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Undergraduate Study

The Cognitive Science major is a designated capstone major. Students are required to produce a paper based on each term of their experience in a research laboratory or approved fieldwork site. Through completion of the capstone experience students are expected to identify a research topic and hypothesis to be tested or a fieldwork project and goals, show that they can organize and integrate information related to the topic or project in a clear manner in their own words, demonstrate ability to find and utilize supporting literature relevant to their project or topic, and successfully relate the paper to their experience in the laboratory or fieldwork setting.

Psychology B.A.

The Psychology major is the most general of the three majors and offers both broad and in-depth coverage of the fundamental and traditional areas of psychology. It provides students with a strong foundation for postgraduate education in psychology and can serve as excellent background to prepare them for further training in such fields as law, education, government and public policy, business, and many of the health-related professions. Its basic liberal-arts orientation also provides excellent foundation for immediate postbaccalaureate careers in many areas, particularly ones in which an understanding of human behavior and its diversity of expression would be an asset.

The requirements described below represent the minimum requirements in satisfaction of the preparation and the major. Additional courses in psychology, statistics, and related sciences, as well as other types of research and fieldwork experiences, are highly recommended if students plan to pursue graduate work in psychology and related fields. Under special circumstances, graduate-level courses can be taken by undergraduate students, although such courses may not be applied toward degree requirements for the major. For additional information, contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall.

Psychology Premajor

Students need to file a petition in the Undergraduate Advising Office to declare the Psychology premajor. Psychology premajors can petition to declare the Psychology major once they have (1) satisfied all the preparation for the major requirements and (2) are accepted into the major through a competitive application process (for students who entered UCLA as freshmen) or file a petition to declare the Psychology major (for students who entered UCLA as transfers).

Preparation for the Major

Each of the following required courses must be taken for a letter grade (C or better in Psychology 10, 100A, and 100B, C- or better in the remaining courses): Life Sciences 1 or 15 or Physiological Science 3; Chemistry and Biochemistry 2 or 14A or 20A or Physics 10 or 1A or 6A; one course from Computer Science 2, Mathematics 2, Program in Computing 10A, Statistics 10, or one term of calculus; one course from Philosophy 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 22W, 31; Psychology 10, 100A, 100B. Students cannot take Psychology 100B until they have passed course 100A with a grade of C or better. Psychology 100A and 100B are only open to students who have declared the Psychology premajor before the term in which they plan to enroll. It is recommended that students with no background in introductory statistics take Statistics 10 before enrolling in course 100A.

Students who repeat more than two preparation courses or any preparation course more than once are denied admission to the major.

Freshman Students

Students may declare the Psychology premajor once they have established a 2.5 grade-point average in at least one preparation for the major course.

Students must petition to declare the Psychology major and can do so once they complete all seven preparation for the major courses and submit an application to enter the major by the end of the Fall Quarter of their third year at UCLA. Admission into the major is based on student academic performance in the preparation courses. Students who have a grade-point average of 2.9 or higher in the preparation coursework and have met all other Psychology premajor requirements are guaranteed entry into the major after they submit the application by the above deadline. Students with a grade-point average between 2.5 and 2.89 in the preparation coursework enter a competitive application pool and are admitted only if there is space available in the major. Students with a grade-point average below 2.5 in the preparation coursework are not eligible to apply for admission to the major.

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants to the Psychology major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one biology course equivalent to Life Sciences 1 or 15 or Physiological Science 3, one general chemistry or general physics course, one philosophy course, one introduction to psychology course, and one course from statistics (recommended), finite mathematics, calculus, computer science theory, or computer programming in C++.

Refer to the UCLA Transfer Admission Guide at http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr.htm for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

After satisfying the preparation for the major requirements, students need to petition to enter the major at the Undergraduate Advising Office.

The Major

Required: (1) Five core courses, with at least two from each category and a fifth course from either category: (a) Psychology 110, 115 (or M117A, M117B, and M117C), 120A, 120B, and (b) 127A or 127B or 127C, 130 (or one course from 133A through 133I or 161), 135, 150; (2) one laboratory/fieldwork course from 101, 111, 116, 121, 126, 131, 136A, 136B, 136C, 151, 186A through 186D; (3) four additional upper division elective courses (16 units) in psychology.

