journals. Prerequisites: PSYC 2900. PSYC 3030 Experimental Psychology (3 credits) This course offers laboratory experience in various areas of experimental psychology. Fundamental assumptions and principles of scientific observation and research design are discussed. Students will learn how to conduct and report experiments in various core areas of psychology. Students will learn how to conduct, interpret and evaluate research and to communicate research findings. Prerequisite: PSYC 3000. PSYC 3070 Stress Management (3 credits) This course examines the process and complexities of stress management, its impact on the work place, and the overall quality of work life in an organization. Stressful events and conditions will be presented and analyzed from three perspectives: individual vulnerability to stressors, the environment in which vulnerability is exposed to stressors, and the resulting behavioral symptoms. Prerequisites: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 3180 Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination (3 credits) This course examines how individuals, groups, and intellectual, moral, and personality development, as well as the importance of the home, school, and community. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 2370 Early Childhood Growth and Development (3 credits) Students in this course will critically examine theories and research concerning the cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development of the typical and atypical child from birth to age eight. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to observe and describe child behavior and to understand the principles and processes that govern growth and development in the early childhood years. Implications of knowledge of child development for parental behavior, professional practices, and social policy will also be considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 2390 Adulthood and Aging (3 credits) Developmental experiences of maturity. Physiological and psychological aspects of aging. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 2450 Forensic Psychology (3 credits) This course describes various interactions between psychology and the legal system. It discusses how psychologists assist law enforcement agencies in the selection, training, and evaluation of law enforcement officers and in conducting criminal investigations. It also describes the various forensic psychology roles in civil and criminal proceedings. Lastly, this course will highlight ways in which forensic psychologists can work to influence public policy. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 2460 Health Psychology (3 credits) This course covers stressors and health, health behavior promotion, and psychological treatment for cancer, heart disease, and other medical disorders. Prerequisites: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 2470 Loss, Grief, and Bereavement (3 credits) This course addresses the issues of loss accompanying the death of a loved one and the handling of grief for people of all ages. Sensitizes students to their own feelings about death, describes the rites of passage, and identifies methods of resolution for grief. This course will be beneficial to individuals in their own lives, as well as those who will be involved in counseling. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or 1020H. PSYC 2630 Ethical and Professional Issues in Mental Health (3 credits) This course examines ethical issues faced by mental health professionals today. Conflicts among personal, legal, and professional demands will be explored in depth. This course will also focus on how mental health professionals are challenged by and learn to manage