Dersler

The course introduces basic concepts of biology, cell structure and its division, heredity, genetics and the evolutionary mechanism. Animal anatomy introduces the neuron and communication between neurons. The autonomic nervous system, spinal cord, subcortical and cortical structures are treated but the motor system is explained in further detail. The other topics include the development of the nervous system and its disorders.

Compulsory

The course describes the nature of psychology, defines contemporary psychology and its sub-branches and briefly describes its historical roots and research methods. The course introduces the neurobiological basis of psychological processes. Findings, current perspectives and theories on sensation, perception, attention, states of consciousness, learning, memory, thinking and problem solving are introduced.

Compulsory

Findings, current perspectives and theories are introduced on motivation and emotion, thinking and problem solving, individual differences, intelligence, personality, social psychology, stress, health and coping, psychopathology, techniques of psychotherapy, testing and measurement.

Compulsory

The course introduces the basic concepts and strategies of psychological research. As research methods, course covers naturalistic observation, survey, test, inventories and self-report scales. Basic concepts and procedures in behavioral measurement, measurement and measurement scales, validity and reliability of measurement instruments are introduced. Types of variables, collection, organization, data summarization and illustration (e.g. graphical representation) are explained. Basic approaches and techniques of descriptive statistics such as frequency, frequency distribution, measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and dispersion (standard deviation, variance), probability distribution are explained.

Compulsor

This course aims to introduce students to the historical roots of psychology. The course surveys the prescientific history of psychology and the effect of the later philosophical and physiological development on the establishment of the science of psychology. The ensuing schools of psychology and their influences on contemporary psychology are discussed.

Elective

The course focuses on application of critical thinking techniques to a variety of problems in psychology. During the course, a special emphasis is given for recognizing and critically appraising pseudoscience. The students are encouraged to evaluate the scientific psychological claims in the media. Topics such as falsifiability, operationalism, multiple causation and converging evidence are covered to provide students with the necessary tips for critically evaluating published research.

Elective

The course introduces the different experimental research designs, between- and within-group designs, and N= 1 designs. The quasi-experimental designs, cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, qualitative research methods are explained and critically analyzed. The course covers the basic issues in inferential statistics such as sampling, sampling distribution and hypothesis testing. Techniques of inferential statistics such as t-tests, z-test, analysis of variance, analysis of covariance are explained. Chi-square and the different types of linear regression and correlation are also covered.

Compulsory

The course discusses the process by which psychology became experimental and it presents the basic approaches, principles and techniques of experimental methodology in reference to psychological phenomena. Independent and dependent variables, control variables are discussed in detail. Special emphasis is placed on the potential sources of error in psychological experiments and the various techniques that are used for controlling them. Selected articles are evaluated using a standard form about critical evaluation of methodology. Course also describes the essentials of report writing according to the guidelines and rules of the American Psychological Association.

Compulsory

The course provides an overview of concepts and research techniques of developmental psychology and includes an integrated account of various approaches to human development. The course is a review of theory and research on psychological problems associated with the different periods of life. Life span changes involving physical, perceptual, psychomotor, cognitive, linguistic, personal, emotional, social and moral development are discussed.

Compulsory

The course presents a historical overview of theories, principles, methods and research topics in social psychology. Various ways people think about and relate to each other are explored. Course covers social perception, social judgment, attitudes, attitude formation and values. Social and group influence, such as nature of and interpersonal attraction, disliking, hurting, helping, competing and cooperating with others; persuasion and conformity, prejudice, inter-group conflicts and aggression are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the development of skills that facilitate critical evaluation of social behavior and the impact of this behavior on daily life.

Compulsory

This course provides an overview of the study of human cognition and mental processes. It explains the different theoretical approaches to the study of human cognitive processes including the information processing model. Course focuses on perception, attention, consciousness, learning, memory, language, reasoning, problem solving and executive functions. Practical applications at everyday living, education and working environments are discussed.

Compulsory

This course is designed to understand the fundamental principles of learning and conditioning. It provides students with a broad understanding of the field of learning from various perspectives and focuses on important concepts, principles and major theories of learning as well as current research findings. The way basic learning principles and theories can be applied to the human experience is part of the course work.