Students who complete Psychology M117A, M117B, M117C receive equivalent credit for course 115 and two upper division psychology electives. All three courses must be completed to receive psychology elective credit.

Each upper division course must be taken for a letter grade. A C- or better is required in each core course and in at least one laboratory/fieldwork course. Students must have a 2.0 grade-point average in all upper division courses selected to satisfy major requirements.

Cognitive Science B.S.

Capstone Major

The Cognitive Science major focuses on the study of intelligent systems, both real and artificial. While including a strong foundation in the traditional areas of psychology, the major is interdisciplinary in nature and emphasizes subject matter within cognitive psychology, computer science, mathematics, and related disciplines.

The requirements described below include sufficient preparation if students plan to pursue graduate work in cognitive science or related fields; however, they may want to include additional advanced courses in psychology and fields related to cognitive science (e.g., computer science, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, and statistics) as well as other types of research and fieldwork experiences. Under special circumstances, graduate-level courses can be taken by undergraduate students, although such courses may not be applied toward degree requirements for the major. For additional information, contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall.

Cognitive Science Premajor

Students need to file a petition in the Undergraduate Advising Office to declare the Cognitive Science premajor. They are then identified as Cognitive Science premajors until they (1) satisfy the preparation for the major requirements and (2) file a petition to declare the Cognitive Science major. Questions about the major should be directed to the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall.

Preparation for the Major

Each of the following required courses must be taken for a letter grade (C or better in each course and a 2.5 overall grade-point average in the preparation courses) before students reach 140 total units: Life Sciences 1 or 15 or Physiological Science 3; Chemistry and Biochemistry 2 or 14A or 20A or Physics 10 or 1A or 6A; Mathematics 31A, 31B; Philosophy 7 or 8 or 9; Program in Computing 10A, 10B, and one course from 15 or 20A or 40A; Psychology 10, 85, 100A, 100B. Students cannot take Psychology 100B until they have passed course 100A with a grade of C or better. Psychology 100A and 100B should be taken early in the career; these courses are open only to students who have declared the Cognitive Science premajor before the term in which they plan to enroll. Students with no background in introductory statistics should take Statistics 10 before enrolling in course 100A.

Students who repeat more than two preparation courses or any preparation course more than once are denied admission to the major.

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants to the Cognitive Science major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one biology course, one general chemistry or general physics course, two calculus/analytical geometry courses, one general physics course, one philosophy course, one introduction to psychology course, one introduction to cognitive science course, one psychological statistics course, one psychology research methods course, one computer programming course in C++, and one other computer programming course.

Refer to the UCLA Transfer Admission Guide at http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr.htm for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

The Major

After satisfying the preparation for the major requirements, students need to petition to enter the major at the Undergraduate Advising Office.

Required: (1) Psychology 115 (or M117A, M117B, and M117C), 120A or 120B, and one course from 124A through 124J; (2) one course from 186A through 186D and one course from 121, 186A through 186D, or Computer Science 161; (3) three upper division elective courses (12 units) from Psychology 110, 112A through 116, M117J through M119X, 124A through 124J (if taken for the major, may not be applied as an elective), 130, 133B, 133E, 135, 142H, 160, 161, 187A, 191CH (if content is approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office and course has not been applied toward the Psychology 195B or 196B requirement), Computer Science 111 through CM186, Ethnomusicology 172A, Linguistics 103 through 185B, Mathematics 110A through 171, Neuroscience 102, Philosophy 124 through 136, Statistics 100A, 100B, 100C, 101B, 101C; and (4) in the junior or senior year, two capstone terms of Psychology 195B or 196B (may be fulfilled by taking any two courses from 195B or 196B or 196B/194C, provided content is approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office).

Students who complete Psychology M117A, M117B, M117C receive equivalent credit for course 115 and two upper division cognitive science electives. All three courses must be completed to receive cognitive science elective credit.

