PSYC

attributes/acgl/)

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

4.5

Credits (max)

4.5

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

(or Replacement PSYC course)

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

alias

Source

www.college.upenn.edu

What is happiness? Can it be successfully pursued? If so, what are the best ways of doing so? This interactive course will consider various ways of answering these questions by exploring theoretical, scientific, and practical perspectives on flourishing, thriving, and wellness. We will discuss approaches to happiness from the humanities and the sciences and then try them out to see how they might help us increase our own well-being and that of the communities in which we live.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

and Others (SNF Paideia Program Course) At the heart of this course are cutting-edge scientific discoveries about passion and perseverance for long-term goals. As in any other undergraduate course, you will learn things you didn't know before. But unlike most courses, Grit Lab requires you to apply what you've learned in your daily life, to reflect, and then to teach what you've learned to younger students. The ultimate aim of Grit Lab is to empower you to achieve your personal, long-term goals--so that you can help other people achieve the goals that are meaningful to them. LEARN -> EXPERIMENT -> REFLECT -> TEACH. The first half of this course is about passion. During this eight-week period, you'll identify a project that piques your interest and resonates with your values. This can be a new project or, just as likely, a sport, hobby, musical instrument, or academic field you're already pursuing. The second half of this course is about perseverance. During this eight-week period, your aim is to develop resilience, a challenge- seeking orientation, and the habits of practice that improve skill in any domain. By the end of Grit Lab, you will understand and apply, both for your benefit and the benefit of younger students, key findings in the emerging science on grit.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Non-major elective in the College study abroad

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Non-major elective in the College transfer

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

4 PSYC 1230 Cognitive Neuroscience 4.00 Select 1 credit unit of a Biological Psychology Elective: 1 Attribute APCI (https://catalog.upenn.edu/attributes/apci/) 4 Cognitive Basis of Behavior: 4.00 Select one of the following: 1

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

alias

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

urse Mathematics: 1 nits Select one of the following:

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Computation:

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

III. Individual & Group Bases of Behavior 1

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

4.00 PSYC 1777 Introduction to Developmental Psychology Select 1 credit unit of a Cognitive Psychology Elective 1 Attribute APCC (https://catalog.upenn.edu/attributes/ apcc/) Social Science Bases of Behavior: Select one of the following: 1

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

An overview of theories and research across the range of social behavior from intra-individual to the group level including the effects of culture, social environment, and groups on social interaction.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

or PSYC 1440Social Psychology PSYC 2000-level or above 1

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course presents an integrative treatment of the cognitive and neural processes involved in learning and memory, primarily in humans. We will survey the major findings and theories on how the brain gives rise to different kinds of memory, considering evidence from behavioral experiments, neuroscientific experiments, and computational models. Also Offered As: NRSC 1159 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Select 1 credit unit of a Social Psychology Elective: 1 Attribute APCS (https://catalog.upenn.edu/attributes/ apcs/)

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

The evolution of behavior in animals will be explored using basic genetic s and evolutionary principles. Lectures will highlight behavioral principles using a wide range of animal species, both vertebrate and invertebrate. Examples of behavior include the complex economic decisions related to foraging, migratory birds using geomagnetic fields to find breeding grounds, and the decision individuals make to live in groups. Group living has led to the evolution of social behavior and much of the course will focus on group formation, cooperation among kin, mating systems, territoriality and communication.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

In course, students will learn how neurobiologists study the relationship between neural circuitry and behavior. Behaviors such as bat echolocation, birdsong, insect olfaction, spatial navigation, eye movement and others will be used to explore fundamental principles of brain function that include brain oscillations, population codes, efference copy, sensorimotor maps and sleep replay. The course will also discuss the various methodologies that are used to address these questions. The reading material will be derived mostly from the primary literature.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

An introduction to the scientific study of vision, with an emphasis on the biological substrate and its relation to behavior. Topics will typically include physiological optics, transduction of light, visual thresholds, colo vision, anatomy and physiology of the visual pathways, and the cognitive neuroscience of vision.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

