Santa Clara University

Academic Programs - Department Manual

Psychology department

Department Manual

Department of Psychology

Professors Emeriti: Roland C. Lowe, Marvin L. Schroth

Professors: Jerry M. Burger, Robert Numan, Thomas G. Plante (Chair), Eleanor W. Willemsen

Associate Professors: Tracey L. Kahan, Gerdenio M. Manuel, S.J., Patricia M. Simone, Kieran T. Sullivan, Timothy C. Urdan

Assistant Professors: Matthew C. Bell, Amara T. Brook, Brett Johnson Solomon

Psychology is the study of behavior, emotion, and thought using techniques modeled on the scientific method. At the undergraduate level, the study of psychology is part of a liberal education. A major in psychology lays the groundwork for various advanced studies, including the pursuit of graduate degrees needed for the profes­sional practice of psychology.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

Students majoring in psychology must fulfill the University Core Curriculum and College of Arts and Sciences requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree and satisfactorily complete the following courses:

Lower-Division Courses in Psychology (four courses)

PSYC 1, 2, 40, 43

Lower-Division Courses Outside of Psychology (two courses)

MATH 6 and 7 or MATH 11 and 12

Upper-Division Courses in Psychology (eight courses)

1.  One class from each of the following five content areas:

a. Biological: PSYC 165, 166, or 167

b. Developmental: PSYC 185, 187, or 196

c. Applied: PSYC 115, 117, or 157

d. Social/personality: PSYC 150 or 160

e. Learning/cognition/perception: PSYC 120, 130, or 131

2.  Capstone Course Requirement: During their senior year, psychology majors must complete one course from among 118, 144, 168, 170, or 195. In special cases, a student may meet the Capstone requirement by conducting an independent research project. Students who select this option must enroll in PSYC 199C. They also must submit a proposal and receive permission from a supervising faculty member and the department chair by the end of the seventh week of the quarter prior to the quarter they enroll in PSYC 199C.

3.  Two additional approved upper-division psychology courses

SPECIAL EMPHASIS PROGRAMS

Psychobiology

In addition to the Bachelor of Science and departmental requirements, students who wish to study neuroscience may elect the psychobiology concentration. The following requirements incorporate the psychology major:

1.  MATH 11, 12

2.  CHEM 11,12, 13, 31, 32

3.  BIOL 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

4.  Psychology courses as listed in “Requirements for Major”

Gerontology

In addition to the Bachelor of Science and departmental requirements, students who wish to study the process of aging should inquire about the Gerontology Certificate Program.

 

Special Emphasis Programs

Psychobiology

In addition to the Bachelor of Science and departmental requirements, students who wish to study neuroscience may elect the psychobiology concentration. The following requirements incorporate the psychology major:

  1. Mathematics 11 and 12 (Calculus and Analytical Geometry I and II).
  2. Chemistry 11, 12, and 13 (General Chemistry I, II, and III), and 31 and 32 (Organic Chemistry I and II).
  3. Biology 21 (Physiology), 22 (Evolution & Ecology), 23 (Investigations in Evolution & Ecology L+L), 24 (Cell Biology/Genetics), and 25 (Investigations in Molecular Biology L+L).
  4. Psychology Major Requirements. See above list.

For more information about the Psychobiology Program, please contact Dr. Robert Numan at Rnuman@scu.edu, x4347.

Gerontology

In addition to the Bachelor of Science and departmental requirements, students who wish to study the elderly should inquire about the Gerontology Certificate Program. Please contact Dr. Patti Simone at Psimone@scu.edu, x4577.
Established 1851