Students must have a 2.0 grade-point average in all upper division courses selected to satisfy major requirements. With the exception of Psychology 195B and 196B, each course must be taken for a letter grade.

Psychobiology B.S.

The Psychobiology major is designed for students who plan to go on to postgraduate work in physiological psychology, neuroscience, behavioral aspects of biology, or the health sciences. Psychobiology involves the study of brain-behavior relations and laboratory training in standard brain research techniques.

The requirements described below include sufficient preparation if students plan to pursue graduate work in any of the above fields; however, they may want to include additional advanced courses in psychology and related sciences as well as other types of research and fieldwork experiences. Under special circumstances, graduate-level courses can be taken by undergraduate students, although such courses may not be applied toward degree requirements for the major. For additional information, contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall.

Psychobiology Premajor

Students need to file a petition in the Undergraduate Advising Office to declare the Psychobiology premajor. They are then identified as Psychobiology premajors until they (1) satisfy the preparation for the major requirements and (2) file a petition to declare the Psychobiology major.

Preparation for the Major

Life Sciences Core Curriculum

Required: Life Sciences 1, 2, 3, 4, 23L; Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A, 14B, 14BL, 14C, 14CL, and 14D, or 20A, 20B, 20L, 30A, 30AL, 30B, and 30BL; Mathematics 3A, 3B, and 3C, or 31A, 31B, and 32A; Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, and 4BL, or 6A, 6B, and 6C.

Also required are Psychology 10, 100A, 100B. Students cannot take Psychology 100B until they have passed course 100A with a grade of C- or better. Psychology 100A and 100B should be taken early in the career; these courses are open only to students who have declared the Psychobiology premajor before the term in which they plan to enroll. Students with no background in introductory statistics should take Statistics 10 before enrolling in course 100A.

Each core curriculum course must be taken for a letter grade (C- or better in each course and a 2.0 overall grade-point average in the core curriculum) before students reach 150 total units. Students who repeat more than two preparation courses or any preparation course more than once are denied admission to the major.

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants to the Psychobiology major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general biology with laboratory for majors, preferably equivalent to Life Sciences 1 and 2, one year of calculus, one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors, one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory, one introduction to psychology course, one psychological statistics course, and one psychology research methods course. A second semester of organic chemistry or one year of calculus-based physics is strongly recommended but not required for admission.

Refer to the UCLA Transfer Admission Guide at http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr.htm for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

The Major

After satisfying the preparation for the major requirements, students need to petition to enter the major at the Undergraduate Advising Office.

Required: (1) Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 100 or 129 or Psychology 118 or Anthropology 128A and 128B, and Psychology 110, 115 (or M117A, M117B, and M117C), 116 or Neuroscience 101L, 120A or 120B; (2) one course from Psychology 127A, 127B, 127C, 130, 133A through 133I, 135, 150, 161; (3) 16 units of graded elective courses from the following list: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 112, 113A, 114A (no more than one from this group), Psychology 111, 112A through 112D, M117A, M117B, M117C, M117J, 119A through M119X, 152, 160, 161, 162, 186D, 191CH (only if content is approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office), Chemistry and Biochemistry 153A, 153L, Computational and Systems Biology M187, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 100, 102, 105, 106, 110, 111, 115, 117, C119, 120, 121, 122, 124 (only 4 units may be applied toward the major), 129, 135, 164, 170, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics 185A, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 100, 104, 138, M140, CM156, Neuroscience 102, Physiological Science C144, 146, 147, M148, 166, 173.

Students who complete Psychology M117A, M117B, M117C receive equivalent credit for course 115 and 10 units of upper division psychobiology electives. All three courses must be completed to receive psychobiology elective credit.

Students must have a 2.0 grade-point average in all upper division courses selected to satisfy major requirements, and each must be taken for a letter grade.

Honors

Honors Courses

Each year the department offers a selection of honors courses, designated with an H suffix. The courses provide close contact with faculty members, emphasize readings in the original literature, student reports, and small group discussions, and may include field or research experience. Enrollment priority in honors courses is given to students in the departmental honors program. Consult the College of Letters and Science for information on requirements for College Honors.