The course will begin with a review of basic concepts in pharmacology including: routes of drug administration, drug metabolism, the dose response curve, tolerance and sensitization. Following a brief overview of cellular foundations of neuropharmacology (neuronal biology, synaptic and receptor function), the course will focus on several neurotransmitter systems and the molecular and behavioral mechanisms mediating the mind-altering, additive and neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, schizophrenia and anxiety with an emphasis on their underlying neurobiological causes, as well as the pharmacological approaches for treatment.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course is designed to examine the various roles played by the nervous and endocrine systems in controlling both physiological processes and behavior. First, the course will build a foundation in the concepts of neural and endocrine system function. Then, we will discuss how these mechanisms form the biological underpinnings of various behaviors and their relevant physiological correlates. We will focus on sexual and parental behaviors, stress, metabolism, neuroendocrine- immune interactions, and mental health.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Cognitive, social,and affective neuroscience have made tremendous progress in in the last two decades. As this progress continues, neuroscience is becoming increasingly relevant to all of the real-world endeavors that require understanding, predicting and changing human behavior. In this course we will examine the ways in which neuroscience is being applied in law, criminal justice, national defense, education, economics, business,and other sectors of society. For each application area we will briefly review those aspects of neuroscience that are most relevant, and then study the application in more detail.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

An introduction to the scientific study of humn memory, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between theory and experiment. Topics r will include dual store models and the debate over short-term meory, recognition memory for items and associations, the role of time and context in memory formation and retrieval, theories of association, memory for sequences, the influence of prior knowledge on new learning, spatial and navigational memory, perceptual learning, classification and function learning, memory diorders, and developmental changes in memory function.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course presents an integrative treatment of the cognitive and neural processes involved in learning and memory, primarily in humans. We will survey the major findings and theories on how the brain gives rise to different kinds of memory, considering evidence from behavioral experiments, neuroscientific experiments, and computational models. Also Offered As: NRSC 2305 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course describes the nature of human language, how it is used to speak and comprehend, and how it is learned. The course raises and discusses issues such as whether language ability is innate and unique to humans, whether there is a critical period for the acquisition of a language, and how linguistic and conceptual knowledge interact.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Data Science for studying Language and the Mind is an entry-level course designed to teach basic principles of data science to students with little or no background in statistics or computer science. Students will learn to identify patterns in data using visualizations and descriptive statistics; make predictions from data using machine learning and optimization; and quantify the certainty of their predictions using statistical models. This course aims to help students build a foundation of critical thinking and computational skills that will allow them to work with data in all fields related to the study of the mind (e.g. linguistics, psychology, philosophy, cognitive science).

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course will serve two primary academic goals. First, to provide students with a contemporary introduction to empirically supported treatments for mental health conditions, with a particular focus on psychotherapeutic approaches. Second, it will teach students how to think about and evaluate research that tests the efficacy of interventions and explore how they work.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

n EDTC 5150 Child Development or EDTF 5150Child Development

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course will cover theory and research related to the development of attachment, emotional regulation, peer and intimate relationships, personality, moral reasoning, and emotional and behavioral disorders. The course will emphasize the degree to which family, peer, and community contexts influence development from infancy into adulthood. Efforts will be made to integrate biological and environmental accounts of development across the lifespan. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Prerequisite

PSYC 0001

Select 1 course unit of any of the courses not used, or a 4000- 1 level course in Social Psychology or Decision Making with: Attribute APCP (https://catalog.upenn.edu/attributes/apcp/)

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Select 3 Social Science or Humanities courses 3 Social Science (EUSS) (https://catalog.upenn.edu/ attributes/euss/) Humanities (EUHS) (https://catalog.upenn.edu/attributes/ euhs/) Select 2 Social Science or Humanities or Technology in 2 Business & Society courses Social Science (EUSS) (https://catalog.upenn.edu/ attributes/euss/) Humanities (EUHS) (https://catalog.upenn.edu/attributes/ euhs/) Technology in Business and Society (EUTB) (https:// catalog.upenn.edu/attributes/eutb/)

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

7

Credits (max)

7

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

University of Pennsylvania Catalog 239

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Other Wharton Requirements 33 Total Course Units 37 If FNCE 4030 (1 CU) is taken to fulfill the capstone course requirement worth 0.5 cu, the remaining 0.5 cu can count towards the concentration. Course Title Course

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

alias

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Behavior, Cognition, and Culture

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Brain research has been accelerating rapidly in recent decades, but the translation of our many discoveries into treatments and cures for brain disorders has not happened as many expected. We do not have cures for the vast majority of brain illnesses, from Alzheimer’s to depression, and many medications we do have to treat the brain are derived from drugs produced in the 1950s—before we knew much about the brain at all. Tackling brain disorders is clearly one of the biggest challenges facin humanity today. What will it take to overcome it? In this course, we will explore answers to this question, drawing from Professor Rust's 2025 book, Elusive Cures, and its source material. Fall, even numbered years only 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Prerequisite

