Psychobiology
Coordinator: Kathleen Morgan, Meg Kirkpatrick, Robert L. Morris
Department home page: http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/Acad/Psychobiology/
The interdepartmental major in psychobiology is intended to fill the needs of students seeking understanding of the biological bases of behavior. The field of psychobiology includes all of the interface, between psychology and biology, such as neurobiology, psychoneuroimmunology, animal behavior, psychopharmacology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, health psychology, physiological psychology and developmental psychobiology, to name a few. Psychobiologists examine the evolutionary, physical and biological bases of behavior and experience. In doing so, they focus on the physical structures, chemicals and physical events involved in the production of behavior. Students majoring in psychobiology will be prepared for graduate training in any of the fields mentioned above, as well as for professional training in medicine or veterinary medicine. They also may find jobs in research laboratories, zoological parks, aquariums, industry or education.
Major
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Students majoring in psychobiology are encouraged to pursue independent research as a way to integrate the two fundamental disciplines.
Requirements
Bio 111 Evolution and Ecology
Bio 112 Cells and Genes
Psy 101 Introductory Psychology
or Psy 225 Brain, Mind and Behavior
Psy 202 Quantitative Research Methods
Bio 211 Genetics
or Bio 219 Cell Biology
or Bio 254 Developmental Biology
Psy 226 Comparative Animal Behavior
or Bio 226 Comparative Animal Behavior
or Psy 227 Drugs and Behavior
Math 141 Introductory Statistics
or Math 151 Accelerated Statistics
Bio 244 Introductory Physiology
or Bio 255 Vertebrate Evolution and Anatomy
Psy 341 Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
At least one semester of chemistry: Chem 103 or Chem 104 or Chem 153 or Chem 154.
Two 300-level courses from each of the two contributing disciplines (biology and psychology), at least one of which must include a lab. Suggested lab courses include the following (but others will be accepted with permission of the advisors): Psy 334, Psy 336, Psy 343, Psy 345, Psy 348, Bio 303, Bio 305, Bio 324, Bio 331, Bio 348, Bio 399.
A documented research, internship or practicum experience of no fewer than 120 hours, typically after the sixth semester.
Different electives may be appropriate depending upon the career goals that a particular student may have for himself or herself. Options among these or others are best decided upon in consultation with one of the psychobiology advisors.
Recommended electives
Bio 201, Bio 205, Bio 215, Bio 221, Bio 231, Bio 303, Bio 318, Bio 347, Phil 224, Psy 211, Psy 222, Psy 227, Psy 265, Psy 235, Psy 312
Recommended for graduate training in neuroscience
Bio 305, Bio 324, Phys 170, Phys 171, Psy 222, Psy 227, Psy 312
Recommended for graduate training in animal behavior
Bio 215, Bio 305, Bio 318, Psy 211, Psy 312, Psy 348
Students interested in the health professions are encouraged to consult one of the health career advisors in addition to their advisor in psychobiology.