Introduction to major concepts and findings in psychology with emphasis on basic processes underlying human behavior. Prerequisite for all other psychology courses except PSY 306.

A survey of basic topics, concepts, and psychological principles, including child devel-opment, learning, memory, motivation, physiological influences, stress, coping, per-sonality dynamics, social functioning, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. Special emphasis is given to covering disabilities, crime and violence, profiling and forensics, managing stress, psychotropic medications, additions, brain injury, and counseling. At the end of this course, it is expected students will (a) understand the research principles that make psychology a scientific discipline; (b) be able to critically evaluate research findings; (c) understand the biological and psychological factors involved in cognitive and emotional development from birth to old age; (d) know the causes and effects of psychological disorders; (e) appreciate various psychotherapies; and (f) be capable of evaluating the use of prescription medication for treating mental disorders, among other topics.