Psychobiology

About the Major

Psychobiology is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the biological foundations of human and animal behavior. The major is interdisciplinary, incorporating courses from the fields of psychology, biology, chemistry and mathematics.

The major is designed to develop an understanding of the evolutionary, environmental and physiological factors which influence the behavior of organisms; to provide a working knowledge of basic methods and concepts applied within relevant research; and to provide an appropriate background for students who wish to pursue graduate studies or professional work in the area. The student undertaking the Psychobiology major will be encouraged to participate in appropriate research or internship projects, the goal of which is to provide the student with practical knowledge of topics introduced in the classroom. Psychobiology is designed primarily for individuals who want to pursue advanced graduate training or careers in teaching and/or research. However, the major may also serve as preparation for a career in human or animal health sciences and work involving human-animal interactions.

Course Requirements

BIO 101: General Biology I

Introduction to cell anatomy and organismal biology. The five kingdoms of life are surveyed, emphasizing distinguishing features and lifestyles. In-depth study of major organ systems of multicellular animals. Emphasis on principles underlying living organisms, problems they face and solutions that have evolved. Designed as first of two semesters of a general survey. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

BIO 102: General Biology II

Introduction to biochemistry, molecular cell biology and cell energetics. Genetics covered in relation to molecular mechanisms, population biology and evolutionary theory. Survey of botany, including anatomy and physiology of plants. Introduction to ecological principles, including ecosystem organization; interaction of biotic and abiotic factors; and the biosphere. Prerequisite: 101. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

BIO 207: Vertebrate Physiology

Analysis of the physiological mechanisms of the vertebrate organism, from the cellular to the organismic level. All major organ systems are studied with emphasis on normal functions and their controls. Laboratory study and demonstrations of basic physiological parameters. Prerequisite: 102. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

Two additional biology courses, at least one at the 300 level

CHM 103: Fundamentals of General Chemistry

This course is designed to meet a one-semester general chemistry requirement. An overview of the following topics is provided: atomic structure and bonding, stoichiometry, energy and acid-base chemistry, redox chemistry, equilibrium kinetics and hydrocarbons. Laboratory work reinforces lecture topics. Prerequisite: MAT 098/100 or equivalent. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

CHM 104: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

This course is designed to meet a one-semester requirement in organic chemistry of biological systems. An overview of nomenclature, functional groups and reactions is provided, with an emphasis on structure and reactions in biological systems including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and enzymes. Prerequisite: 103. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

MAT 110: Elementary Functions

Introduction to basic concepts of trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, polar coordinates and vectors, conics, and sequences and series. Prerequisite: 103 or Mathematics Placement Exam results. NS

(Or a higher-level math course)

PSY 110: Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to the science of behavior. Topics include the biological foundations of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, development, personality and adjustment, and social behavior. CC

PSY 115: Understanding Statistics

Introductory statistics course designed for the math-anxious student. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, measures of central tendency, variation, standardized distributions, correlation, regression and prediction, and hypothesis-testing, including one- and two-way analyses of variance. Prerequisite: MAT 096/099 or Mathematics Placement Examination results. NS

PSY 218: Biological Foundations of Behavior

A general survey of the relationship between biological structure/function and behavior. Topics include: behavioral genetics, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, sensory and motor systems, learning and memory, reproduction, social behavior, and higher cognitive functions and dysfunctions. Prerequisite: 110. Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory. NSL

PSY 220: Comparative Psychology

Survey of the continuity of psychological and behavioral processes within an evolutionary perspective, emphasizing mammalian species. Topics include historical and methodological considerations, heredity and innate behavior, learning, intelligence, communication, aggression and territorial defense, social systems and animal cognition. Prerequisite: 110. NS

PSY 431: Experimental Methods

Combines theory and practical application of the principles of experimental design, hypothesis-testing and statistical inference, including correlational and quasi-experimental techniques. Course incorporates an introduction to the use of SPSS computer software for statistical analyses. Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory. Prerequisites: 110, 115, 218 and 317 senior status or permission of instructor.

Two additional psychology courses, at least one at the 300 level

PLS 398: Design and Methods of Scientific Research

or

BS 399: Senior Thesis

and

PLS 400, 402: Senior Research Seminar I, II