Thursday, May 2, 2019

FINAL EXAMS

In reviewing the time we have left and the following is the final exam schedule:

The material covered for the Psy 215 Final Exams will be: 


  • Personality Disorders
  • Substance Related and Addictive Disorders
  • Sexual Disorders and Dysfunction
The material covered for Psy 201 will be: 

  • Neuroanatomy
  • Memory 

The dates for the final exams are: 

Psy 215H, Psy 201H, Monday and Wednesday Classes: Monday 5/20

Psy 215 Tuesday and Thursday classes: Tuesday 5/21 



Review for the exams will be held as time allows. 

Please let me know if you have any questions! 

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Psy 215 Quiz 4 cancelled

To All Psy 215 students: 

As we wind down the semester, it looks like we will have a difficult time fitting in quiz #4. Thus, Quiz #3 will be our final Quiz. 

Again, as a reminder, the final exam will covder the following topics: 

Personality Disorders
Substance Related Disorders and Addictive Behaviors
Sexual Disorders and Dysfunctions 

Please let me know if you have any questions. 

OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK


The College will be hosting its third annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk on Saturday, April 27th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Veterans Plaza on the Ammerman Campus in Selden. This event seeks to increase awareness about suicide and raise funds for prevention. Participants will join a quarter of a million people from hundreds of cities across all 50 states to raise awareness, save lives, and bring hope to those impacted by suicide. The walk is being sponsored by Mental Health Services, the Ammerman Office of Campus Activities and Leadership Development, the Honors Club, Psychology Club and the CARES club. 

Funds raised through this event will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and will enable that organization to invest in research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. For more information, please go online and visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) then click on Take Action, Walks to Prevent Suicide, and Campus Walks.
               
Thank you in advance for considering providing support to this important initiative.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

PSY 201

As we transition to the end of the semester, we are not going to be covering the final topic on the syllabus, Sleep.

The final will be on Neuroanatomy and Memory.

Please let me know if you have any questions!!

PSY 215 CLASSES

As we begin to transition into the end of the semester, it looks like we will not be able to cover the final topic on the syllabus. Thus, the final will be on Personality Disorders, Substance Related Disorders, and Sexual Disorders and Dysfunctions.

Please let me know if you have any questions.


CLASSES CANCELLED MONDAY APRIL 29TH

All classes will be cancelled on Monday, April 29th.

Psy 215 H students will be asked to cover the following content: 

In the Substance Related Disorders Chapter- Barbituates, Stimulants, and Hallucinogens- we will not be covering these in class but they will be on the exam!!!!

Please let me know if you have any questions.


STRESS AND FINALS

During the semester,we have discussed at length, the impact of stress on our mental health and brain. As we enter the final part of the semester, many students will begin to feel "stressed". The following article gives some practical suggestions on how to reduce stress during this time of year and increase your chances of finishing the semester strong!!!

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/clear-communication/201712/final-exam-stress-five-ways-finish-finals-strong

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

A FEEL GOOD STORY!

We have talked a lot about mental health and the stigma that often comes along with it. As the Islanders are on the verge of sweeping the Pittsburgh Penquins it is an excellent reminder that this stigma is not one that should define anyone....

https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-robin-lehner-fan-favorite-1.29755965

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

In Abnormal Psychology we have been talking a great deal about issues related to Mental Health. Once we take the discussion out of the theory realm reality presents a whole host of other issues. One of the major ones is a lack of funding for these essential services. The following article is a great introduction to the struggles of the Long Island community to provide such services.....

https://www.newsday.com/business/mental-health-care-access-1.29347148


CLASSES FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 10TH ARE CANCELLED

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

STRESS AND BURNOUT

We have talked a lot in class about the impact of stress on both Mental Health and the Brain. The following article discusses recent concerns about the phenomena of "burnout" which is becoming a major issue in our country....

https://dailyvoice.com/connecticut/darien/lifestyle/burnout-declared-a-health-crisis-according-to-harvard-health-organizations/750232/


PSYCHOLOGY CLUB EVENT

This Thursday, April 11th, at 6:00pm in the Islip Arts building, Room 115, the Psychology Club will be showing the movie, The Vow. Pizza and Soda will be served!!!!! All are invited!

