The psychobiology major is an interdisciplinary program of study in the behavioral and biological sciences. It is designed for students interested in such fields as animal behavior, behavior genetics, cognitive or behavioral neuroscience, physiological psychology, psychopharmacology, neurobiology and developmental psychobiology.
A basic core of required courses will expose the student to the fundamental knowledge and methodological skills
peculiar to this broad area of study. Beyond these general requirements, the student may select courses of study which emphasizes either a behavioral or physiological concentration. Students who elect the psychobiology major may not elect a major or minor in either psychology or biology.
Calysta Kurz ’24 of Oconto, Wisconsin, joined Associate Professor of Psychology Julia Manor in attending the recent Comparative Cognition Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Kurz […]
Mica Rivera ’21 of River Falls, Wisconsin, has received a prestigious award from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. The highly competitive award, […]
Professor of Psychology Kristine A. Kovack-Lesh had an article published this summer with Ripon College alumnae and other collaborators. “Inconsistent flanker congruency effects across stimulus […]
Associate Professor of Biology
Professor of Biology, Chair of Economics and Business Management
Professor of Psychology and Chair of Psychology
Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Assessment
Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.
As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers.
Advising at Ripon| Requirements for a Major in Psychobiology | |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 33 credits in biology toward major |
| Core Courses | The basic core of required courses includes BIO 122 Ecology, Evolution, and Diversity, BIO 123 Molecules, Cells, and Genes, PSC 110 General Psychology, PSC 211 Research Design and Statistics, 212 Research Design and Statistics, CHM 111 Organic Chemistry I, one or two credits of Independent Study or Internship and either (a) BIO 501 Departmental Seminar, 502 Departmental Seminar or (b) PSC 523 Research Seminar. |
| Elective Courses | Beyond the core requirements, students are required to take at least four elective courses, two from each department listing below. At least one elective from each department must be at the 300 level. |
|
Biology |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 211) OR Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 312); Vertebrate Zoology (BIO 216); Genetics (BIO 219); Ecology (BIO 247); Evolution (BIO 259); Developmental Biology (BIO 329); Animal Behavior (BIO 341) |
|
Psychology |
Introduction to Brain, Mind, & Behavior (PSC 180); Inside the Animal Mind (PSC 227); Infant Development (PSC 234); Child Development (PSC 235); Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood (PSC 242); Learning and Behavior (PSC 317); Behavioral Neuroscience (PSC 324); Sensation and Perception (PSC 328); Cognitive Processes (PSC 339) |
Psychobiology can lead to careers in medicine, psychology, biology, animal care-taking, research and teaching in university and clinical settings. Recent graduates also have entered graduate school programs in physical therapy, neurobiology and clinical psychology; and careers as doctors, counselors, researchers and teachers.
Job titles of recent graduates include veterinarian, medical support specialist, professor, instructor, medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic medicine, occupational therapist, social worker, animal trainer and zoologist.