NRSC 1110 OR PSYC 0001 OR PSYC 1230

This course will investigate neural processing at the systems level. Principles of how brains encode information will be explored in both sensory (e.g. visual, auditory, social, etc.) and motor systems. Neural encoding strategies will be discussed in relation to the specific behavioral needs of the animal. Examples will be drawn from a variety of different model systems.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Consciousness is our subjective experience of the world, including both perceptions and felt internal states. In this seminar, we will explore the the burgeoning scientific literature on the neural basis of consciousness. We will focus in particular on three topics: What are the neural systems underlying visual awareness? What are the mechanisms that control the progression of conscious contents to create our stream of thought? What is the relationship between consciousness and behavior? 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This seminar examines the cognitive and neural mechanisms that enable humans to predict and understand people's behavior. We will be propelled throughout the course by fundamental questions about the human social brain. For example, why are humans so social? Does the human brain have specialized processes for social thought? Consideration of these questions will involve advanced treatment of a range of topics. 1 Course Unit 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This discussion-based seminar will focus on the neural bases of cognitive development. Each week the class will discuss a selection of papers that consider the roles of genes and environment on topics including the development of perceptual abilities, language, and cognition. The course will cover several aspects of pre- and postnatal brain and behavioral development with particular emphasis on animal models. This course is g intended for students interested in neurobiology, cognitive psychology, evolutionary psychology and development.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

In this seminar we will tackle key topics in cognitive science through the lens of comparative and developmental psychology. Human infants in the first year of life and nonhuman animals share an important attribute: they both lack language. What type of thought is possible without language? What can we learn about the human mind by studying animal and infant cognition? We will explore topics such as concepts and categories, metacognition, numerical cognition, helping and sharing, and understanding other minds using empirical papers. The course will be heavily discussion-based and students will be required to give multiple short presentations and write one paper. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Our modern understanding of the brain began with very humble foundations. Long before transgenic mice, MRI scans, and neuronal recordings, most knowledge about brain function was based on clinical observations of human patients with neurological lesions. This advanced seminar will focus on the cognitive neuroscience of perception, emotion, language, and behavior -- through the unique perspective of real-life patients -- to illustrate fundamental concepts of brain function. Tuesday classes will explore different cognitive neuroscience topics through student presentations and discussion. Thursday classes will involve observing medical history taking and examination of a patient with cognitive deficits pertinent to the Tuesday topic, with opportunity for students to interact with the patient.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Why do we sleep? This question has puzzled scientists for centuries, but one reason emerging from research in the area is that sleep is critical for forming, retaining, and transforming our memories. This seminar explores human and animal research in psychology and neuroscience that has shed light on how sleep carries out these functions. Topics will include the different stages of sleep and their roles in memory consolidation, its neural systems involved in representing memory at different timescales, and the role of dreams in processing memories.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course focuses on the current state of our knowledge about the neurobiological basis of learning and memory. A combination of lectures and student seminars will explore the molecular and cellular basis of learning in invertebrates and vertebrates from a behavioral and neural perspective.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course examines how people use language. We will focus on Herb H. Clark’s book “Using Language” (1996). In this book, Clark proposes that language use is a form of joint action, and extensively develop what this claim entails and how it accounts for people’s linguistic behavior. The course will consist of a detailed examination of Clark’s thesis. Also Offered As: LING 3750 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Prerequisite

PSYC 1310 OR PSYC 2310 OR LING 0001

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This intensive, discussion-based seminar will equip you with useful insight and critical analysis about Positive Psychology by emphasizing scientific literacy. The workload for this seminar requires intensive reading. To excel in this seminar, students must be willing to enthusiastically read, dissect, and critique ideas within Positive Psychology. This requires students to articulate various ideas in verbal and written form.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

The purpose of the seminar is to introduce the relationship between psychology and religion in a balanced fashion. I do not assume that either of these two powerful forces in the world has the last word on the other. Not do I assume that they can hide behind their typical assumptions without offering good reasons for them. So the seminar offers the opportunities for a disciplined personal engagement with the material. Almost everyone brings personal background and emotion as well as intellectual curiosity to religion and its relationship to human nature; this is the relationship that we will take seriously, pondering the emotional and immediately experiential as well as the cognitive and distanced aspects of the topics we study.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This seminar will cover a range of topics within contemporary moral psychology, including: the nature of morality, the extent to which moral beliefs are based on reasoning as opposed to more intuitive or affective processes, the extent to which moral values can be traded off, the role of justice and blame in moral thinking, moral selfidentity, the causes of immoral behavior, and the cultural, political, and personal significance of people’s moral beliefs. Students will be expected to read and actively discuss selected papers, and will be asked to present readings at various points. There will be mid-term and final paper assignments.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

