Biopsychology
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Biopsychology at 91Ó°ÊÓ
Explore the intricacies of the human brain and the complexities of human experience through 91Ó°ÊÓ’s biopsychology major. This interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science program brings together biology, chemistry and psychology to help students understand how brain systems shape behavior, learning and development. Students study the relationship between the brain and behavior from multiple perspectives, including chemical, cellular, genetic, developmental, behavioral, cognitive and social approaches.
Biopsychology at 91Ó°ÊÓ combines the close mentoring of a liberal arts university with rigorous scientific training. In small classes, students learn to ask better questions, evaluate evidence and connect theory to practice. Coursework emphasizes the biological basis of behavior, the structure and function of the nervous system and the research tools needed to investigate complex questions about the brain. The curriculum is designed for students who want to understand human behavior through science and who are interested in careers or graduate programs in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, public health and related fields.
"The Biopsychology program offers a rigorous curriculum with uniquely curated and highly rewarding courses such as Psychological Statistics and Research Methods, Genetics, and Advanced Experimental Psychology. The true highlight for me was the faculty, who provided all the tools I needed to pursue higher education. They offer intentional, professional mentoring and constructive, personalized feedback, giving students the best possible chance at success both in and out of the classroom. Being part of this program made me proud to be an 91Ó°ÊÓ alum."
Alexa Tringali '23 | Ph.D. student in Experimental Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi
At 91Ó°ÊÓ, biopsychology students build a strong foundation in scientific inquiry, quantitative reasoning and research design. All students complete a two-course sequence in psychological statistics and research methods, gaining practical experience analyzing data and conducting research. Students may also deepen that experience through advanced research methods, where they design and carry out an original study with faculty mentorship and may present their work at a professional conference.
This hands-on approach prepares graduates for research-intensive careers and for advanced study in fields connected to psychology, neuroscience, medicine and health sciences.Â
"Dr. Wise’s Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior course provided one of my earliest exposures to neuroscience in action, while Dr. Zinner’s Psychological Statistics and Research Methods course gave me high-yield research training that laid the groundwork for a research internship at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and, later, for becoming a principal investigator for my own research during medical school."
Bradley Firchow '19 is in his final year of medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, training through the Rural Physician Leadership Program in Morehead, KY.
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Hands-on Learning in Atlanta
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Career Opportunities
Hands-on Learning in Atlanta
Asking questions. Solving problems. Turning theory into practice. The learning experience at 91Ó°ÊÓ is all about making learning personal, so students have lots of opportunities to do just that.
- Design and conduct your own study like our students who regularly present projects at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association in Nashville, TN.
- Our psychology lab is equipped with the latest computer hardware, experimental software, and video technology, offering researchers-in-training everything you need to succeed.
- Gain real-world experience through internships offered at Emory School of Medicine, Hudson Veterinary Hospital, and Yerkes National Primate Research Center (Emory Campus).
Career Opportunities
A biopsychology degree can open the door to a wide range of paths, depending on a student’s interests and next steps. Graduates may pursue research roles in psychology, neuroscience, healthcare and public health, or continue into graduate and professional programs such as psychology, medicine, neuroscience or allied health. 91Ó°ÊÓ’s emphasis on research methods and faculty mentoring helps students prepare for both immediate opportunities and long-term academic goals.Â
- Along with the Allied Health pre-professional track, biopsychology offers an ideal foundation for pursing a career in the health professions – medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy and more.
- Claudia Rosell ’24 is working in patient care at Northside Hospital.Â
- Malaika Taylor ’24 is pursuing a Doctorate in Quantitative Bioscience at Georgia Tech.
- Miyah Jones ’25 is pursuing a Master’s degree in Integrative Biology at Kennesaw State University.
STEM and Research At 91Ó°ÊÓ
Q&A
Biopsychology is the study of how the brain, nervous system and biological processes influence behavior, learning, development and human experience. It combines biology, chemistry and psychology to examine the relationship between the brain and behavior.
A biopsychology degree can prepare students for careers in research, healthcare, public health, psychology, neuroscience and related fields. Many graduates also continue into graduate or professional programs in psychology, medicine, neuroscience or allied health.
Yes. Biopsychology can be a strong major for students interested in medical school or other health-related graduate programs because it builds a foundation in biology, chemistry, psychology, research methods and human behavior.
If you’re planning to go to medical school after graduation, discuss this with your professors and advisors to be sure you have the necessary prerequisites.Â
Psychology broadly studies behavior, thought and human experience. Biopsychology focuses more specifically on the biological and neurological processes that shape behavior, including brain systems, genetics, chemistry and the nervous system.
Yes. Students complete coursework in psychological statistics and research methods, with opportunities to design and conduct original research under faculty mentorship and potentially present their work at a professional conference.
91Ó°ÊÓ offers a rigorous interdisciplinary biopsychology curriculum within a close-knit liberal arts environment. Students benefit from small classes, faculty mentoring, hands-on research training and preparation for careers or advanced study in psychology, neuroscience, medicine and health sciences.
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