Honors Program

Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Psychobiology majors intending to continue study at the graduate level are encouraged to apply for the departmental honors program. Students work for one year with a faculty sponsor on a research project that is the basis of a formal honors thesis. During that year they also participate in a weekly seminar (Psychology 191AH, 191BH, 191CH) in which thesis projects are presented and discussed and other topics of interest are explored with invited faculty members and other guests. Other requirements may apply. Consult the Undergraduate Advising Office during Spring Quarter for further information and application forms. Satisfactory completion of the program and the other requirements for the major leads to awarding of the degree with honors or highest honors.

Computing Specialization

Majors in Psychology, Psychobiology, and Cognitive Science may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major, (2) completing Program in Computing 10A, 10B, and at least one course from 10C, 15, 20A, 30, 40A, or 60, and (3) completing at least three courses from Psychology 85, 121, 142H, 186A through 186D (one 199 course may be substituted for one of these courses provided project has been approved by vice chair). A grade of C or better is required in each course. Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing. Students planning to enter this specialization should consult the Undergraduate Advising Office.

Applied Developmental Psychology Minor

The Applied Developmental Psychology minor is designed to (1) provide a coherent academic program with focus on issues central to improving the well-being of children and their families, (2) teach undergraduate students how to apply theories, research methods, and research findings to practical concerns, and (3) prepare students to join or receive further training in various child-related professions.

The minor is open to all enrolled UCLA students (including Cognitive Science, Psychobiology, and Psychology majors) who have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better and have been accepted into an approved applied developmental psychology internship program. For further information about applying to the internship program, contact the director of the Infant Development Program, 1615 Franz Hall, (310) 825-2896. For questions about additional course requirements for the minor, contact a counselor in the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall, (310) 825-2730.

Required Lower Division Course (4 units): Psychology 10.

Required Upper Division Courses (24 units): Psychology 134A (must be taken concurrently with course 134D), 134B (must be taken concurrently with course 134E), and four additional courses from Education 120, 121, 132, Psychology 127C, 129F, 130, 131, 132A, 132B, 133B through 133I, 134F, 134G, 134I, 161, 199A or 199B (content must be approved by the Undergraduate Advising Office), Sociology M174. One of the four additional courses must include either Psychology 130 or one course from 133B through 133I.

Internship Requirement/Fieldwork Component (8 units): Psychology 134C, 134D (must be taken concurrently with course 134A), 134E (must be taken concurrently with course 134B). Students work as interns for three consecutive academic terms at an approved daycare center/school. The internship provides hands-on experience working with young children as teacher’s aides and opportunities for observing children.

A minimum of 20 units applied toward the minor requirements must be in addition to units applied toward major requirements or another minor.

No more than two courses may be applied toward both this minor and a major in another department or program.

Each minor course, except for the fieldwork component of the internship courses, must be taken for a letter grade, and students must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Successful completion of the minor is indicated on the transcript and diploma.

Cognitive Science Minor

The Cognitive Science minor is designed to introduce students to cognitive science topics as addressed in a number of different disciplines, such as biology, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, and psychology, while allowing them to pursue a more in-depth study of cognitive science topics within specific areas of their own choice.

The minor consists of two parts. In the first part students complete background courses and satisfy a computer programming experience requirement. In the second part they select a primary cluster from four clusters of upper division courses that have been organized to reflect different aspects of cognitive science. Students take three courses within their primary cluster and two additional courses from the remaining clusters (secondary clusters).

The minor is open to all enrolled UCLA students, other than Cognitive Science majors, who have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Students must make an appointment with a counselor in the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall, (310) 825-2730, to enter the minor and receive counseling on how to select a primary cluster.

Required Courses (28 units): Psychology 85 and one course from 15, 100B, Computer Science 2, Linguistics 1, 20.

The computer programming experience requirement is satisfied by petition based on coursework (e.g., completion of Program in Computing 10A) or other relevant programming experience.

