Psychology
19 courses · Sierra College · 2025-2026 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2025 · Spring 2026 · Summer 2026
PSYC 0028 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
PSYC 0102 Navigating Psychology: The Major and Careers
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PSYC C1000 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides an overview of the discipline of psychology, including expectations for the psychology major, and career options in various areas, such as academic psychology, applied behavior analysis, counseling and mental health, education, industrial-organizational psychology and related fields. Students design plans of study and clarify their career goals through activities such as interviewing a professional in the field of psychology, resume writing, and interviewing. (CSU)
PSYC 0103 Social Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- PSYC 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 170
Study of human interaction with emphasis on the individual within a social context. Topics include development of the self, social perception, interpersonal attraction, prejudice and discrimination, attitude change, moral development, altruism, aggression, social influence, power and leadership, and interaction in groups. (C-ID PSY 170) (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0104 Developmental Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Advisory
- Completion of PSYC C1000 with grade of "C" or better
- Formerly
- PSYC 4
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 180
An overview of development from conception to death. Includes socioemotional, language and cognitive development, nature versus nurture, attachment, gender role development, and family structures. Examines psychological theories that apply to the lifespan. A multicultural and multiethnic approach is stressed and the differences in child parent interaction are explored in these contexts. (C-ID PSY 180) (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0105 Research Methods in Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PSYC C1000 with grade of "C" or better; completion of PSYC 142 or STAT C1000 with grade of "C" or better
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 with grade of "C" or better
- Formerly
- PSYC 5
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 205B
Introduction to research methodology, experimental design, and hypothesis testing in the behavioral sciences. Includes the execution, analysis (with statistical software), interpretation, and reporting of individual research projects. (C-ID PSY 205B) (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0106 Psychology of Adjustment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- PSYC 6
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 115
Basic theories of personal and social adjustment. Use of psychological principles and methods in adapting to the challenges of life. Topics include self image and self esteem, interpersonal relations, stress management, mental health and illness, and approaches to personal growth. (C-ID PSY 115) (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0107 Abnormal Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Advisory
- Completion of PSYC C1000 with grade of "C" or better; Eligibility for ENGL C1000
- Formerly
- PSYC 7
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 120
Introduction to descriptive psychopathology: the origin, nature, and treatment of psychological and behavioral disorders, including discussion of relevant ethical and diagnostic issues. Major topics include research methods, schizophrenia, anxiety-related disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use and addictive disorders, gender dysphoria, and conflicting models of psychopathology. (C-ID PSY 120) (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0108 Psychology of Death and Dying
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- PSYC 8
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An investigation of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors associated with death, dying and bereavement. Terminal illness, suicide, euthanasia, last rites, legal aspects, death anxiety, cross-cultural beliefs and various philosophical views on the phenomenon of death are explored. (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0110 Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- PSYC 10
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Also known as HDEV 21 Study of the meaning and functions of intimate relationships and family. Consideration given to the nature of commitments, sexuality, alternative relationships, communication, conflict resolution, economics, parenting, crises, and marital separation. Recommended for majors in Human Development and Family and for those in human service careers. (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0127 Psychology of Women
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- PSYC 27
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A critical study of psychological theory and data on the cultural and societal factors that influence the development of gender identity and expression, and the ways in which these social constructions shape women's experience. Emphasis is placed on intersectionality with particular emphasis on the effects of culture, class, and ethnicity. (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0130 Human Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- PSYC 30
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 130
Overview of human sexuality from birth through adulthood: Covers major topics such as gender, sexual anatomy, sexually-transmitted infections, sexual response and disorders, sexual orientation, sexual coercion, and commercial sex. (C-ID PSY 130) (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0140 Introduction to Biopsychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PSYC C1000 with grade of "C" or better
- Advisory
- Eligibility for ENGL C1000
- Formerly
- PSYC 40
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 150
An introduction to biopsychology focusing on the relationship between the nervous system and behavior. Emphasis on physiological, biochemical, and neuroanatomical foundations of behavior and mental processes. Topics include the central nervous system function and its relation to psychoactive drug effects, sensory/perceptual processes, sleep and dreaming, learning phenomena, memory mechanisms, human communication disorders, and abnormal behavior. (C-ID PSY 150) (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0140L Biopsychology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 laboratory
- Corequisite
- Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 140
- Formerly
- PSYC 40L
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Focuses on the applied study of the nervous system and its connection to behavior. Specific topics include organization of the brain, anatomy and physiology of the neuron and an examination of sensory motor systems and states of consciousness. Students are introduced to sheep brain and cow eye dissection procedures, interactive computer simulation programs and lab experiments including EEG and EMG data collection. (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0142 Introduction to Psychological Statistics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion of MATH D with grade of "C" or better
- Formerly
- PSYC 42
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- MATH 110, SOCI 125
Statistical procedures used for experimental analysis in the social and behavioral sciences. Descriptive and correlational statistics, parametric and nonparametric inference tests, and current controversies in hypothesis testing. (C-ID MATH 110) (C-ID SOCI 125) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
PSYC 0150 Alcohol, Drugs and Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- PSYC 50
- Transfers to
- CSU
The use, misuse, and abuse of all major families of psychoactive drugs, including opioids, stimulants, tobacco, marijuana, hallucinogens, alcohol, psychotherapeutic drugs, and sedative-hypnotics. Topics covered include cross-cultural usage, theories of addiction and treatment, government regulation, and mechanisms of drug action. (CSU)
PSYC 0160 Psychology and Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Formerly
- PSYC 60
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Analysis of a selection of modern and contemporary films that have played a critical role in shaping and reflecting cultural assumptions and fears about psychology and psychological states. Examination of how motion pictures depict mental illness, relationships, and other psychologically relevant issues, as well as how films depict the field of psychology itself. Topics include universal themes, the psychological value of filmmaking and viewing, application of theories and concepts, accuracy in the depiction of psychological variables, and psychological impact. (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0180 Cultural Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PSYC C1000 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Examination of psychological principles and theory emphasizing both contemporary and historical research on the influence of culture on human mind and behavior. Topics include the interplay between culture and developmental processes, cognition, emotion, motivation, world-view development, communication, gender, sexuality, health, social behaviors and cultural evolution. (CSU, UC)
PSYC 0200 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PSYC C1000 with grade of "C" or better; completion of PSYC 142 or STAT C1000 with grade of "C" or better
- Advisory
- Completion of ENGL C1000 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 200
Introduction to research methodology, experimental design, and hypothesis testing in the behavioral sciences. Includes reading psychological literature and report writing, psychological measurement, and the design and analysis of several study types (included but not limited to: case studies, survey research, field studies, correlational methods, and experimental methods. (C-ID PSY 200) (CSU, UC)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for college-level writing (C-ID ENGL 100) and reading (a course with an existing skill of ability to read a college level text)
- Formerly
- PSYC 100
- 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. (C-ID PSY 110) (CSU, UC)