Thursday, April 4, 2019

DEBT AND YOUR BRAIN!!!

I know a number of you will be graduating this May (Congratulations!!!) and also thinking about continuing your education. A great deal of discussion has been occurring as late in terms of the role of student debt in our lives. The following article talks about a small but fascinating study on how this decision can impact your long-term functioning!

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/getting-rid-of-debt-may-actually-make-your-brain-work-better-2019-03-29


Tuesday, April 2, 2019

DEPERSONALIZATION/DEREALIZATION

A number of people have asked about the difference between depersonalization and derealization. The following video will hopefully be helpful in terms of this....





Thursday, March 21, 2019

HAVE A GREAT BREAK EVERYONE!!!!!


Evening Educational Enrichment Events
Ammerman Campus
During Evening Common Hour 7:00-8:00 pm
Thursday, March 21, 2019

Addiction and the Adolescent Brain
This presentation will explain the neuroscience of the effects of drugs including caffeine (energy drinks), alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, “Spice,” Ecstasy, opiates and methamphetamine; how changes in brain dopamine increase the risk of addiction; and the recent clinical findings regarding short and long-term consequences of vaping.
Presented by Dr. Stephen L. Dewey of Addiction Educators, LLC and Adjunct Instructor of Biology
Montauk Point Room, Babylon Student Center, second floor


The Dangers of Social Media and Its Influence on Government/Politics
This event will focus on the role social media plays in government and politics, and the dangers it presents including the cultural changes within society.
Presented by Nicholas Giordano, Associate Professor of Political Science
Mildred Green Room, Babylon Student Center, second floor


Suffolk Sustainability
This presentation will discuss the challenges to sustainability on Long Island, the ways SCCC is addressing those environmental concerns, and the actions Long Islanders can take to promote environmentally sustainable living.
Presented by Melanie Morris, Assistant Director of Sustainability
Eaton’s Neck Room, Babylon Student Center, first floor, behind the cafeteria, to the left

NCLEX for Nursing Students – Pharmacology
Dr. Jeffrey Santorello, D. Pharm., adjunct librarian, will help you understand how to prepare the Pharmacology section of the NCLEX exam.
Huntington, Library room 112, first floor, behind reference desk

Career Services Office: Extended Evening Hours until 8:00pm
Please inform your students that Career Services will be open each of the four evening until 8pm
Located on the Ammerman campus in Babylon Student Center, Room 205 (second floor)
No appointment necessary: all inquiries welcomed.


Are you graduating?


Now is the time to apply for graduation, if you expect to complete the requirements for an associate degree or a one-year certificate by May or August.  Apply online by visiting my.sunysuffolk.edu and selecting Apply for Graduation from the Quick Links for Students menu.

Keep the following items in mind:

·         Submit the application for graduation by April 1st to guarantee that your name will be included in the graduation brochure.
·         Submit the application for graduation in order to be posted as a graduate.
·         Submit the application for graduation whether or not you are planning to attend the graduation ceremony.  This will ensure that your diploma contains the correct information.

Why is receiving your degree important?  That’s easy to answer.  If you will be attending another college, your associate degree may allow you to transfer more of your Suffolk County Community College credits.  Additionally, your degree can make possible many employment and scholarship opportunities as well as give you access to Suffolk’s alumni association benefits.  And, finally, your Suffolk diploma is a testament to your hard work and accomplishment of this important educational goal.

If you have already filed for graduation, please disregard this notice.  We wish you all the best on your academic progress as you approach graduation.
Are you graduationg

Monday, March 18, 2019

MIDTERM EXAMS

The following is the Midterm Exam schedules:

Psy 201H, Mon/Wed, 9:30- Wednesday, April 3rd, 9:30am.

Psy 215, Tues/Thurs, 11:00am- Thursday, April 4th

Psy 215, Tues/Thurs, 12:30pm- Thursday, April 4th


Please let me know if you have any questions.

MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUNGER PEOPLE

The issue of Mental health in younger people is coming into greater awareness. The good news is with this awareness there will be less of a stigma associated with it as well as more help available. The following article talks about a recent study on this issue....

