Psychology
18 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PSYC 100* Introduction to Psychology
See PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 105 Marriage, Family and Intimate Relationships
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 130
A study of the psychology and sociology of the family and intimate relationships. Emphasizes factors that enhance interpersonal relationships. Topics include love, marital choice, communication, conflict, and changing models of the family. Examines cross-cultural and historical factors that impact the family as a social institution and the impact of gender, race and ethinicity, social class, age, and sexual orientation on family organization.
PSYC 110 Developmental Psychology - Child Through Adult
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 180
Provides an overview, from a psychological perspective, of human growth and development throughout the lifespan, from conception to death. Biological and environmental influences on development, developmental theories and research of physical, cognitive, personality, and social development, as well as attention to developmental problems are examined.
PSYC 115 The Psychology of Personal Growth and Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 115
This course is designed with an applied focus for students interested in how psychology is useful in everyday life and how scientists, clinicians, and practitioners study and apply psychology. The course surveys different theories and psychological perspectives and how these may be applied across a person’s life. The influence of factors such as culture, gender, ethnicity, historical cohort, and socio-economic status are examined. Emphasis on self understanding and application through the study of the individual, environment and social relationships which contribute to unique personal development.
PSYC 120 Social Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 170
Considers individual human behavior in relation to the social environment. The power of the situation, other individuals, and the social group will be examined. Emphasized topics include: aggression, prejudice and stereotypes, interpersonal attraction, attitudes and attitude change, conformity, group phenomena, gender roles, cultural norms, person perception, and social cognition.
PSYC 125 Human Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 130
Survey of topics pertinent to an understanding of the development of human sexuality. Emphasis on biological, psychological, and cultural determinants of sexual behavior. Current sex norms and various aspects of interpersonal and individual sexual adjustment.
PSYC 130 Psychology of Gender
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Psychological research and theories to examine the development and impact of gender identity. Areas covered include the psychological and cultural history of gender and gender identity, changing sex roles, socialization, issues related to mental and physical well-being, stereotyping, academics/careers, and cognition. Content will be relevant to both men and women.
PSYC 145 Psychology and Sociology of Aging
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
A multi-disciplinary approach to the field of gerontology; historical, demographic, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging.
PSYC 150 Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Examines alcohol, tobacco, and psychoactive drugs in society. Biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors of drug abuse and dependence will be explored. The impact of addiction on families and society; contemporary treatment techniques, and the addiction counseling profession will be covered.
PSYC 155 The Physiology and Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will examine how psychoactive drugs affect the nervous system. Ways of classifying drugs will be identified including the processes of physical and psychological dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and genetic predispositions. Temporary and long-term affective, behavioral, cognitive, biological, and social consequences of psychoactive drug use will be explored, including disorders such as Korsakoff's syndrome and other nutritional deficiencies.
PSYC 197 Special Topics in Contemporary Psychology
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 1.00-3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Current topics of special interest to psychology students will be debated and discussed in a seminar format. Issues in such areas as social psychology, perception and learning, personality, and others will be analyzed from theoretical and methodological perspectives. Content will change from semester to semester.
PSYC 205 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. For more information, refer to the Palomar College catalog under Course Information, Requisite Details.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MATH 110, SOCI 125
Quantitative and qualitative methods as applied to behavioral science data. Frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, variability, hypothesis testing, measures of probability and significance, correlation, regression, and inferential statistics. Also included are data entry, graphing, statistical analysis, and interpretation of data using word processing, spreadsheet, and statistical software.
PSYC 210 Physiological Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 150
An examination of the biological basis of behavior. Topics to be covered include neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, psychoactive drug use and addiction, endocrinology, encephalic evolution, learning and memory, sexual behavior, sleep processes and neuropsychological disorders. Laboratory includes neuroanatomical dissection.
PSYC 211 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Advisory
- PSYC C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A general introduction to the principles of cognition. This course examines theoretical and research approaches to the study of cognitive neuroscience, perception, attention, memory, knowledge, visual imagery, language acquisition and development, problem solving and decision making.
PSYC 225 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 120
Identification and description of the various types of psychological abnormalities, deficiencies, and disorders which may interfere with a human individual's ability to cope with the demands of the surroundings. All of the major psychiatric categories will be covered as well as the types of personality problems which lead to domestic, social, and economic inadequacies, and in some instances, to difficulties with the law.
PSYC 230 Research Methods in Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture, 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000; PSYC 205; ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or ESL 110
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 205 B
Introduction to psychological research methods with emphasis on the use of the scientific method in psychological research. The laboratory is designed to complement the lectures and allow each student to design and conduct psychological research.
PSYC 235 Principles of Learning and Behavior Modification
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The basic principles and research in classical conditioning, operant conditioning, cognitive learning processes, the impact of biochemical processes on learning, and application of behavior modification techniques for changing behavior.
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for college-level writing (CID ENGL 100) and reading (a course with an existing skill of ability to read a college level text).
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 110
This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations. A general introduction to the principles of human and animal behavior. Topics covered include history of psychology, research thinking, intelligence, lifespan development, gender and human sexuality, motivation and emotion, health psychology, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, social psychology, and other related topics (e.g. industrial/organizational psychology, sports psychology, environmental psychology, forensic psychology). Emphasis is placed upon the relationship between general principles of psychology and their practical applications.