The course consists of weekly 90-minute lectures on Positive Psychology: The topics include Well-Being as a Life Goal, Good Character, Learned Helplessness, Optimism, Coaching, Therapy and Prevention, Positive Education, the Positive Corporation, Agency, and Artificial Intelligence. In addition, there will be weekly recitation sessions and exercises for students to measure and to increase their personal well-being. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

In this interdisciplinary seminar, advanced undergraduates explore the impact of technology on motivation, behavior, and well-being. Through readings, discussion, and hands-on projects, we will critically evaluate both the benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence, social media, and other technological advances—with the goal of developing interventions that encourage a more satisfying integration of technology into daily life. Although there are no formal prerequisites for this class, it is particularly well-suited to juniors and seniors who are seriously considering an advanced degree in psychology, human-computer interaction, or a related field. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Mood disorders are common, sometimes debilitating, mental health conditions with considerable societal costs. These disorders include depression, bipolar disorder, and several variants of these disorders. In industrialized nations, depression alone ranks among the leading causes of disability. Bipolar disorder, while less common, is associated with even more marked impairments. In this course, we will examine mood disorders in depth, covering historical, cross-cultural, diagnostic, developmental, neuroscientific, etiological, and therapeutic issues. Throughout the course, I hope to encourage students to appreciate what we know about problems of mood, how we have acquired this knowledge, and how much we still do not understand. 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Prerequisite

PSYC 1462

This course will explore contemporary theory and research on the role of gender in vulnerability to and expression of psychopathology. In the beginning of the course, we will explore and critique definitions of sex and gender and methodological approaches to the study of gender differences. This will include considering strong challenges to our conceptions of identity categories such as sex and gender. For instance, we will examine the evolution and controversies surrounding the diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria. Next, we will explore literature on gender differences in emotional expression, coping, and several forms of psychopathology, including mood disorders, eating disorders, disorders related to anxiety and trauma exposure, substance-related disorders and aggressive disorders. Finally, we will consider the role of gender in help- seeking behavior. 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This seminar provides an introduction to several major theoretical approaches to psychotherapy, such as psychodynamic/psychoanalytic, behavioral and cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and interpersonal/group therapy models. Students will learn how these theoretical frameworks differentially influence assessment, case conceptualization, treatment planning, style of the therapeutic relationship, intervention techniques, and methods of evaluating therapy process and outcomes. Using case vignettes, film demonstrations, classroom role playing, and other experiential exercises, students will learn how these models are applied in real world settings and begin to develop an awareness of their own therapeutic philosophy. Critical analysis of the models will be advanced through ethical considerations and the application of multicultural and feminist perspectives.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This seminar explores the development of antisocial behavior including psychopathy, aggression, and violence. At its core, this course examines what increases the risk that children will develop behavior problems and go onto more chronic and extreme forms of violence and psychopathic personality that results in harm to others. We will examine psychiatric diagnoses associated with these antisocial behaviors in both childhood and adulthood and how they link to other relevant forms of psychopathology (e.g., substance use, ADHD). We will explore research elucidating the neural correlates of these behaviors, potential genetic mechanisms underlying these behaviors, and the environments that increase risk for these behaviors. Thus, there will be a focus on neurobiology and genetics approaches to psychiatric outcomes, as well as a social science approach to understanding these harmful behaviors, all while considering development across time. We will also consider ethical and moral implications of this research. 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Prerequisite

PSYC 1462 AND PSYC 1777

Though almost half a century old, Milgram’s 1961-1962 studies of “destructive obedience” continue to puzzle, fascinate, and alarm. The main reason for their continued grip on the field’s attention (other than the boldness of the idea and elegance of execution) may be simply that they leave us with a portrait of human character that is radically different from the one that we personally wish to endorse or that the wider culture teaches us to accept. In this seminar, we will take an in-depth look at these famous studies (along with the more recent replications) and explore their various psychological, political and philosophical ramifications. Not Offered Every Year Also Offered As: PPE 4802, PSYC 4780 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This seminar will review recent research that combines psychological, economic, and neuroscientific approaches to study human and animal decision-making. The course will focus on our current state of knowledge regarding the neuroscience of decision-making, and how evidence concerning the neural processes associated with choices might be used to constrain or advance economic and psychological theories of decision-making. Topics covered will include decisions involving risk and uncertainty, decisions that involve learning from experience, decisions in strategic interactions and games, and social preferences. Prerequisite: Psychology 149, 153, or 165, or permission of the instructor.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

the Real World Inspired by the course of the same name designed by Carl Bergstrom and Jevin West at the University of Washington, the aim of this seminar is to get students "to think critically about the data and models that constitute evidence in the social and natural sciences". We will reinforce critical thinking principles regarding probability and statistics, causality, data visualizations, and more, practicing how to apply these principles to both scientific papers and evidentiary claims made "in the wild" (in the news, on social media, etc). We will pay particular attention to topics and examples relevant to psychology. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