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/mental-health-problems-rise-significantly-among-young-americans/2019/03/14/5d4fffe8-460c-11e9-90f0-0ccfeec87a61_story.html?utm_term=.a547dc2dca3d

Thursday, March 14, 2019

PSY 215H MIDTERM

As midterm exams are coming, we will finalize the dates of midterms for class. The MIDTERM EXAM FOR PSY 215H, MONDAY/WEDNESDAY, 8:00AM, will be Wednesday, March 20th.

Exams for other classes will be announced as they are finalized.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

HELICOPTER PARENTING

Much has been said of the effect of helicopter parenting on the development of children. The recent scandal involving college admission has brought these discussions to the forefront. The following article talks about this issue in more detail.....

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/03/12/college-admissions-scandal-is-more-proof-that-helicopter-parenting-hurts-kids/?utm_term=.279a4911a77e

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

ALS

As you may know, ALS is a heartbreaking neurological disorder. The following article is about a tragic situation- A neuroscientist whom was studying it and then developed it.....

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/im-a-scientist-studying-brain-illnesses-now-im-a-lock-in-living-with-one-of-them-lou-gehrigs-disease/2019/03/01/32a31100-3625-11e9-af5b-b51b7ff322e9_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.5ca518b92b2d

SNOW DAY MAKEUP WORK-MONDAY/WEDNESDAY CLASSES

The following assignments are to makeup the missed class due to a snow day on Monday, March 4th.

Psy 215H, 8:00am- We will not cover BiPolar Disorder as part of the Mood disorders-class should cover the slides reading, and videos associated with the Diagnosis, Etiology and Treatment of BiPolar Disorder. This material will not be covered in class and will be on Midterm!

ALSO, SECOND QUIZ WILL BE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6TH ON ANXIETY DISORDERS

Psy 201H, 9:30am- We will cover Dopamine and Addiction- The class will be responsible for covering the rest of the Neurotransmitters

ALSO, SECOND QUIZ WILL BE MONDAY MARCH 11TH ON THE SYNAPSE AND NEUROTRANSMITTERS

Please let me know if there are any questions! 

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Psy 215 Tuesday/Thursday Classes

As I mentioned above, Thursday March 7th classes will be cancelled. Also, the college is closed Tuesday March 12th. Given that we will be missing two classes, the following assignment will make up for those classes.

For the Mood Disorders, we will NOT be covering the following topics in class but you need to cover them as they will be on Midterm:

Slides 9-13- MDD Specifiers to Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

All slides related to etiology/treatment of Bipolar Disorder

(We will not cover Bipolar Disorder so you will cover Diagnosis/Etiology/Treatment of Bipolar Disorder)

Also, the slides on Suicide (37-40)

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!!!!

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

ALL CLASSES CANCELLED MARCH 7

ATTENTION ALL TUESDAY/THURSDAY STUDENTS- CLASSES WILL BE CANCELLED ON MARCH 7TH! 

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Unintended consequences and technology in science

We have talked a bit about the influence of genetics in class. The following article which was submitted by a student in Brain and Behavior talks about the issue of unintended consequences in some of these complex experiments....

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612997/the-crispr-twins-had-their-brains-altered/


Thursday, February 21, 2019

PSY 215 TUESDAY/THURSDAY, 11:00AM

Just wanted to let you know someone left their case studies book behind. I do have it and will bring it to class on Tuesday or you can come to my office and pick it up.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

VIDEO GAMES AND KIDS

There is a great deal of controversy over the impact of video games on children. We will be covering this issue from a few different perspectives in our courses. The following article is written from a practical perspective for parents whom are trying to manage the issue with their children.....


https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/6-ways-parents-can-help-kids-strike-a-balance-between-screen-time-and-the-real-world/2019/02/11/09e941f8-1a87-11e9-88fe-f9f77a3bcb6c_story.html?utm_term=.46a958facf10

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

TRANSFER DAY

The spring 2019 Transfer Fair will take place on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 from 10:00 AM  to 1:00 PM in the Babylon Student Center.  Representatives from over 50 colleges, including SUNY, CUNY and private colleges and universities will be available to answer students' questions about admissions, majors, campus life, and much more. 

I will post more information as it becomes available  but definitely save the date if you are starting to think about transferring!!! 

Thursday, February 14, 2019

PSY 215 TEXTBOOK

I have a former student whom has a brand new Psy 215 textbook from last semester and she would like to sell it for cheap. For anyone still looking to secure a text, her contact information is 712cernyar@gmail.com. 