Compulsory

The content of this course includes current trends and issues in sub-branches of psychology. The leitmotiv of the course will be chosen between a wide range of topics. Current developments and trends, theoretical frameworks and the most recent studies will be dealt with and evaluated.

Elective

Using the current version of a widely used computerized statistical software, the course first demonstrates the procedures for performing descriptive statistical analyses (arithmetic mean, variance, standard deviation); inferential analysis (e.g., t- test, z-test, analysis of variance, analysis of covariance), post-hoc comparisons of means; simple correlational analyses (linear correlation and regression). At the second step, the course demonstrates the procedures for performing multiple correlational and regression analyses, logistic regression, factor analysis and techniques of nonparametric statistics. Students conduct a study and collect data; thereafter they analyze the data using the software they have been trained on. A final report is prepared according to the guidelines and rules of the American Psychological Association.

Compulsory

This course examines the current issues in the interdisciplinary field of psycholinguistics. Topics include theories of linguistic knowledge, biological foundations of language, language acquisition, language comprehension and production, and the relation of language to thought. Special emphasis is given to the theoretical debates, such as that between Chomsky's view of universal grammar and the alternative theories.

Elective

This course is an examination of human behavior and cognition from an adaptive point of view. Topics covered include Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection, the more recent inclusive fitness theory, men's and women's mating strategies, parenting and kinship, co-operation and conflict among groups, status and social dominance, the concept of a modular mind, evolution and uniqueness of the human brain, evolution of language and other cognitive capacities, and evolutionary thinking as a unifying theme in psychology.

Elective

This course is an introduction to the genetic basis of behavioral and cognitive phenomena. Topics covered include Mendel's laws of heredity and the exceptions to the law; the structure of DNA; modern gene-identification techniques; the concept of heritability; genetic basis of cognitive abilities and disabilities, of psychopathological states, and personality; genotype and environment interaction; and the broader nature-nurture problem. The role of the adoption and twin studies in behavioral genetics is discussed.

Elective

This course is an introduction to consciousness studies from philosophical, psychological, neurobiological, and phenomenological perspectives. Topics covered are why consciousness is a "hard problem" for philosophers and its relation to attention and perception. Levels of consciousness in the psychoanalytic theory is specifically emphasized and evaluated. Other themes may be self and freewill; evolution of consciousness; animal consciousness; the possibility of consciousness in machines; neural correlates of consciousness; unconscious information processing; extra-sensory perception and other paranormal phenomena; dreams, hallucinations, meditation and other altered states; phenomenology and neuro-phenomenology.

Elective

The course is designed for those who are new to qualitative inquiry. It will provide an overview of the theoretical foundations, primary methods of data collection (e.g. observation, interview, reflective memo writing) and techniques of qualitative analysis. In order to enhance their skills for applying the method, students will conduct fieldwork as they acquire information in classroom lectures and discussions.

The course covers issues in cognitive development and its biological bases. The areas to be discussed in more detail will be chosen with respect to student’s interest.

Elective

The course is a focused study of current topics in social psychology. The areas to be discussed in detail will take into account student interests.

Elective

The course is a focused study of current topics in developmental psychology. Special attention is devoted to currently significant societal issues.

Elective

This course helps students to deepen their knowledge in a selected area of social psychology (e.g., attitude change, attraction, helping behavior) by means of debating as well as by doing in-depth analyses of various research findings.

Elective

This course provides hands-on experience on research in social psychology. Students are expected to come up with a research topic, and in cooperation with the instructor, to develop a research design, conduct the research and analyze the data. Course is evaluated on the basis of a written research report.

Elective

The course introduces the multidisciplinary nature of the field and points out the many disciplines in cognitive neurosciences that extends between the technical branches (branches of engineering) and philosophy. The contributions of each of these fields to understanding psychological phenomena (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral) are pointed out. The benefits of the multitechnological approach are explained and demonstrated using research findings.

Elective

The course is an in-depth study of human memory. The multi-stage memory process is discussed through learning, memory consolidation, and storage and retrieval stages. Neurophysiological bases of the processes may also be covered. Specific phenomena such as eyewitness memories, autobiographical memory, photographic memory and memory decline in aging are part of the course work.

Elective

This course focuses on the conceptual and experimental approaches to the study of motivation and emotion. Topics include instincts, drives, purposive behavior, social and ego integrative motives; nature of emotion, and motivated behavior; physiological variables in motivation and emotion; motivational conflict and its resolution.

