Here you will find course descriptions for the courses required to complete the Biopsychology degree program.
For more information, please check the MACU Course catalog.
BIOL 141 General Biology
An introductory study of biological science. This course includes an investigation of the basic principles of the study of life including: molecular biology, cell structure and function, genetics, and ecology.
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BIOL 151 General Zoology
This course provides an introduction to the classification, relationships, structure, and function of major animal phyla. Emphasis is placed on levels of organization, reproduction and development, comparative systems, and a survey of selected phyla. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate comprehension of animal form and function including comparative systems of selected groups.
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BIOL 168 Anatomy and Physiology I
This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships.
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BIOL 169 Anatomy and Physiology II
This course provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as metabolism, nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships.
Prerequisite: BIOL 168
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BIOL 311 Animal Behavior
An introduction to the mechanisms and functional significance of animal behavior. Topics include: the role of genes, development, the nervous system, and the endocrine system in the expression of behavior; learning communication, orientation and navigation, and habitat selection; feeding reproductive, and parenting strategies; mating systems and social behavior. Labs will employ both observational and experimental methods in the lab and in the field.
Prerequisite: BIOL 151
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BIOL 341 Cell Biology
This course is an introduction to the regulation of cellular structure and function at the molecular level with an emphasis on the integration of biological and chemical aspects at the molecular level.
Prerequisite: BIOL 323
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Total Credit Hours: 3
BIOL 345 Neurobiology
An investigation of neurons and the nervous system. Topics include action potential, synaptic transmission and neuromodulation; the processing of sensory information in visual and auditory systems, and other senses; sensory integration and motor behaviors; neural mechanism of learning and memory, sleep/wakefulness, and reward and decision-making.
Prerequisite: BIOL 169
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Total Credit Hours: 3
BIOL 481 Introduction to Biological Research
This course will provide the student with beginning experience to the methodology of biological research, experimental design and scientific writing. Topics range from ecology and the environment to genetics, evolution and ethics in biological issues. Students will work in a one-on-one arrangement with an assigned science professor.
Class Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 6
Total Credit Hours: 3
CHEM 151 General Chemistry I
This course is a study of the basic principles of matter, including stoichiometry, atomic theory, bonding theories, gas laws, and acid/base theory. Laboratory experiments will emphasize lecture concepts and be an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite: Recommend 1 year of high school algebra
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 152 General Chemistry II
This is a continuation of CHEM 151. Advanced topics covered in this course include: equilibria, acids and bases, complexes, sparingly soluble compounds, thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, and solution theory. Descriptive inorganic chemistry is also introduced. Laboratory exercises will emphasize lecture concepts and be an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite: MATH 171 Pre-calculus, CHEM 151 with a grade of C or higher
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 301 Organic Chemistry I
This course is an introduction to the study of organic compounds. The structure, nomenclature, synthesis and reactions of the major classes of organic compounds are studied, along with the major themes of reaction mechanisms and spectroscopic methods of identification.
Prerequisite: CHEM 152 with a grade of C- or higher or permission of instructor
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 302 Organic Chemistry II
This is a continuation of CHEM 301. Topics of study will include reactions of aldehydes, ketones, phenols and alcohols.
Prerequisite: CHEM 301 with a grade of C- or higher
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
PHYS 151 General Physics I
The introduction of a two-semester survey of classical physics, focusing upon the motion of solids and fluids as governed by Newton’s Laws, the conservation laws of energy, momentum, and angular motion.
Prerequisite: MATH 171 or equivalent
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Total Credit Hours: 4
PHYS 152 General Physics II
This course is a continuation of PHYS 151 and covers the quantum mechanics of simple systems, atoms, and molecules; covering electrostatics, electrical circuits, magnetism, Maxwell’s Equations, electromagnetic radiation, light and sound. The course requires two hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week.
Prerequisite: PHYS 151 with a grade of C- or higher
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Total Credit Hours: 4
PSYC 227 Developmental Psychology
A study of human development throughout the lifespan, with emphasis on physical, cognitive, emotional, educational, social, and spiritual issues influence development. Application is made to how a variety of developmental aspects influence life, family, work, health care, ministry opportunities, and more.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Total Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 342 Research Methods in Psychology
Research Methods provides a comprehensive introduction to research proposal writing, research methodologies, and research protocols. The course examines the procedures and principles involved with experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, and other research approaches. Problem formulation, literature review, critical analysis, measurement, sampling, research design, data analysis, ethical considerations, and report writing using APA format are considered.
Prerequisite: MATH 213 or permission of the instructor
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Total Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 412 Physiological Psychology
This course is designed to investigate the most recent findings in the area of physiological psychology. Topics of study will concern basic information about the nervous system, sensory systems, physiological bases of behaviors and the development of learning and memory.
Prerequisite: PSYC 227
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Total Credit Hours: 3
PSYC 418 Abnormal Psychology
Abnormal Psychology is a capstone course for the Counseling and Psychology major, using current scientific research and theory to understand mental health diagnoses. The course emphasizes classification and assessment of a variety of mental disorders from several theoretical and treatment perspectives. Focus will be on diagnosis, epidemiology, course, etiology, and treatment issues. The course includes practical experience for students to seek and evaluate scholarly literature regarding selected mental health diagnoses.
Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of the instructor
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Total Credit Hours: 3