|
The numbering system used for courses in the Psychological and Brain Sciences department is intended to be meaningful. The magnitude of a course's number has implications for the format of the course and for the level of coverage.
1-10. Courses numbered below 10 do not have prerequisites, are introductory in nature, and do not carry major credit. These courses include Introductory Psychology (1) and Introduction to the Neurosciences (6). In addition, First-Year Seminars (7) are offered in Psychology. Psychology 10 (Experimental Design, Methodology, and Data Analysis Procedures) is a prerequisite for the Psychology major and for Psyc 11.
11. Psychology 11 is a required course for the major. Psychology 10 is the prerequisite for this course and may NOT be taken concurrently. This laboratory course will provide a general introduction to the experimental methods of psychological science. Lectures and lab exercises will provide an overview of experimental techniques in four content areas (behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, social psychology and applied psychology).
20 level. Two twenty-level courses are required for the major, one from the set 22, 23, 24, 25 and one from the set 21, 26, 28. Courses numbered in the 20’s are open enrollment (though sometimes limited by available seating), courses designed to provide broad coverage of a particular area of Psychology. Complete descriptions of these courses are available in the ORC. These courses usually have Psychology 1 or 6 as a prerequisite, but in some cases, alternate prerequisites are possible. All courses numbered 20 or above carry major credit. Most of the 20-level courses are taught in a lecture format. Enrollments in such courses over the past few years have ranged from 20-200. In general these courses use the Registrar's priority system as follows: Senior majors, junior majors, senior minors, junior minors, sophomores, and freshmen. As much as is possible, 20 level courses are offered every year, and in the same term each year.
50 level. Courses numbered in the 50's generally have a somewhat narrower focus than the 20 level courses, and enrollment is usually limited to 35 students. In general these courses use the Registrar's priority system as follows: Senior majors, junior majors, senior minors, junior minors, other seniors, other juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Most instructors in these courses attempt to provide a mixture of lecture and discussion. These courses carry major credit, and usually have Psychology 1 or 6 as a prerequisite. Courses in the 50's are not necessarily offered every year, and the term of offering varies. Descriptions and terms of offering are supplied in the ORC and on the department webpage. Given that different specific topics are taught under the same 50-level number and general description, it may be possible for students to elect a given numbered course more than once.
60 level. The department offers several laboratory courses all numbered in the 60's. These courses provide students with direct involvement with research. These courses usually have one or more prerequisites and permission is required. (See section on permission policy.) Descriptions of these courses and information on prerequisites can be found in the ORC and on the department webpage. Courses at this level can be used to fulfill the Culminating Experience requirement.
80-87. The courses numbered in the 80's are intended to be seminars providing in-depth coverage of some topic. The courses are limited to a maximum of 15 students, and there is a strong emphasis on discussion and student involvement. The particular seminars offered vary quite a bit from year to year. The ORC and the department webpage provide information about the current seminar offerings. All seminars require permission (See section on permission policy) of the instructor and may require one or more prerequisites. Given the limited enrollment it is a good idea to discuss the seminar with the instructor well in advance.
88. Independent Research. As part of your preparation and application for taking the course as part of your major, complete and file the Checklist for enrolling in independent research. Up to, but not more than, two terms of this course, or a combination of this course and Psychology 89, may count toward the required major count of eight courses.
Under special circumstances, a student may submit a written petition to the Undergraduate Committee for permission to enroll in Psychology 88 for the purpose of doing library research for one term only. As part of your preparation and application for taking the course for this purpose, complete and file the Checklist for enrolling in independent research, Psych88, for library research. Such a petition must be endorsed by a faculty member.
Non-majors may request exemption from normal prerequisites and other requirements of Psychology 88. As part of your preparation and application for taking the course as part of your major, complete and file the Checklist for enrolling in independent research, Psych88 not part of a psychology major.
89. Honors Research. This course is designed to enable especially qualified students, usually seniors, to engage in independent laboratory or field research under the direction of a faculty member. Students may take two or three terms of Honors research. Two consecutive terms is most typical. A student must have a minimum grade point average of 3.30 in the major and 3.0 overall to enroll and must enroll before the end of the Fall term of their senior year. Students will submit a written thesis and make a presentation of their research to the Department. This is typically done the senior spring. As part of your planning and application for honors research, complete and file the Checklist for enrolling in Honors Independent Research, PSYC89. Be sure to read the Expectations and procedures for Honors in Psychology, to help you design and conduct a successful Honors Major. This course is required of those who seek to graduate with Honors in Psychology. Potential sources of funds for independent research may be found in the descriptions of The Filene and Benner Fellowships for Independent Research and on the web site http://www.dartmouth.edu/~ugar/undergrad/.
This course may NOT be used to fulfill the "60 or above" requirements for the major. Up to, but not more than, two terms of this course, or a combination of this course and Psychology 88, may count toward the required major count of eight courses.
|
