Psychology
16 courses · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- 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. Formerly: PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology.
PSYC C1000H Introduction to Psychology - Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- A college GPA or high school GPA for first term college students of 3.0 or higher
- 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. This is an honors course. Formerly: PSYC 100H - Honors Introduction to Psychology.
PSYC 140 Introduction to Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Examines psychological and related biological and social changes that occur in adulthood and old age and how these changes vary with ethnicity, gender and social class. Topics include longevity, health, successful aging, intimate and family relationships and mental disorders of adulthood. Designed to help students understand their own and others' aging and to familiarize them with issues in the field of gerontology.
PSYC 157 Introduction to Child Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- CDEV 100
Survey of human development from conception through adolescence. Covers major theories of development (cognition, perception, language, personality, social, etc.) and their application to parenting, teaching, and other interactions with children. (No credit if student has taken Child Development 107.)
PSYC 160 Introduction to Lifespan Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 180
Introduction to human development from a psychological perspective. Explores human development from conception through death, including biological and environmental influences. Theories and research of physical, cognitive, personality, and social development are examined from classical and contemporary perspectives. Attention will also be given to both normative and non-normative development.
PSYC 170 Multicultural Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces students to important issues related to cultural diversity in the field of psychology. Major areas of psychology will be explored from a multicultural perspective, including research, mental health, social psychology, and identity development. Exploration of historically underrepresented populations in the U.S. will be emphasized.
PSYC 190 Psychology of Human Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An overview of human sexuality through a psychological lens with additional focus on biological, sociocultural, and historical perspectives and influences. Topics to be explored will include, but will not be limited to, the following: sexual anatomy and physiological arousal; sexual attitudes and values; sexual behaviors, dysfunction, disorders and treatments; relationships and communication; interconnections to cultural identities (e.g., race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, etc.); sexual violence; contraception and pregnancy; and sexually transmitted infections and prevention. Current sex norms and various aspects of interpersonal and individual sexual adjustment will also be discussed. (No credit if a student has taken IDS 155).
PSYC 201 Introduction to Biological Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 150
Explores relationships between physiological structures of the body and human behavior. Focuses on the organization and function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, glands, sensory and perceptual systems. Relates physiological functioning to motivated behavior, addiction, and psychological disorders.
PSYC 210 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Intermediate algebra or equivalent, or a qualifying profile based on multiple measures.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SOCI 125; C-ID MATH 110
Introduces psychology and behavioral science majors to descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Knowledge of these methods is essential to the understanding, interpretation, and performance of scientific research. Topics covered include probability theory, hypothesis testing, correlation, analysis of variance, the graphical representation of data, basic research design, and the use of computer software to perform statistical analyses.
PSYC 219 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: PSYC 210 (may be taken concurrently) or STAT C1000 (may be taken concurrently) or STAT C1000E (may be taken concurrently) or STAT C1000H (may be taken concurrently)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 200
This course surveys various psychological research methods with an emphasis on research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, instrumentation, and the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research data. Research design and methodology will be examined through a review of research in a variety of the sub-disciplines of psychology. In laboratory sessions students will conduct experimental and non-experimental research in a variety of areas of psychology. Actual data collected from research conducted during laboratory sessions will be analyzed with statistical software.
PSYC 230 Psychology of Adjustment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 115
Introduction to psychoanalytic, behavioristic, cognitive, humanistic and existential theories of personality as they relate to dealing effectively with the changing demands of everyday life. Covers personal growth, self-concept, stress and coping, personal goals and motivation, and interpersonal relationships in relation to culture, gender, ethnicity, historical cohort, and socio-economic status. Includes exercises for increasing self-awareness, identifying personals goals, and for building skills for effective living and well-being.
PSYC 240 Introduction to Social Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 170
An exploration of the interlocking dynamics of psychology and sociology focusing on the impact of social groups on individuals and on other groups. Content includes self-development, interaction, attitudes, conformity, friendship, love, aggression, group dynamics (Same as Sociology 240).
PSYC 250 Introduction to Psychopathology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H
- Formerly
- Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 120
Introduction to the commonly diagnosed psychological disorders. Includes psychophysiological disorders, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, sexual dysfunctions, schizophrenia, developmental, cognitive, and personality disorders. Emphasis is on identification, symptomatology, etiology, and methods of therapeutic intervention.
PSYC 260 Psychopharmacology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The aim of this course will be to explore psychoactive drugs and their impact on behavior, cognition, neural communication, and physiology. Psychotherapeutic drugs and recreational drugs will be covered. Core concepts include the structure and function of the nervous system, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of drugs. There will be specific emphasis on the treatment of psychological disorders, addiction, cognitive enhancement, and the impact of learning and memory. This course uses a biopsychosocial model to examine the history and use of psychopharmacology for treatment of mental disorders and includes the study of neurobiology and mechanisms of action of the major psychotropic drugs. The role of gender, culture, age, and other variables on the indication and use of medications is examined.
PSYC 270 Introduction to Cognitive Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed to help students better understand cognitive science. Topics include cognitive neuroscience, perception, memory, learning, attention, language, creativity, and problem-solving. Current perspectives as it relates to thought in humans and non-humans will also be covered.
PSYC 350 Psychology and Law
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Student must be admitted to the Bachelor's of Arts program in Paralegal Studies.
Introduction to the field of psychology and law. This course is meant to provide students with a better understanding of how psychological theory and research apply to the legal system, as well as how the law guides psychological research. It will cover psychological theory and methods relevant to legal topics such as eyewitness memory, expert and jury decision making, race, mental illness, cognitive biases, and social influence. These topics span multiple sub-fields, including cognitive, social, developmental, personality, and biological psychology.