PSY101 Intro. to Psychology - Online
Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THIS COURSE?
This course includes topics such as biological foundations of behavior, sensation & perception, learning, memory, thinking, language, intelligence, motivation, and emotion. The objective of the course is to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation for the academic discipline of psychology. For more detailed information, please see the Official MCCD course description, competencies and outline.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE?
This 3-credit course meets the SB (Social/Behavioral) transfer requirement to any Arizona University. It is transferable to most other colleges and universities. It is recommended for those entering the fields of psychology, medicine, nursing, allied health and exercise science/fitness/wellness, and for those who have a personal interest in this subject matter.

ARE THERE ANY COURSE PREREQUISITES?
None

HOW DOES TAKING THIS COURSE ONLINE DIFFER FROM TAKING IT "IN PERSON?"
Introduction to Psychology offered online is no less rigorous than taking it in a traditional classroom setting.  The course begins on Tuesday, January 16th and must be completed by Friday, May 4th. The online course follows a traditionally-structured format and must be completed following specific deadlines. This is NOT a self-paced class.

WHAT ARE THE TIME REQUIREMENTS?
Students should expect to spend 6-9 hours per week on this course for each of the 16 weeks in the semester. This is an amount of time equivalent to a traditionally structured course, except that in an online course, the entire amount of class time will be spent in self-directed study rather than split between classroom learning and self-directed learning.

DO I NEED A TEXTBOOK?
A textbook is required. The textbook for the course is "Psychology" by Ciccarelli and Meyer (1st Edition) - ISBN# 0131839594
Arrangements can be made to purchase the textbook by contacting the Paradise Valley Community College bookstore at (602) 787-7120 or ordering the textbook via the internet from efollett.com.
The College Bookstore will NOT buy back your Required Textbook because the Psychology Department is using a different book in the Fall semester. Call (602)787-7120, the Campus Bookstore, for further clarification of their "Buy Back Policy."

HOW DO I FIND MY COURSE MATERIALS AND COMMUNICATE WITH MY INSTRUCTOR?
All Course Material is on the Course website. We will be using the Course Management System - "Blackboard"
You will have to access the MARICOPA STUDENT WEBSITE to Lookup Your Username and to log into the Course.
Communication among students and between students and the instructor will occur using email and Blackboard. Since this is an online course, the preferred means of communication is e-mail. Communication may also occur via fax, phone, or in person.

WILL I NEED TO VISIT THE PVCC CAMPUS "IN PERSON"?
Students will not be required to come to the PVCC campus unless they choose to use the campus computer labs to complete their assignments.  Communication and completion of course requirements can be done entirely online. The only exception is if you are having problems completing the online tests within the time frames. You will then be REQUIRED to take tests in the PVCC Testing Center. If you are a local student, please stop by--I would love to meet you!

WHAT TYPE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND COMPUTER SKILLS DO I NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS COURSE?
Students should be familiar with the internet. They should be able to click through a web page, and know how to send and receive e-mail. Students must have access to the internet and an email account.

Please see "Connection Requirements" for a description of the minimum computer software and hardware required to take this class online.  

Last updated: January 13, 2007
Paradise Valley Community College- URL-http://www2.pvc.maricopa.edu/rebadow/psy101/faq.html
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