How do people decide and how can we study decision processes using formal mathematical and computational models? This course will address this question. It will examine popular quantitative modeling techniques in psychology, economics, cognitive science, and neuroscience, and will apply these techniques to study choice behavior. Students will learn how to test the predictions of choice models, fit the models on behavioral data, and quantitatively examine the goodness-of- fit. They will also get practice formulating their own models for describing human behavior. This class will have a major programming component, however no prior programming experience is required.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This class will provide an introduction to sleep and sleep disorders, focusing on current research in the field. Students will learn about the neurobiology of sleep/wake regulation, the relationship between sleep and memory and how sleep is related to physical and mental health. Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy will be covered in terms of pathophysiology, assessment and treatment.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Memory is the foundation of intelligence: without it, there is no learning, no planning, no perception of a structured world. To understand how memory systems support adaptive behavior, this project-driven research seminar integrates perspectives from neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence. We examine the functional architecture of human memory, focusing on the neural circuits supporting one-shot learning in natural behaviors. In parallel, we examine the design space of memory systems in machine learning, centering on the challenges language and vision models face when scaling to long contexts. Through weekly presentations and discussions, students will develop their own research directions—theoretical, experimental, or computational—culminating in an independent project.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

(fMRI) research This course provides a hands-on introduction to Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research. fMRI is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that allows one to track brain activity more or less in real time as a subject completes a cognitive task. MRI is a recent technology and fMRI is an even more recent use of that technology. While it has traditionally been used to establish functional localization (i.e., mapping what brain regions are involved in what tasks), fMRI can also be used to answer important questions such as how the brain goes about solving these tasks (i.e.,what are the computations the brain performs). fMRI has been used widely in the field of cognitive neuroscience, but it has also been applied in fields such as economics, marketing, sociology, and information systems to name a few. In this course, we will first cover the basics of MR physics in order to establish how fMRI works. We will then discuss considerations for fMRI experimental design. We will collect some fMRI data. We will spend the bulk of the course working on fMRI data analysis. By the end of this course, you should have the basic skills needed to collect and analyze an fMRI dataset.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course will focus on computational neuroscience from the combined perspective of data collection, data analysis, and computational modeling. These issues will be explored through lectures as well as Matlab-based tutorials and exercises. The course requires no prior knowledge of computer programming and a limited math background, but familiarity with some basic statistical concepts will be assumed. The course is an ideal preparation for students interested in participating in a more independent research experience in one of the labs on campus.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course fulfills the research experience requirement in the psychology major. Advances in brain recording methods over the last decade have generated vastly more brain data than had been collected by neuroscientists during the previous century. To understand the human brain, scientists must now use computational methods that exploit the power of these huge data sets. This course will introduce you to the use of big data analytics in the study of human memory. Through hands- on Python-based programming projects, we will analyze very large data sets both to replicate existing phenomena and to make new discoveries. Programming experience in python is required for this course. Fall, even numbered years only Also Offered As: COGS 4290 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

VLST 2120 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26 or VLST 3050What is an Image? Select one of the following:

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

The overarching goal of this course is to offer a practicum (hands- on experience) in designing, conducting, and reporting a piece of psychological research. This objective will be met principally through participation in a group research project, class discussions related to the project and various exercises focusing on individual components of the research process. There are additional goals as well. One is to enable you to think critically (though not disparagingly) about other people’s research, all with the hope of eventually applying the the self- same critical acumen to some future work of your own. This objective will be met primarily through class lectures and discussions of the assigned readings. I also hope that our interactions throughout the course will be conducive to developing (and exchanging) creative ideas of your own. Lastly, the course aims to offer an informal introduction to research design and research ethics. This objective will be met primarily through class discussions, group project, exercises, and some additional readings. 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

In this research seminar, advanced undergraduates who have taken Technology and the Good Life design and carry out empirical studies on the impact of technology on motivation, behavior, and well-being. These studies can be either correlational or experimental, and may address topics in artificial intelligence, social media, or other technological advances. A special emphasis will be given to the goal of developing psychologically wise interventions that encourage a more satisfying integration of technology into daily life. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

