Introduction to Psychology  This course will provide a general introduction to the field of psychology. The most central and important theories, concepts, findings, controversies, and applications in the following areas will be considered: biological bases of behavior, learning, perception, thinking, development, personality, psychological disorders, and social behavior. (Open to Juniors and Seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs lect./1 hr. disc.

Psychological Statistics This course will examine statistical methods used in the behavioral and biological sciences. Students will learn the logic underlying statistical analysis, focusing primarily on inferential techniques. They also will become familiar with the application and interpretation of statistics in psychological empirical research, including the use of computer software for conducting and interpreting statistical analyses. (PSYC 0105; open to psychology and neuroscience majors, others by waiver. Not open to students who have taken  MATH 0116 (aka STAT 0116) or STAT 0201 or ECON 0210)

Psychopharmacology This course will examine ways in which drugs act on the brain to influence behavior. Students will learn the basics of brain function, will learn basic properties of drug action, and will learn how legal and illegal drugs, including drugs used to treat psychological disorders, alter the brain function and behavior of humans and experimental animals.

Psychobiology and Sex Differences: Exploration and Critique Men and women differ reproductively, in hormonal patterns, in average height, and in muscle mass. Biology is accepted as influencing these differences. Do biological contributions stop at the neck? Or might biology also contribute to neural and behavioral development in human as well as nonhuman species? We will examine evidence both for and against relationships between psychobiological factors (such as hormones and chromosomes) and sex/gender differences in behavior and psychological states (such as play behavior, cognition, sexual orientation, stress, addiction, and psychological disorders). Further, we will consider potential perils of such investigations, and additionally, will explore relationships between social/experiential factors and sex/gender differences as these may provide alternative, sometimes stronger, explanations.

Marcia Collaer

Reviews and ratings for Marcia Collaer at Middlebury College.Marcia Collaer teaches Introduction To Psychology, Psychological Statistics, Psychopharmacology and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Marcia Collaer good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Greatly enjoyed the course - Professor Collaer genuinely enjoys teaching psychology and that is evident in her lectures. they are engaging and it is fun to participate in class discussions but exams are difficult

Psych stats was a tricky course at times but Marcia was very encouraging of students to try their best and ask lots of questions. She was, however, a bit monotone and flat as a professor. I enjoyed her teaching style, but it definitely wasn't a class I was eager to attend. I found the content helpful but was often stressed about exams.

I recommend not taking psych in general for J-term, as it is a very fast-paced class. I recommend being ready to take notes on paper and sitting in your chair for all three hours of class. It was very interesting, and I learned a lot, but I would not take it again in J-term. 