American University of Beirut

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

​​​The discipline of psychology is dedicated to increasing the scientific understanding of emotions, behavior and mental processes at the intrapersonal, interpersonal and group level, and to the application of that understanding to enhance the functioning of individuals, groups, and society. In line with this aim, the Undergraduate Program in Psychology has a threefold mission: to advance and transmit knowledge related to the nature of psychological processes and functioning, to provide a strong foundation in the basic knowledge and skills necessary for research in psychology, and to sensitize students to the applications of psychology in the wider community.

This mission embodies the main elements of AUB’s mission which are to foster freedom of thought, respect for diversity, critical thinking, personal integrity, and civic engagement.

Students graduating from the Department of Psychology are expected to achieve our programme learning outcomes.

    Major in Psychology

    Requirements for admission and transfer
    Admission to the Psychology program requires a grade of B (or 75) or more in PSYC 101 or PSYC 201, a minimum grade of B (or 75) in ENGL 204, and an overall average above 2.7 (or 75) for transfers. Meeting the minimum requirements for joining the Psychology Department   does   not   guarantee   acceptance.   Transfer   to   Psychology   from   other   departments within the university is academically competitive and requires departmental approval. For purposes of meeting departmental admission requirements, students are not  permitted  to  take  PSYC  101  or  PSYC  201  more  than  twice.  While  completing  PSYC  101  qualifies  a  student  to  meet  one  of  the  admission  requirements  to  the  major,  100  level  courses  will  not  be  counted  towards  a  major  requirement.  Prospective  majors  who  obtain  a  grade  below  D  (or  60)  in  PSYC  101  or  PSYC  201  will  not  be  permitted  to  take the course a second time for the purpose of meeting the departmental admission requirements. 

    Requirements for graduation
    Required courses for Psychology majors​ include PSYC 101 or PSYC 201, PSYC 280, PSYC 282, PSYC 284, and PSYC 288. In addition to these required courses, the student must select eight courses from the following categories:

    • Category 1 (3 out of 5 are required, but all can be taken for credit)(9): PSYC 210(3), PSYC 212(3), PSYC 214(3), PSYC 215(3), and PSYC 216(3);
    • Category 2 (3 out of 5 are required, but all can be taken for credit)(9): PSYC 220(3), PSYC 222(3), PSYC 224(3), PSYC 226(3), and PSYC 229(3);
    • Category 3 (the remainder are electives)(6): PSYC 230(3), PSYC 232(3), PSYC 234(3), PSYC 235(3), PSYC 236(3), PSYC 237(3), PSYC 238(3), PSYC 239(3), PSYC 240(3),  PSYC  290(3),  and  any  course  in  Category  1  and  2  that  has  not  already  been  chosen.

    In addition to these required courses, the student must complete 3 credits in Quantitative Thought  numbered  200  or  above.  Also  required  are  6  credits  in  Natural  Sciences.  A  biology course is recommended.

    The requirements for a BA degree in Psychology are 90 credits for students entering the department at the sophomore level, including 39 credits in the major. The distribution of university requirements is as follows:

    University General Education Requirements
    English  Communication  Skills  (6  cr.),  Arabic  Communication  Skills  (3  cr.),  Humanities  (12  cr.)  including  6  credits  from  CVSP,  Natural  Sciences  (6  cr.),  Social  Sciences  (3  cr.),  and Quantitative Thought (3 cr.). Also note that the Social Science must be an approved General Education course from outside the major.

    Minor in Psychology

    The Minor in Psychology requires 15 credits: PSYC 101 or PSYC 201, PSYC 280, plus three electives from PSYC 210–236.


    Minor in Cognitive Science


    Please note that as of Fall 2020-2021, PSYC 237 is not being offered. Students are advised not to plan on taking the minor unless they have already taken PSYC 237.


    A cognitive science minor requires 18 credits: PSYC 237 is required. PSYC 237 cannot be counted as a psychology course for the purpose of this requirement. The remaining 15 credits must be chosen from the following courses: BIOL 240, 243, 244, CMPS 200, 211, 276, 287, EDUC 215, 221, ENGL 227, 228, 232, 284, 294, PHIL 211, 220, 221, 222, 223,  257  or  258  (but  not  both),  PSYC  210,  222,  224,  226,  229,  280,  on  condition  that  the  15  credits  chosen  span  at  least  three  disciplines.  A  student  may  choose  a  special  topics course not listed above (e.g., 290 course codes), provided the topic is within the purview of cognitive science, upon approval of the course coordinator. For single major students, only 3 credits of the 15 credits taken for the minor may count toward the major.