PSYC 4460 is an activity-based course with three major goals. First, the course is an opportunity for psychology and cognitive science undergrad majors to develop their professional and science communication skills and share their enthusiasm for these topics with high school students at a nearby public high school in West Philadelphia. In this regard, Penn students will prepare demonstrations and hands-on activities to engage local high school students, increase their knowledge in functions of the mind and brain, providing insights that may promote well being for the high school students and their community. This will be accomplished as students design and execute hands-on/minds-on activities on a range of psychology topics. There will be 10 sessions across the semester for these lessons, allowing the college and high school students to develop a consistent teacher-learner relationship. Second, students will explore the literature that discusses the need for better bridges between scientific research and the broader community. Discussions will incorporate the students' experiences, including challenges and rewards, as they bring psychology lessons to local youth. This academic portion of the course will include guest lectures from the Penn community who actively engaged in community partnerships. Third, students will be challenged to consider solutions for any problems that they encounter using a Theory of Change framework. This aspect of the course will result in a final project in which students much create logical, realistic, evidence-based links between interventions, indicators of change, and ultimate impacts to mitigate the problems.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This is a two-semester course starting in the Fall. Class size limited to 8-10 students. 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

The course combines classical theories of beauty with current empirical aesthetics. We will discuss a wide range of phenomena from immersion in imaginative worlds to creativity in the arts, narratives and everyday experience. We also review the evidence on the effects of aesthetic experience for happiness and therapeutic effects. Your task is to use some of these insights to conduct an experiment of your own design to test effects and impacts of aesthetics in various contexts. We will also visit the art museum to explore some aesthetic concepts—and to have experiences. Also Offered As: GRMN 1180 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors This seminar explores how and why people change their minds and actions. Are belief change and attitude change the same process? Why do some behaviors resist influence while others shift easily? Through readings and discussions, students will investigate theoretical and empirical distinctions among these constructs, analyze interventions aimed at modifying each, and design their own studies to test new approaches. Readings will cover foundational and recent research on persuasion, misinformation, and behavioral interventions. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to evaluate and develop evidence-based strategies for behavior change in applied domains such as health, policy, and communication. In summary, this progression (belief # attitude # behavior # integration # design # execution) mirrors how social psychologists move from theoretical insights to practical applications. The class will combine advanced readings, discussion, and applied activities aligned with the course’s learning objectives. You will design and conduct an experiment testing novel methods of changing beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors, program the study using appropriate software, and apply your prior knowledge of statistical analysis. The experiment will be designed, implemented, and analyzed collaboratively in small groups, while each student will write an individual research paper reporting and interpreting the results. This format balances targeted readings with active learning, offering a full research experience that complements rather than duplicates traditional seminar coursework. The readings are selective, allowing you to focus deeply on core works while dedicating substantial time to designing, conducting, and analyzing your own research. This seminar is ideal for students preparing for graduate study or research careers in social psychology, communication, or behavioral science. It will also benefit students pursuing careers that require analyzing evidence and understanding human behavior, including consulting, law, public policy, or medicine.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Research Practicum is a six-week half-credit course that facilitates students’ entry into research in cognitive science. Students complete a small project of their own devising, from hypothesis generation to report writing. Practicum has a 'flipped' classroom. Before class each week, students watch video lectures that will help them implement their project; in-person class is for asking questions about the week’s lecture, and to work on the week’s assignment for the student’s project, with help from the instructor and TA as needed. Each week, we will also have a guest lecturer from the lab of a MindCORE faculty affiliate. The main product – pieces of which the student submits every week – is a 4-5 page paper reporting the study they conducted. Each week, students will also write a 150 word summary/reflection on the guest lecture that week.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

(taken twice) Honors students must also take two sections of PSYC 4999. One is their Research Experience course and the other is an 2 elective. Total Course Units 2 The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation. Sample Plan of Study Course Title Course

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Mentored research involving data collection. Students do independent empirical work under the supervision of a faculty member, leading to a written paper. Normally taken in the junior or senior year.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

The Honors Program has been developed to recognize excellence in psychology among Penn undergraduates and to enhance skills related to psychological research. The 4998 credit signifies an Honors Independent Study, completed as part of the Honors Program. The honors program involves: (a) completing a year-long empirical research project in your senior year under the supervision of a faculty member (for a letter grade). This earns 2 cu's. (b) completing a second term of statistics (for a letter grade) before graduation. (c) participating in the year-long Senior Honors seminar (for a letter grade). This seminar is designed especially for Psychology Honors majors; this receives a total of 1 cu. (d) participating in the Undergraduate Psychology Research Fair in the Spring semester, at which honors students present a poster and give a 15-minute talk about their research. (e) a total of 15 cu's in psychology is required. Students will be selected to be part of the Honors Program in the Spring of their junior year (see application process online)