Elective

This course emphasizes the biology of behavior. The course presents the neuroanatomical, physiological and psychopharmacological bases of mental processes and behavior. Research methods are presented followed by empirical findings and principles on the organismic bases of psychological processes such as sensation, perception, learning and memory, consciousness, emotions, reproductive behavior and selected neuropsychiatric disorders.

Compulsory

The course reviews the historical approaches to mental and behavioral disorders in adults. Diagnostic groups that are included in the currently available diagnostic criteria handbook (DSM-5) are explained. Current empirical findings, conceptual models and/or influential theories on selected psychopathological disorders are discussed along with the behavioral, cognitive, sociocultural, and genetic aspects of psychopathology. Course also covers assessment, etiology, prognosis and symptom management.

Compulsory

The course is about the development and shaping of personality. Theories of personality are introduced and critically analyzed. Individual differences are studied and methods of personality assessment, including objective tests, inventories and projective tests are surveyed.

Compulsory

This course examines current findings and influential theories and models on sensation and perception. The processes will be treated at psychological and neurophysiological levels. Focus will be on the visual and auditory modalities.

Elective

The course reviews the predisposing factors that may occur during the development from infancy to adolescence. Childhood and adolescent diagnostic groups that take place in the latest classification system are introduced. Current empirical findings and conceptual models and/or influential theories on selected psychopathological disorders are discussed. Course covers assessment approaches and methods of treatment.

Elective

This course provides an introduction to community psychology. Topics covered include the ecological framework, diversity paradigms, social change, empowerment, health inequalities, and healthy cities movement.

Elective

The course covers the behavioral phenomena that specifically occur at the work environments and business organizations. The aim of the field, which is the simultaneous enhancement of organizational success and the well-being of the personnel, is explained. Emphasis is specifically placed on selection, training and promotion of personnel.

Compulsory

This course aims to develop a clear understanding of how psychological principles are applied to the behavior of the consumer. Topics include understanding the basic motivations underlying consumer purchasing behavior, identifying how consumers perceive and respond to product variety as well as how individuals vary in their responses to alternative choices, application of techniques and methods for measuring consumer satisfaction, the relevance of learning processes to buying behavior and brand loyalty, the relevance of perceptual process like visual perception and memory to buying behavior, and the relevance of personality dimensions, self-concept and situational and group influences to buying behavior.

Elective

The course describes basic principles and procedures of psychological testing and assessment. Topics include relevant historical and legal/ethical considerations and approaches; techniques of test development; reliability, validity, utility and normalization. Students are acquainted with developmental, intellectual and personality tests. Tests and inventories that are specifically used in clinical, counseling and educational settings are studied.

Compulsory

Using the current version of a widely used computerized statistical software (e.g., SPSS), the course demonstrates the procedures for performing multiple correlational and regression analyses, logistic regression, factor analysis and techniques of nonparametric analysis.

Elective

Course introduces emerging perspectives in modern psychology, such as the neuro-scientific one. The impact of the perspective, its implications for psychological research, and its effects on applied areas of psychology are discussed.

Elective

This course is an in-depth study of the brain and the nervous system in relation to behavior and mind. Course treats the historical background and the philosophical formulations pertaining to neuropsychology. It introduces the methods and techniques of neuropsychology with special emphasis on neuropsychological tests. The effects of disease, disorders and brain lesions on mental and behavioral processes are discussed within the context of clinical neuropsychology.

Compulsory

The course aims to provide hands-on laboratory or field experience in designing, carrying out and writing up research reports in a selected area of psychology. It aims to improve students’ skills to become independent researchers. In the course, students choose a research problem; they make a survey of the literature, develop details of the research design, present a research proposal, conducting the study, collect data, and analyze the data. A study report is prepared according to the guidelines and rules of the American Psychological Association.

Compulsory

The purpose is to review the theories and research in gender studies. Topics include the development of gender roles and gender identities, the relationships between gender and mental/physical health, family issues, violence, work, sexuality, emotions, and interpersonal relationships.

Elective

The course discusses the physical, cognitive-affective, neurophysiological and neuropsychological changes in adulthood and aging. Students make a literature review of current research findings, and the influential theories. The concept of healthy aging and the remedial interventional programs and activities that may reverse or slow down any negative effects of aging is critically evaluated.