    For double major students, 6 credits taken for the minor may count toward the majors, with no more than 3 credits per major. Students are encouraged to take PSYC 237 early in the minor

    Procedure for Completing a Minor

    Certificate of Fulfillment of Requirements for the Minor in Cognitive Science

    Courses

    A survey of the principles and concepts of modern psychological science. Emphasis is placed on critically examining empirical research investigating human behavior and mental processes. Students who take this course cannot get credit for PSYC 201. Each semester. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 102.

    A survey of the principles and findings of modern psychological science. Emphasis is placed on critically examining empirical research investigating human behavior and mental processes. Students who receive credit for PSYC 101 cannot receive credit for PSYC 201. Each semester. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 202.

    A course on psychological development from the prenatal period to late adulthood. Students who receive credit for EDUC 225 cannot receive credit for PSYC 210. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 229.

    A course on the scientific study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in regard to other people, and how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by other people. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 211.

    An introduction to the research, history, and theories of abnormal behavior in adults and a critical examination of the definition, classification, prevalence, etiology and treatment of adult abnormal behavior. Topics covered include anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression, mania, borderline personality, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and sexual abnormalities. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 217.

    An introduction to the psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders, autism, mood and anxiety disorders. The course begins with an understanding of abnormal behavior and proceeds to cover symptomatology, the major theories of causality, and treatment interventions. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually.

    An introduction to the research, theories, and measurement of personality with a critical examination of the influence of personality on behavior. The course surveys biological, psychodynamic, trait, humanistic, behavioral, social learning, and cognitive perspectives to the understanding of human personality and their application to individuals and organizations. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 225.

    A course on the principles of learning and behavior. The psychology of learning, or behavioral psychology, introduces students to the psychology of learning and behavior analysis by examining the classical and operant (instrumental) conditioning paradigms, from an experimental perspective. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 221.

    An introduction to the neural basis of the mind and behavior. The course surveys the structure and organization of the human brain and examines how complex behavior and mental processes arise from it. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Registration for PSYC 222 is not open to Biology students, who may register for the cross-listed course, BIOL 243. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 237.

    A course on how humans sense and perceive the environment. Topics covered include the anatomy and physiology of the sensor y systems, types of stimuli affecting sensor y systems, higher perceptual processing, and current knowledge and theories of our perceptual abilities. The course also emphasizes the relationships between perceptual processes and other higher cognitive functions. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012- 13, listed as PSYC 219.

    An introduction to human cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory, language, imagery, categorization, problem solving, reasoning and decision-making. These cognitive processes are examined with regard to human brain functioning. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 233. 

    An advanced course on the underlying neural mechanisms of higher mental function. Topics include brain systems implementing memory, language, decision-making, control of action,social cognition, emotions, creativity, cultural evolution, consciousness, cognitive control and brain-computer interface. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually.

    An introduction to the history and development of the science and practice of clinical psychology with a critical examination of training models, approaches to clinical problems, methods of assessment, choice of empirically validated interventions, prevention strategies and career opportunities. The course surveys clinical and research activities (assessment, therapy, and consultation), settings (clinical, hospital, school, court, and private practice), and professional issues (roles, ethics, and laws). Prerequisite: PSYC 214 or PSYC 215. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 239.

    PSYC 232 Health Psychology 3.0; 3 cr.
    An introduction to the field of health psychology with a critical examination of the biopsychosocial model of health and the ecological model of health outcomes. The course explores the impact of five systems on individual health outcomes: the individual (including physiology), the family/ community, physical and social environments, healthcare systems and health policy. A variety of infectious diseases and chronic illnesses will be used to illustrate the roles of these systems in explaining health. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012- 13, listed as PSYC 241.

    An introduction to the history and development of the scientific study of positive experiences, positive traits, and positive institutions with a critical examination of the field’s theoretical and philosophical assumptions, methods of assessment, and applications to promote personal growth and fulfillment. The course surveys such topics as personal strengths, optimism, resilience, gratitude, forgiveness, humor, love, sexual intimacy, emotional intelligence, happiness, life satisfaction, and the ability to create positive environments. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 242. 

    This course draws on the social psychological literature of intergroup relations, introducing the students to individual and group-based approaches to the study of intergroup relations, as well as political psychological research in the Arab world . Pre-requisite: PSYC 101/201. Annually

    PSYC 236 Culture and Psychology 3.0; 3 cr.
    The course aims to sensitize students to the importance of culture in psychological processes, and focuses on indigenous, cultural, and cross-cultural psychological theories and findings. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 247. 

    An introduction to the interdisciplinary study of cognitive science which involves research about the workings of the mind from the fields of psychology , linguistics, philosophy, education, computer science, neuroscience, anthropology, engineering, and others. The course aims to provide students with an appreciation for the range of disciplinary perspectives and methods, and the applications of cognitive science to everyday life. This is a required course for the Minor in Cognitive Science. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 251. Prior to Spring semester 2017-18, listed as PSYC 228. 