Tuesday, February 12, 2019

VALENTINE'S DAY

In the spirit of the upcoming day, the following article helps understand many of the psychological aspects of a day designed to celebrate one of the deepest human emotions.....



http://goodthinkinc.com/psychology-today-valentines-day-survival-guide/

MAKEUP FOR SNOW DAY-Tuesday/Thursday Psy 215 classes

ALL PSYCH 215 TUESDAY/THURSDAY STUDENTS

The college policy for missed days is to assign the work to makeup for the day. Thus, for the missed class on 2/12/2019, Psy 215 students are responsible for reviewing the following material in the Anxiety Disorders Chapter: 


  • Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Hoarding Disorder).
  • You are responsible for all reading, videos, etc 
  • This material will be included on all quizzes, tests, etc. 
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS! 


TUESDAY 2/12/2019 CLASSES ARE CLOSED DUE TO WEATHER

Please check for makeup work in the near future!

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

DIAGNOSIS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS AND TECHNOLOGY

In abnormal psychology, we have been discussing the challenge of correctly diagnosing psychological disorders. In Brain and Behavior we have been reviewing the different techniques, many of them available due to an explosion in technology, that allow us to better study the human brain. The following article integrates these two areas and talks about a possible future where technology is integrated into the diagnosis of Mental Illness....

https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/28/18197253/ai-mental-illness-artificial-intelligence-science-neuroimaging-mri

Monday, February 4, 2019

APA HELP

TO ALL STUDENTS:

I added a power point on APA format to the website. If you look on the Welcome Page there is now a button that says "APA Help". This power point is a good review of the main APA format points. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Mental Health and Concussions

The National Institute of Health released a study this morning examining the impact of concussions (also defined as mild brain injury) on mental health. The following link provides a summary of the study:


Wednesday, January 30, 2019

A Good Start

Many students talk about getting off to a good start at the beginning of the semester on the way to being successful. The following article gives many good suggestions on how to be successful in college.......

http://www.bestcollegevalues.org/15-proven-tips-for-being-successful-in-a-college-class/

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

WRITING CENTER

As I mentioned in class, the SCCC Writing Center is an excellent resource to assist with research and writing assignments. The following is a link to their website which has more information on the center....







Monday, January 28, 2019

Welcome!



      I am hoping we have a stimulating and enjoyable semester as you experience the world of Psychology. My goal is to offer students who are willing to work hard an opportunity to be immersed in the world of Psychology, explore topics of interest in more detail, and earn a good grade in the course.  I also am hoping you will pick up the necessary skills for writing a good academic research paper. On that note, I would like to share a few areas to focus on to both enhance your course experience and give yourself a chance to obtain the best grade possible:

Homework: Success at college depends as much on what you do outside the classroom as what you do inside of it. 
It will be important to consistently complete your standing homework assignments. If you do, they will provide you valuable context and reinforcement of class lectures. 

Your standing homework assignments are:

1. Keep up with the reading: It is a general assumption you will be doing a reading to accompany the class lectures. This will help enhance your understanding of the material and give you a deeper knowledge of the subject matter. The assigned reading for the topics we are covering in class can be found on the syllabus. 

2. Watch the assignment videos: The videos associated with the lectures were designed to provide you more details about different topics as well as reinforce material covered in class. Watching them is an excellent way to enhance your understanding and assist with the process of committing the material to memory for test preparation.



       3. Make sure you are aware of the due dates and requirements for all writing assignments and follow them!!!

4. Stay in touch: Many issues can be resolved earlier in the semester and can make the rest of the semester go much smoother. Make sure you are familiar enough with course expectations to ask the questions early in the semester. Feel free to ask during class time so everyone can get the benefit of the information. Office hours are listed on the syllabus and other times are available by appointment. 

       5.Check the Psychology blog on a regular basis for updates on the class, additional reading assignments, and extra credit opportunities, if/when they are offered.  

6. Class Participation: 
Please feel free to share thoughts, ideas, and questions during class. I find class discussion an integral part of a stimulating learning experience and hope you will be an active participant in the class. 

       YOUR FIRST HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT is to familiarize yourself with the website which will be an invaluable resource throughout the semester!