Psychology The Psychology Programs Undergraduate courses in psychology give students an opportunity to learn what research has shown about how behavior is motivated; how we perceive, learn, and think; how individuals differ from one another; how the personality develops from infancy to maturity and is expressed by behavior; and how interpersonal factors affect human relationships in the home, on the job, and in the community. The curriculum in Psychology is intended to enhance one's understanding of behavioral science and of oneself and others in terms of concepts developed by study. The undergraduate concentration program is not intended to prepare students for any specific vocational objective; to become a professional psychologist requires from two to four years (or more) of graduate study. Advising. Students choosing psychology as a field of concentration develop an approved concentration plan with a concentration advisor. Students then assume responsibility for completing their program of study or for making revisions which will not jeopardize their graduation. Students are, however, encouraged to consult a concentration advisor at any time. A concentration advisor must approve the original concentration plan and any exceptions to the stated concentration requirements. Students should also consult a concentration advisor when planning the final term's elections to ensure that all concentration requirements have been met and to secure an advisor's approval on a Concentration Release form. Appointments for students are scheduled at 1343 East Hall, (734) 764-2580. Peer Advising. Advising by Undergraduate Psychology Academic Peer Advising Program students is available at 1343 East Hall, (734) 647-3207. Awards. Psychology concentrators with senior standing are eligible for the Walter B. Pillsbury Prize in psychological empirical research. This prize is awarded annually in recognition of outstanding research performance. The Tanner Memorial Award is an annual award for project expenses for a particularly innovative, meritorious research project proposed by an undergraduate Psychology concentrator. The Anne Rudo Memorial Award is designated for a student with dual interests in the disciplines of biology and psychology, and superior academic achievement. The Muenzer Memorial Award in Psychology was established by the parents of Martha Muenzer, who died while she was a student in LS&A. The award is given annually to an outstanding women in the Psychology Honors Program. Information concerning all awards is available in the undergraduate office, 1343 East Hall. Course Prerequisites. Even where it is not specifically stated, an instructor may waive a course prerequisite and grant qualified students permission to elect a course. When such permission is granted, students should secure a note from the instructor and have it placed in their academic advising file. Prerequisites to Concentration. Students planning to concentrate in psychology should elect an introductory psychology course (PSYCH 111, 112, 114, or 115) by the end of the sophomore year. Students who receive a grade lower than "C" in any of these courses are ineligible for a concentration in Psychology. Honors Program The Department offers Honors work both at the introductory and advanced levels. Freshmen or sophomore students considering a concentration in Psychology are encouraged to elect either PSYCH 114 or 115 as prerequisite to more advanced work in psychology or biopsychology and cognitive science. Electing PSYCH 114 or 115 is also beneficial for students in the LS&A Honors College. Psychology (Social Science) or Biopsychology and Cognitive Science concentrators interested in graduating with departmental honors are encouraged to apply to the Psychology Honors Program in their junior year (please note that PSYCH 114 or 115 are not required prerequisites for the Honors Program). Students wishing to pursue Psychology Honors should acquire research and statistical skills early in their concentration. Graduating with Psychology Honors is highly encouraged for students with an interest in pursuing an advanced degree or seeking more rigorous writing and research based coursework. Once accepted into the Psychology Honors Program, Psychology (Social Science) concentrators will elect both PSYCH 425 and 427; Biopsychology and Cognitive Science concentrators will elect both PSYCH 424 and 426. Students may refer to the Psychology and Biopsychology and Cognitive Science concentration plans to determine which concentration requirements are satisfied by the Honors courses. Enrollment in PSYCH 424, 425, 426, or 427 acknowledges a student's intent to complete the required senior Honors thesis, which involves the design and execution of an acceptable research project and written report describing and analyzing this research. Students interested in the Psychology Honors Program may obtain information and an application from the Undergraduate Psychology Office, 1343 East Hall. University of Michigan | College of LS&A | Student Academic Affairs | LS&A Bulletin Index This page maintained by LS&A Academic Information and Publications, 1228 Angell Hall Copyright © 2002 The Regents of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA +1 734 764-1817 Trademarks of the University of Michigan may not be electronically or otherwise altered or separated from this document or used for any non-University purpose.