$13

weekly

or $150 for all content

Understanding Behavior and the Brain: A Psychology 101 Course

Completed by 14 learners

Ages 12-16

Self-Paced Course

A 12-week course providing middle and high school students with a comprehensive foundation in psychology, covering topics from brain function to mood disorders and offering valuable insights for personal growth.

Ashley F, M.S

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(61 reviews)

12 pre-recorded lessons

12 weeks of teacher support

Choose your start date

1 year of access to the content

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Go at your own pace

Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Start when you want.

Learn at your own pace

Access course material for a full year.

Get hands-on support from teacher.

About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What's included

12 pre-recorded lessons

12 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Homework

1 hour per week. Discussion questions will be posted weekly in the classroom. They will be reviewed each week by the teacher for completion, and will be required for each student enrolled in the course.

Certificate of Completion

included

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11

Beginner - Intermediate Level

Psychology 101: Exploring the Human Mind

A 12-Week Course for Middle & High School Students

Psychology 101, an engaging and age-appropriate introduction to the science of the mind and behavior. Over 12 weeks, students will explore why we think, feel, and act the way we do — all while developing skills in emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and critical thinking.

This course blends science, storytelling, and self-discovery to make psychology relatable and empowering for students navigating today’s complex world.

🔍 What You'll Learn:
-From how your brain works to why people behave the way they do, we’ll explore:

-The biology behind your thoughts and emotions

-The psychology of sleep, stress, and memory

-How social media, peer pressure, and relationships impact the mind

-Real-world strategies for managing anxiety and boosting mental wellness

📅 Weekly Topics
Week 1: What Is Psychology?
Week 2: Meet Your Brain: The Nervous System in Action
Week 3: How We See the World: Sensation & Perception
Week 4: Learning & Memory: How We Learn and Remember
Week 5: Growing Minds: Developmental Psychology
Week 6: Group Think: Social Psychology & Influence
Week 7: Emotions & Stress: Your Body’s Alarm System
Week 8: Understanding Mood Disorders
Week 9: Anxiety & Coping Skills
Week 10: Sleep, Dreams & the Science of Rest
Week 11: Who Are You? Introduction to Personality Psychology
Week 12: Final Review + What’s Next in Your Psychology Journey

🎯 Course Goals
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
-Explain key psychological theories and terms

-Understand how the brain and body affect thoughts and emotions

-Recognize signs of common mental health challenges

-Build empathy, communication, and critical thinking skills

-Apply psychological insights to everyday life (including school, friendships, and online behavior)

🧠 How We’ll Learn
-Dynamic slides and videos to illustrate key ideas

-Real-world examples that connect psychology to teen life

-Weekly reflections and fun activities (like dream journals or personality quizzes)

-Encouragement, guidance, and feedback from your instructor

-Open space for questions and discussion

Learning Goals

Throughout this 12-week course, students will:

Gain a deep understanding of psychology 101 topics.
Explore brain structure, sensory processes, and perception's impact.
Analyze learning principles, human development, and social influences on behavior.
Examine emotions, stress, mood disorders, and anxiety.
Learn coping strategies and appreciate sleep's importance in mental well-being.
Study personality theories and their practical relevance.

Syllabus

12 Lessons

over 12 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Week 1: Introduction to Psychology

 Overview of Psychology
The History of Psychology
Key Psychological Theories

16 mins of video lessons

Lesson 2:

Week 2: The Brain and Nervous System

 Anatomy of the Brain
Neurons and Neural Communication
The Role of Neurotransmitters

20 mins of video lessons

Lesson 3:

Week 3: Sensation and Perception

 How Our Senses Work
Perception and Interpretation
Illusions and Optical Tricks

Lesson 4:

Week 4: Learning and Memory

 Classical and Operant Conditioning
Memory Processes
Cognitive Strategies for Enhancing Memory

Other Details

Parental Guidance

The intention of the class is not to elicit reports of personal experiences with mental health from learners. This class will not be taught as therapy or group therapy. If the learner begins to share any personal mental health concerns I will kindly ask the learner to refrain from further discussion in front of the class and to continue the conversation with a trusted adult. If a learner ever shares something that is concerning, I will reach out to parents after class depending on the context of the information Note: Review Outschool's Community Standards before class to ensure that learners remember to keep personal information private

Language of Instruction

English

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Sources

Theories of Personality" by Jess Feist and Gregory J. Feist "Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams" by Matthew Walker National Sleep Foundation (sleepfoundation.org) "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne Anxiety and Depression Association of America (adaa.org) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Depression Information (nimh.nih.gov) "Social Psychology" by David G. Myers and Jean M. Twenge Social Psychology Network (socialpsychology.org)

Meet the teacher

Ashley F, M.S

Joined September, 2021

5.0

61reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

 hold a Master's degree in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling and bring over 10 years of experience as a therapist, research scientist, and certified educator. My work has focused on youth mental health, with a specialization in child and brain development. As a psychology researcher, I’ve conducted studies in developmental psychology and applied neuroscience, which inform my evidence-based, age-appropriate teaching approach.

I'm deeply passionate about helping teens understand mental health and the science behind it. I’ve spent years creating and delivering content tailored specifically for youth, blending therapeutic insight with engaging education. My mission is to empower students with practical tools, emotional literacy, and a lifelong curiosity about how the mind works.