Students must also select (with approval of the Undergraduate Advising Office) and complete one of the following four primary clusters: (1) biological basis of cognition cluster--three courses from Linguistics C135, Neuroscience 102, Psychology 115, 116, M117C (or Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology M175C or Neuroscience M101C or Physiological Science M180C), 119B, 119C, 119F, M119L, M119N, 160, 161; (2) computation and modeling cluster--three courses from Biomathematics 108, Computer Science 161, Psychology 186A through 186D (at least one course must be from Computer Science 161, Psychology 186A through 186D); (3) human cognition cluster--Psychology 121 and two courses from 120A or 120B, 124A through 124J, 133B, 133C, 133E; (4) mind and language cluster--three courses from Linguistics 120A, 120B, 120C, 130, 132, C135, 185A, Philosophy 124, 125, 126, 127A, 127B, 129, 170, 172, Psychology 124A.

Students must also fulfill a secondary cluster requirement of two additional courses from one or more of the clusters not selected as the primary cluster.

A minimum of 20 units applied toward the minor requirements must be in addition to units applied toward major requirements or another minor.

No more than two courses may be applied toward both this minor and a major in another department or program.

Each minor course must be taken for a letter grade, and students must have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Successful completion of the minor is indicated on the transcript and diploma.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Many research and fieldwork opportunities are open to students who wish to expand their knowledge and broaden their background in the field of psychology. These experiences can be enriching and help bring undergraduate students closer to understanding the importance of research and internships, including their applications in the everyday world. At least one of the following courses is recommended for students planning postgraduate study: Psychology 99, 185, 192, 193, 194A through C194D, 195A, 195B, 196A, 196B, 199A, or 199B. Only 12 units from any combination of courses 185, 192, 194, 195, and 196 may be applied toward the undergraduate degree. Information about these courses and programs is available from the Undergraduate Advising Office, 1531 Franz Hall.

Only one 4-unit 199 course may be taken per term, and only 16 units of course 199 may be applied toward the degree. Only one 199 course may be taken for a letter grade (additional 199 courses may be taken on a P/NP basis). If approved in advance by the Undergraduate Advising Office, 8 units of course 199 may be applied toward the Psychology 195B/196B requirement for the Cognitive Science major and 4 units of course 199B may be applied toward the elective course requirements for the Psychology major.

Psychology Research Opportunity Programs

The Psychology Research Opportunity Programs (PROPS) represent a vital effort to identify and mentor underrepresented minority and/or low-income students. The purpose of PROPS is to encourage such students to participate in research and pursue graduate studies leading to careers in academia. The recruitment and application process for PROPS takes place each Fall Quarter. Students selected to participate are awarded stipends for Winter and Spring Quarters, during which time they do research under the mentorship of a psychology faculty member. In addition, students are required to attend weekly seminars covering such topics as graduate school, careers in academia, and research opportunities in various fields of psychology. Prior research experience is not required. This is an excellent opportunity for students to begin their research careers and acquire the needed experience to pursue advanced studies.

Infant Development Program

The Megan E. Daly Infant Development Program (IDP), established in May 1983, is designed as a teaching and research facility for the department and is set up to accommodate both cross-sectional and longitudinal investigation of infants, toddlers, their families, and caregivers. In addition, the program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students in developmental psychology and other areas to acquire firsthand experience working with infants and toddlers on an individual basis or in a group setting. The program has two primary functions: (1) to offer quality group care for infants and toddlers of the students, staff, and faculty of the Psychology Department and other UCLA departments and (2) to serve as a teaching and research facility for the Psychology Department and the UCLA community. The program has two locations and accommodates children from three months to three years old.

UCLA Psychology Clinic

The UCLA Psychology Clinic in the Department of Psychology is a major training center for students in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program, one of the top-ranked programs in the country. It provides a broad range of psychological services to children and adults, including assessment and individual, couples, family, and group therapy. Clients cover the entire age range and represent diverse populations in the community.

Student therapists receive very close supervision and utilize research-based cutting-edge psychological interventions. Students and faculty members are also involved in a variety of research projects through the clinic.