30 Science
SCIENCE ELECTIVES (NON-LAB COURSES) BIOLOGY OF THE BRAIN
This course introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of the brain, its remarkable curiosities and complexities, and the neural basis of thought. Additional topics include an overview of the visual system, the limbic (emotional/hormonal) system, and the deleterious work of the many abused substances. The course concludes with student presentations on a topic of their choice. (fall)
HUMAN HEALTH
This course deals with many different aspects of health, nutrition, and wellness. Topics include cardiovascular disease, cancer, addiction, and AIDS. The course encourages a seminar format supplemented by open discussion of issues that affect high school and college students. (winter)
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
This is an introductory course to clinical psychology and human psychopathology. This course introduces students to vocabulary and fundamental diagnostic procedures of people with cognitive, mental, and emotional disorders. The major classes of mental disorders are reviewed as guided and diagnosed by the DSM-5. The course material is interdisciplinary; it examines biological, medical, psychological, social, cultural, and political aspects of mental illness. Students are taught ways to formulate and analyze psychopathology, with the purpose of helping them develop an introductory but integrated understanding of mental disorder and intervention. Focus will be on diagnosis, epidemiology, course of the disorder, etiology, and treatment issues. We will also briefly examine ethical and legal issues pertaining to psychopathology. A major goal of the course is to promote greater awareness and knowledge of psychopathology in hopes that we can reduce the suffering and stigma associated with mental disorders. (one term)