Biopsychology cognition and neuroscience: Introduction And Meaning

Biological psychology (Biopsychology) is a scientific study that deals with the link between brain behavior and function. Several philosophical and scientific methods lead to the emergence of this branch of professional study. The physical model of the mind and body and the pineal gland was proposed by a French scientist called René Descartes as the point of contact between the aforementioned. After extensive research, it was found that central nervous system lesions and electrical stimulation show a correlation between motor behavior and brain activity in humans. Thus, human brain activity controls human body movements.

Biopsychology: Study Workload

Focusing on Biopsychology will require students to usually pick several courses from the second discipline. A minimum of 12 courses including biology should be taken by each student, but depending on their area of interest, students can choose a specific period of study. Courses like advanced research methods can be added if the students work closely with faculty members to select those courses and in turn, they will be taught by selected members of the faculty who will help the students develop every fundamental skill for conducting research.

Although students are required to take specific courses, they can take more or fewer courses that suit their study and career interests, however, biology is a prerequisite course. This way, students can have a portfolio of courses relevant to their field of study, thus focusing on what will help them with their research.

A student Majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration (BNC) is required to have 40 credits of general education, with the majority of it being upper-division courses. Students interested in broadening their knowledge in neuroscience can find it easy if they take courses on Biopsychology. Using a health psychology degree program as an example, students can turn in some of the coursework they have taken for their degree in neuroscience.

Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration: Required Courses

To be awarded a degree in BNC, interested students must complete a minimum of 90 undergraduate credits. In addition, students must also take a minimum of 4 half-courses in psychology. Interested students must get project approval from their mentor and approval from the professor. The Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration study structure also requires students to pick a research seminar. Two to Four courses in biology must be taken for a major in research.

A Biopsychology minor is an interdepartmental major offered by both the biology and psychology departments. A minimum of 5 courses in both biology and psychology is required to be completed by the students, a course in cognitive psychology is also required. Students aren’t allowed to have double majors in these fields, however, if you want to major in both areas (psychology and biology) you should consider picking a graduate course in other disciplines. A Ph.D. in Biopsychology is a stepping stone to an advanced career.

Specialization in Biopsychology

Biopsychology is an advanced field and there are several specializations, however, cognitive neuroscience is exciting because it helps students to understand the connection between human behavior and biology. Cognitive neuroscience plays an important role in the study and development of medically advanced drugs.

Studying Biopsychology gives a glamorous career path in several fields. A Graduate in this field can easily find job opportunities in universities, government agencies, and drug companies.