Courses in environmental psychology examine the relationship between environmental factors and its effects on behavior and people. Environmental psychology is said to be "problem-oriented," meaning that psychologists devise solutions to the problems identified. In this applied psychology course, students learn about topics such as urban crowding, noise and pollution and examine how these issues affect human perception, attitudes and behavior. Environmental psychology looks at the way humans make sense of and perceive the environment and how different stimuli (e.g. noise, lighting, types of architecture) direct our attention and affect our senses.
Engineering psychology, also known as human factors, involves the study of how humans interact with machines. A basic course in engineering psychology and human factors present information on workload and attention, human-computer interfaces and human visual and auditory processes. Issues that affect and improve productivity levels are also examined, such as equipment and machine designs, task designs, employee training programs and selection processes.
Psychometrics involves applying both theories of psychology and statistics to the testing and assessment of human behaviors and abilities. An introductory psychometrics course teaches students statistical concepts such as reliability--a test instrument's consistency in measuring scores--and validity, which is the extent to which the test measures the concept or construct for which it was intended. This course examines the application of tests in the assessment process, such as in mental health assessments, employee selections and cognitive assessments. For example, clinical psychologists use tests when evaluating individuals with cognitive deficits and brain disorders. When consulting on human resources issues, industrial/organizational psychologists administer tests to job candidates to identify skills and abilities which the employer needs. Advanced courses in psychometrics may delve deeper into the test construction process, allowing students to design and evaluate psychological tests.
Sport psychology courses teach students about the underlying psychological and mental factors that affect athletes and individuals who participate in exercise and other physical activities. Issues that a basic sports psychology course may examine include goal-setting, visualization and positive self-talk, relaxation as well as social aspects of sports and physical activities. Psychological theories such as motivation, learning and attention may also be taught.
Practicum courses in applied psychology are often reserved for third or fourth-year bachelor's degree program students as well as students in master's or doctoral programs. Practicum courses require the student to work in an applied psychological setting, such as in a mental health center, psychiatric hospital or industrial setting. Students are usually given responsibilities, but are supervised and trained at the same time.