Credit (PSY)
14 courses · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PSY 106 Positive Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Prerequisite
- MATH 137 or equivalent based on SBCC's Assessment Services placement via multiple measures and PHYS 105.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Scientific study of psychological strengths and optimal functioning including (1) positive subjective states, such as happiness, satisfaction, love and contentment; (2) positive individual traits, such as courage, honesty, kindness and wisdom; and (3) positive institutions, such as healthy families, work environments and communities.
PSY 110 Introduction to Physiological Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 150
Elementary physiology of the nervous system. Physiological mechanisms underlying sensation, perception, emotion, arousal, motivation, learning, and cortical specialization. Function of the endocrine system. Intended primarily for psychology majors as part of the lower-division pre-major pattern. Also useful for students in allied health fields.
PSY 112 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- PSY 100 or PSY 100H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the general concepts and experimental approaches in the study of cognitive psychology. Topics include mental processes such as pattern recognition, perception, memory, thinking, problem solving and comprehension of language. Also included is an overview of experimental procedures used to study human sensation, perception and cognition.
PSY 120 Introduction To Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Introduces students to the general field of psychology. Examines basic principles of human behavior and how they may be applied effectively in daily living situations.
PSY 125 Psychology Of Human Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- PSY 100 or PSY 100H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- PSY 130
Focuses on major aspects of human sexuality: psychological perspectives, research findings, human sexual response cycles, gender differentiation, sexuality through the life span, and diversity in human sexuality. Includes communication and relationship dynamics; love, romance and dating patterns; birth control, pregnancy and parenthood; sexual dysfunction and treatment; and the issues of sexual abuse and harassment.
PSY 140 Child Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
History and philosophy of care and development of the child, from conception through adolescence, with emphasis on the preschool and elementary school-age child. Studies include children’s developmental characteristics, records of children’s growth, individual differences, personality development, and signs of physical or emotional disturbance. Emphasis placed on normal healthy development. Includes child observation and reports.
PSY 145 Human Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- PSY 100 or 100H or PSY 120.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 180
This course provides an overview, from a psychological perspective, of human physical, cognitive, and social development, as well as developmental problems, and the biological and environmental influences on development, from conception through death. The course examines the theories, research findings, and methodological approaches to human development through the life span.
PSY 150 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 (72 lecture)
- Prerequisite
- MATH 107 or equivalent through placement by Assessment Services using multiple measures.
- Advisory
- PSY 100 or PSY 100H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- MATH 110, SOCI 125
Principles and procedures of measurement, data analysis, probability, sampling theory and statistical significance. Covers basic descriptive statistics, including measures of linear relationships and standard scores. Covers the logic of hypothesis testing and inferential statistics up to analysis of variance, including a conceptual introduction to factorial designs. Students conduct analyses by hand and computer software.
PSY 170 Abnormal Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 120
Introduction to assessment, diagnosis, treatment, research and prevention of mental disorders. Covers the major DSM disorders, including the phenomenology, etiology and treatment of anxiety, affective, dissociative, somatoform, psychophysiological, schizophrenic, sexual dysfunctions, paraphilias and gender identity disorder; substance-related; impulse-control; developmental, cognitive and personality disorders. Theories, therapies, research, legal and social issues are addressed.
PSY 175 Social Psychology: Psychological Perspective
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 170
Social Psychology studies how our thoughts, feelings and behavior are influenced by others. It takes a scientific approach, emphasizing that behavior is strongly influenced by social situations. Topics covered are the self; social cognition; attitudes and prejudice; social influences of culture; persuasive techniques; groups; relationships; aggression; and pro-social actions.
PSY 200 Research Methods and Experimental Design in Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 (54 lecture, 54 lab)
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 205B, POLS 160
and PSY 150 or STAT C1000. The logic of and empirical procedures used in psychological research, with emphasis on experimental, quasi-experimental, and correlational research methods. Covers ethical principles used to guide research. Includes practical applications of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students will analyze research studies, participate in designing and conducting a research project, and write an APA research report.
PSY 210 Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- PSY 100H or PSY 100, ENG 110 or ENG 110H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to clinical and nonclinical use of psychoactive drugs. Students gain an understanding of the effects of both therapeutic and recreational drugs on brain chemistry, and their role in modifying behavior and mental processes. Includes historical perspectives on drug use, drug development stages, and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychoactive drugs.
PSY 295 Internship In Psychology
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- 210 (0 lecture, 210 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students gain work experience in clinical/community outreach programs and/or research laboratories.
PSY 299 Independent Study In Psychology
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 192 (192 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Student works under guidance and direction of sponsoring faculty member on project consistent with interests and abilities. Minimal weekly meetings required. May be taken for one to four (4) units of credit. For complete information, see "Independent Study" in the Catalog Index.