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

How does vision work? What computations should be performed on images to support visual tasks? What computations do biological and engineered vision systems actually use? This course will provide an in-depth treatment of several topics in vision with implications for both biological and human-engineered systems. We will develop an understanding of select visual abilities in humans and in other creatures from around the animal kingdom (praying mantises, cuttlefish, etc.) and we will show how computational solutions that emerge from the study of biological systems can improve performance in engineered systems like smartphone cameras. The course will provide an introduction to useful tools like signal detection theory, dimensionality reduction, and optimal estimation theory and show how these tools are applied to the covered topics. Some programming experience is desirable. 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

In this seminar, we will discuss several recent controversies in psychology and neuroscience, for example: "p-hacking," replicability, methodological terrorists, neural activity in dead salmon and failures to control the false positive rate in neuroimaging, "voodoo correlations" and double dipping, whether Tic-Tacs can improve self-control and whether reading "old" makes you walk slower. Our goal is not just to engender ennui and/or schadenfreude, but also to ask what we can learn from these discussions about how to do science in the most rigorous, reproducible manner possible. 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course will develop theoretical and computational approaches to structural and functional organization in the brain. The course will cover: (i) the basic biophysics of neural responses, (ii) neural coding and decoding with an emphasis on sensory systems, (iii) approaches to the study of networks of neurons, (iv) models of adaptation, learning and memory, (v) models of decision making, and (vi) ideas that address why the brain is organized the way that it is. The course will be appropriate f advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students. A knowledge of multi-variable calculus, linear algebra and differential equations is required (except by permission of the instructor). Prior exposure to neuroscience and/or Matlab programming will be helpful.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Why do we sleep? This question has puzzled scientists for centuries, but one reason emerging from research in the area is that sleep is critical for forming, retaining, and transforming our memories over time. This seminar explores human and animal research in psychology and neuroscience that has shed light on how sleep carries out these functions. Topics will include the different stages of sleep and their role in memory consolidation, the neural systems involved in representing memory at different timescales, and the role of dreams in processing memories. 1 Course Unit 2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course is designed to introduce students to the interdisciplinary field of social, cognitive and affective neuroscience. We begin with the basics of neurons, synapses and neurotransmission and the functional anatomy of the human brain. We then move on to neuroscience methods including cellular recordings, EEG/ERP, lesion methods, structural and or functional neuroimaging and brain stimulation. The remainder of the course covers the neural systems involved in emotion, social cognition, executive function, learning and memory, perception and development. We focus on how our understanding of these systems has emerged from the use of the methods studied earlier. 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Total Course Units 4

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

In this course, we examine how the recording of eye movements can provide a moment-by-moment record of perceptual, cognitive and linguistic processes. Four areas of research will be discussed: (1) task- based scene perception; (2) language processing (in both reading and spoken language); (3) category learning, and (4) decision making. In all of these domains, eyetracking research has led to a greater understanding of how attention and information selection supports real-time cognitive processes. Students will have access to eyetracking systems, giving them hands-on experience in designing, running, and analyzing eyetracking experiments. By the end of the semester, students will have collected pilot eyetracking data. Projects will be done individually or within small research teams. Requirements: Weekly readings; class presentations and discussion; and a paper.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

How does the neuroscience of human decision-making and emotion impact our understanding of ethics and law? What can neuroscience tell us about why people find actions moral or immoral, worthy of praise or punishment? What, if anything, can it tell us normatively about morality, agency and responsibility? And what other insights might neuroscience offer regarding other morally and legally relevant phenomena such as stereotyping and bias, the causes of antisocial behavior and the detection of deception? 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This seminar will review recent research that combines economic, psychological, and neuroscientific approaches to study decision-making. The course will focus on our current state of knowledge regarding the neuroscience of decision-making, and how evidence concerning the neural processes associated with choices might be used to constrain or advance economic and psychological theories of decision-making. Topics covered will include decisions involving risk and uncertainty, decisions that involve learning from experience, decisions in strategic interactions and games, and social preferences. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit University of Pennsylvania Catalog 2535

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course surveys classic and contemporary theory and research in the area of attitude formation and change and examines the principles of social information processing that underlie attitudes. We cover some of the basic concepts of the psychology of attitudes, including attitude structure and measurement at both conscious and unconscious levels. After this introduction, we will review persuasion approaches, the role of affect and fear in communication, influences of past behavior, to finally turn to models that explain behavioral change and allow researchers and practitioners to design ways of modifying recipients' actions. Not Offered Every Year Also Offered As: COMM 5770 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

