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Printable checklist of Biopsychology major requirements

Biopsychology is the study of the biological bases of behavior, including the molecular and cellular basis of neural functioning and how systems of neurons relate to behavior. By its nature, the field of biopsychology is an interdisciplinary field of study that encompasses biology, chemistry, and psychology. The field is broad and researchers may find themselves studying the brain from a chemical, cellular, genetic, developmental, behavioral, cognitive, or social behavioral perspective. A graduate with a Bachelor of Science in biopsychology could pursue entry-level positions in academic or private research settings, sales positions in the biotechnology industry, or explore alternative careers such as policy development or science writing. In addition, the major provides the training necessary to be competitive when applying to various graduate programs in neuroscience and related disciplines.

The major consists of 11 required courses (some with associated laboratories) and four electives. There is no minor in biopsychology. Courses taken to complete this major may not be used to fulfill the requirements of a minor in a related field. Due to the breadth of electives offered students should consult with their advisor to create a coherent program of study that is best suited to each student’s goals. Pre-medical students should consult with the pre-medical advisor concerning additional course work required to apply to medical school.

General Biology I and II, General Chemistry I and II, and General Chemistry Laboratory I and II have as prerequisites fulfillment of one of the following with a grade of "C-" or better:

  1. High School Calculus
  2. AP Calculus, or
  3. Pre-Calculus taken at the college level.

A grade of "C-" or higher must be obtained in each freshman- and sophomore-level required course (100-level and 200-level). A grade-point average of 2.0 or higher is required in all required courses and electives for the major. The degree awarded is the Bachelor of Science.

Requirements of the major include completion of the following courses:

BIO 101 General Biology I
BIO 102 General Biology II
BIO 201 Genetics
BIO 413 Biochemistry
     
CHM 101, 101L General Chemistry I with laboratory
CHM 102, 102L General Chemistry II with laboratory
CHM 201, 201L Organic Chemistry with laboratory
MAT 111 Statistics
PSY 101 Psychological Inquiry
PSY 301 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
PSY 309 Behavioral Neuroscience

Each student must also complete four electives from the following options. At least one elective must be a biology course or Organic Chemistry II with laboratory.  Some special topics courses may be used as an elective; consult your academic advisor about this.

BIO 202 Microbiology
BIO 301 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
BIO 302 Human Physiology
BIO 315 Animal Behavior*
BIO 316 Cell Biology
BIO 414 Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
CHM 202, 202L Organic Chemistry II with laboratory
PSY 201 Child and Adolescent Psychology
PSY 203 Learning and Conditioning
PSY 302 Advanced Experimental Psychology
PSY 306 Abnormal Psychology
PSY 307 Cognitive Psychology
PSY 308 Sensation and Perception
PSY 403 Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior

*Note: This course will not serve as the one biology elective by itself

 

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