Elective

This course aims to introduce students with the uses of psychological knowledge and techniques in the areas of crime investigation, assessment of both the offender and victim, dynamics of victimization, psychology of offenders, reliability of eye-witness testimony, treatment and rehabilitation of the convicted.

Elective

This course deals with the universal ethical codes, rules and guidelines that pertain to research in psychology; and to applications in clinical centers, educational institutions, in business and industry. Ethical rules and guidelines that are to be considered in the publication process are also explained. In the course, students are thus equipped with the necessary skills for an ethical approach to research, field applications and publications.

Compulsory

This course introduces the experimentally derived principles of respondent and operant conditioning and the role of those principles in accounting for the behavior of humans and non-humans. It provides an in-depth introduction to the philosophy, concepts, and principles of behavior analysis. Course will cover basic principles such as reinforcement, stimulus control, extinction, etc. and how these principles are commonly used in addressing behavioral problems of social significance.

 Elective

The aim of the course is to provide in-depth research experience within a specific area of experimental psychology (cognition, physiology, perception, learning, etc.). Training will be given for selecting the correct research design for different research problems. The course introduces new ideas in research methodology in the light of recent developments in the philosophy of science. Students are introduced with the guidelines and rules of the American Psychological Association and with one of the current statistical softwares. Students write an acceptable research proposal for a possible graduate project.

Elective

This course concentrates on the cardinal principles underlying family and group systems. Understanding individual’s behaviors within the dynamics of the group is specifically emphasized.

Elective

This course studies the historical background of behavioral and cognitive approaches to human behavior. Behavioral and cognitive approaches are compared and contrasted with the other psychological approaches.

Elective

This course provides hands-on experience on writing a research proposal in clinical psychology. Students are expected to come up with a research topic on such issues as health and illness, coping, physician/advisor and patient communication, adherence, social support and self-regulation. In cooperation with the instructor, they develop a research design, delineate the research procedures and decide on the tests or measurement to be used.

Electiv

Course discusses the development of basic helping skills; these include sensitivity, empathy, attending, questioning, confrontation, and problem solving. Students are introduced with the examination and evaluation of client assessment, goal setting, case planning and case management. Practice in group process and continuation of skill development in observing, listening, interviewing, recording and reporting is provided.

Elective

This course introduces students to a variety of learning problems that are covered under the diagnostic term “specific learning disability”. Students are introduced with the neuropsychological and possible genetic bases of the disorder; the tests and inventories that are used in scoring and assessing the disorder; and psychoeducational rehabilitation methods. The role of learning on phobia, anxiety, behavioral disorder, and oppositional-defiant disorder is discussed.

Elective

The purpose of this course is to help the student gain insight to the problems and issues concerning intellectual assessment and to the concept of intelligence quotient. Different methods of measurement are studied. Students are presented with examples of projective and objective tests and a currently used intelligence test.

Elective

This course covers major concepts and techniques of personality assessment. Students are introduced with behavioral, objective and projective techniques for personality assessment.

Elective

This course is a general overview of the concepts (such as abnormality), aspects (such as behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, interpersonal, sociocultural, genetic and biological), issues (such as etiology, nature, development, risk factors) and psychotherapy (cognitive, group, psychoanalysis) pertaining to human mental and behavioral disorders. The course discusses the roles and the responsibilities of the psychologists in the clinical team.

Compulsory

This course is designed to be an introduction to the newly growing area of relationship science. The overview of major theories governing the area will be supplemented with current, relevant empirical studies. Discussion of methodological and data analytical issues related to the study of close relationships will go hand in hand with discussions concerning the applicability of the above mentioned theories and empirical findings to the Turkish society.

Elective

The course describes the biological and physiological bases of stress. Special emphasis is placed on Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome. The cognitive and behavioral approaches to stress management are explained. The second half of the course is dedicated to the development of skills pertaining to stress reduction. 

Elective

Under the supervision of an instructor, each student is expected to prepare a research project on a topic of interest; to make an extensive review of the literature; decide on the research design, the research procedures and measurement tools; conduct the study; collect the data, and to analyze the data. A written report will be prepared according to the guidelines and rules of the American Psychological Association. The graduation project, which is open to students, is presented to a committee of three instructors.

Elective