Understanding the principles of human change is critical to those who counsel others. This course will examine the research on human change processes, and the vast diversity in theories and techniques employed in assisting others. Historical perspectives will be explored, as well as promising directions for the new millennium. We will also focus on counselor development and clinical judgment. Through readings, lectures, seminars, films, exercises, group projects and guest speakers, students will gain a basic foundation in this helping profession.

The major personality theorists will be presented sequentially within their cultural and historical contexts. This will provide students with a broader understanding of the evolution of ideas concerning human nature. Exploration of theories will be limited to those that apply specifically to the practice of counseling. Attention will be paid to the interaction of the individual with the social milieu, cultural biases within theory and the effect of personal history on theoretical claims. This is a core psychology upper division course required for entry into a graduate program in psychology.

The Trace Metals Analysis class is designed for students with good chemistry backgrounds who are interested in doing trace metals analysis. This class will cover theory of instrument operation, sample preparation, experimental design to validate analytical results, proper use on internal standards, standard addition, control standards, spiked samples and types of blanks. Students will prepare standards and samples in using techniques consistent with trace metals work. We will emphasize using standard methods such as EPA 200.8, “Determination Of Trace Elements In Waters And Wastes By Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry.” Laboratory notebooks, technical reports and classroom presentations will form the bases for evaluations.