The course will be lab based, and designed to introduce students to the major experimental 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Choice of half or full course units each sem. covering a range of subjects and approaches in academic psychology.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course provides an introduction to what is known about how neuronal circuits solve problems for the organism and to current resarch approaches to this question. Topics include: vision, audition, olfaction, motor systems, plasticity, and oscillations. In addition, the course aims to provide an overview of the structure of the central nervous system. A number of fundamental concepts are also discussed across topics, such as: lateral inhibition, integration, filterting, frames of reference, error signals, adaptation. The course format consists of lectures, discussions, readings of primary literature, supplemented by textbook chapters and review articles.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

An applied graduate level course in multiple regression and analysis of variance for students who have completed an undergraduate course in basic statistical methods. Emphasis is on practical methods of data analysis and their interpretation. Covers model building, general linear hypothesis, residual analysis, leverage and influence, one-way anova, two-way anova, factorial anova. Primarily for doctoral students in the managerial, behavioral, social and health sciences. Permission of instructor required to enroll.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Lab rotation for psychology grad students.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Individual Research for First-Year Graduate Students Two Term Class, Student must enter first term; credit given after both terms are complete 0.5-4 Course Units

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Special Topics in Psychology.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Procedures for Social and Clinical Sciences

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course will be an introduction to a variety of statistical perspective pertinent to social and clinical sciences. The goal will be to introduce ke concepts and provide R code for a variety of analytic frameworks such as moderation, mediation, measurement modeling (e.g., factor analysis, structural equation modeling, measurement invariance), hierarchical linear modeling/multilevel models (e.g., non-Gaussian adaptations using generalized linear models), network models, and idiographic modeling. At the end of this course, students will have sufficient experience in these techniques to run basic applications independently and have the knowledge necessary to determine relevant next steps in their statistical specializations. Spring, even numbered years only 1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Prerequisite

PSYC 7040 AND STAT 5000

Neuroscience is increasingly affecting all aspects of human life, from the relatively familiar medical applications in neurology and psychiatry, to new applications in education, business, law,and the military. Today's neuroscience graduate students will be among the scientists, citizens,and policymakers who will lead society through the maze of decisions regarding the appropriate uses of neuroscience.This course provides a survey of the key ethical, legal,and social issues at the intersection of neuroscience and society.It will include a combination of traditional classroom lectures, discussion and debates, as well as an online component coordinated with a course at Wisconsin's Neuroscience and Public Policy graduate program.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

A developmental approach to the study of psychopathology focuses on how psychological processes from normal to abnormal developmental trajectories. In this seminar we will cover theory, methods, and key constructs in the study of developmental psychopathology. Readings will include seminal empirical papers and chapters.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

A graduate-level course on the theory and application of multiple regression and analysis of variance.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

An advanced graduate-level course on the theory and application of multiple regression and analysis of variance.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

In this seminar, we will explore a series of topics in developmental neuroscience, focusing on recent scientific progress and its social relevance. Two major topics will be covered: Autism and other forms of “neurodiversity”, including gender-nonconformity, and socioeconomic status. For both of these topics we will examine the state of the fast- developing science, the implications of the science for policy, and the relations between the developmental neuroscience and society more broadly (issues such as identity, stigma and politics). 1 Course Unit s PSYC 7450 Special Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience y Special Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Special Topics in Cognitive NeuroscienceFall or Spring1 Course Unit

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

2026-27 Catalog | Generated 08/03/26

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

This course, usually taken simultaneously with Psychology 810, provides a basic introduction to psychodiagnostic interviewing and differential diagnosis. Students learn to take clinical histories and to administer a number of standardized diagnostic interviews, including the mental status exam, the SCID I and II for DSM-IV, the ADIS, and various clinician rating scales such as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Attention is also given to self-report symptom inventories such as the Beck Depression Inventory and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised as well as to computerized diagnostic tools.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Students typically complete 8-10 full assessment batteries on complex patients referred from a number of different sources in the community. This practicum offers intensive supervision, with live (in the room) supervision of every trainee’s first case, and live peer-supervision of their second case. Throughout their time in the practicum they receive close supervision of every case, including checking the scoring of tests and measures, and close reading and editing of every report. Students do a final feedback session with every patient which the supervisor co-leads at the beginning of the year, and observes in the room throughout the rest of the year, thus ensuring direct observation of every trainee throughout the year.

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

Select one integrative course 1

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

DissertationFall or Spring3 Course Units

Subject

PSYC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu

course units)

Subject

PSYC

Credits (min)

11

Credits (max)

11

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.upenn.edu