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Student making observations under a microscope in Jefferson's BS in Biopsychology Program

BS in Biopsychology

Program

John Pierce Jr, PhD
Director & Professor, Biopsychology & Psychology Programs

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Curriculum

The biopsychology curriculum consists of 13 core courses that all biopsychology majors must take and seven additional psychology/science courses depending upon specialization track. All biopsychology majors take Biology I (BIOL-103) and Chemistry I (CHEM-103) to complete the General Studies requirements for Science. Courses shown in bold are part of the Biopsychology Core curriculum.

Total Credits: 123-134

Year 1

  • Biology I Lecture and Lab (Fall)
  • Writing Seminar I: Written Communication
  • Debating U.S. Issues
  • Scientific Understanding I
  • Quantitative Reasoning I
  • Quantitative Reasoning II or Free Elective
  • Biopsychology Core
  • Biology II Lecture and Lab (Spring)
  • Introduction to Psychology (Fall)
  • Physiological Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology

Year 2

  • Ethics
  • Global Diversity
  • Writing Seminar II: Multimedia Communication
  • American Diversity
  • Biopsychology Core
  • Chemistry I Lecture and Lab (Fall)
  • Chemistry II Lecture and Lab (Spring)
  • Abnormal Psychology (Fall)
  • Psychology Concentration Courses (6-8 credits)
  • Biological Basis of Behavior Core (PSYC240, PSYC241, PSYC242)

Year 3

  • Global Citizenship
  • Debating Global Issues
  • Integrative Seminar
  • Biopsychology Core
  • Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Lab
  • Statistics for Behavioral Sciences (Fall)
  • Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences (Spring)
  • Biological Basis of Behavior Core (PSYC240, PSYC241, PSYC242)
  • Psychology Concentration Courses (6-8 credits)
  • Minor Course (3-4 credits)

Electives

  • Free Elective (3-4 credits)

Year 4

  • Capstone Folio Workshop
  • Biopsychology Core
  • Advanced Research in Psychology (Fall)
  • Senior Colloquium in Psychology (Spring)
  • Biological Basis of Behavior Core (PSYC240, PSYC241, PSYC242)
  • 3 Psychology Distribution Electives (9-12 credits)

Electives

  • 3 Free Electives (9-12 credits)

Concentration Options

Students take seven courses to complete their concentration option. Currently, there are three concentration options available in Biopsychology:

Pre-Med Specialization (24-28 Credits)

Students must take Calculus I (Math-111) and Calculus II(Math-112) to satisfy Math Requirements.

  • Anatomy and Physiology II(BIOL202/202L)
  • Organic Chemistry I and II(CHEM201/201L, CHEM202/202L)
  • Biochemistry I and II(BCHM312/312L, BCHM313/313L)
  • Physics I and II (PHYC111& PHYC112 or PHYC201/201L & PHYC203/203L)

Graduate Studies (21-24 Credits)

Seven advanced biology or psychology courses (At least three from each discipline: See advisor for approval.)

Health Psychology (21-23 Credits)

  • Positive Psychology (PSYC216)
  • Cultural and Social Diversity(PSYC234)
  • Health Psychology (PSYC244)
  • Stress and Coping (PSYC245
  • Nutrition and Health (HSCI304)

    Two additional courses in Biology, Health Sciences or related fields (selected in consultation with advisor)
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