    An introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Behavior Modification, which is concerned with evidence-based applications of behavioral principles to a wide range of socially and clinically important problems. Occasionally.

    An introductor y course aimed to examine the experience and impact of trauma on children and adults. The theories of trauma will be reviewed including the developmental, cognitive, and neuroscience models of trauma and memory. The course will also cover the cultural and socio-political considerations of trauma as well as evidence-based treatments and post-traumatic growth. Annually.

    PSYC 240 Special Topics in Psychology 3.0; 3 cr.
    A course that provides a general over view of an area of psychology that is not normally covered by the department’s offerings. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 235. 
    PSYC 240C Children and War (last given: Fall 2017)
    PSYC 240K Psychology of Gender (last given: Fall 2019)
    PSYC 240M Global Mental health (last given: Fall 2019)

    A course that examines the philosophical foundations of psychology. There is special emphasis on the historical development of scientific conceptions of human behavior and mental processes in the context of contemporary psychological systems. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Each semester. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 227.

    This course is the first par t of the required research sequence for students majoring in psychology. It provides students with a solid foundation in the basic quantitative research methods and design, addresses ethical issues and validity in psychological research, and introduces students to statistical analyses that will be needed for PSYC 238, PSYC 284, and other research-related courses. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 or PSYC 101. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 213.

    This course is the second par t of the required research sequence for students majoring in psychology. It introduces the student to univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses in psychological research and combines lectures and computer-based lab sessions. Prerequisite: PSYC 282. Every semester. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 223.

    A review of significant research in major areas in psychology. Prerequisites: PSYC 282 and senior standing. Pre- or co-requisite: PSYC 284. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 293. 

    PSYC 290 Undergraduate Research Project in Psychology 3.0; 3 cr.
    This course requires students to plan, conduct, and write up a full empirical study. The course is meant to build upon and further develop the research and data analysis skills acquired in the required research sequence courses. Prerequisite: PSYC 282 and PSYC 284 or consent of the department. A minimum grade of 75 in both PSYC 282 and PSYC 284 is required. Annually. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 243.

    PSYC 292 Senior Tutorial in Psychology 3.0; 3 cr. 
    Prerequisites: PSYC 282 and 284, senior standing, and a minimum average of 80 in the major. Offered on request. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 291.

    PSYC 298 Directed Study in Psychology 3–6 cr. 
    A tutorial course offered to psychology students with an average of 85 or above in their major at the beginning of their senior year. This tutorial consists of independent research, original creative compositions, or directed reading, and includes the presentation of a report or thesis on the work. Students with averages lower than 85 may be admitted to directed study at the discretion of the department. Offered on request. Prior to Fall semester 2012-13, listed as PSYC 299.

    Premeds

    ​Suggested course sequence for premedical students

    Sophomore
    Fall semester​Credits​Spring semester​Credits
    Engl 203​3Engl 204​3
    ​Biol 201†​4​Chem 201†​3
    Psyc 201​3​Psyc​3
    Stat 201 or 210*​3Psyc​3
    General education​3General education​3
    Total16Total15

    Junior
    ​Fall semester
    ​Credits​Spring semester
    ​Credits
    ​Psyc 282
    ​3​Psyc 284
    ​3
    ​Psyc​3​Psyc​3
    ​Chem 211†​3​Psyc​3
    ​Phys 204 + 204L † **​3 + 1General education​3
    General education​3​Free elective​3
    ​Total​16​Total​15

    Senior
    ​Fall semester​CreditsSpring Semester​Credits
    ​Psyc 288
    ​3​Psyc​3
    Psyc​3Psyc​3
    Psyc​3Psyc​3
    Chem 210†​2General education​3
    General education​3​Free elective
    ​3
    Total14​Total​15
    PSYC 210, PSYC 212 and PSYC 220 are recommended for the MCAT
    † Pre-med requirement
    * STAT210 is recommended

    ** PHYS 204 is generally more beneficial for the MCAT but PHYS 205 can be taken as a free elective in any Spring semester


    FAS General Education RequirementsCredits
    English Communication Skills 6
    Arabic Communication Skills3
    Natural Sciences6
    Humanities 12
    Social Science*3
    Quantitative Thought**3
    Total 33

    * SOAN 201 is recommended
    ** STAT 201 or STAT 210 are required for PSYC 284

    Minimum Premed Requirements for AUBCredits
    BIOL 2014
    CHEM 2013
    CHEM 2113
    CHEM 2123
    CHEM 210 2
    PHYS 204/205**3
    PHYS 204L/ 205L**1
    Total 19
    Total - Natural Sciences13

    **Only one Physics course and one Physics lab are required for AUB, other medical schools may require two.

    Free Electives Credits
    Total18
    Total with Minimum Requirements​5

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