Overview
Biopsychology provides students with foundational knowledge about the physiological basis for behaviour.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study biopsychology at Mount Allison?
At Mount Allison, the Biopsychology program equips students with expertise and foundational skills in the fields of both biology and psychology.
The program allows students to study the strong links between human and animal biology and neuropsychology, providing students with foundational knowledge about the physiological basis for behaviour.
From a biological standpoint, students develop a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in anatomy, physiology, behaviour, and genetics.
From a psychological standpoint, students explore the biological and neural basis of the mind and behaviour, and contextualize these phenomena within a social and cognitive framework.
Biopsychology is available as:
- Undergraduate certificate (18 credits)
- BSc major (75 credits)
- BSc honours (87 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
Undergraduate research
Faculty members in Psychology and Biology are actively involved in research, and there are many opportunities for students to participate in research through faculty-supervised independent research projects during summers or during academic terms.
Students in our introductory psychology classes are also given the opportunity to experience the research process by participating in our 'psychology participant pool' and becoming a participant in the many studies conducted each year in the department.
Facilities
Facilities in the Department of Psychology include computers for professional database searches and statistical data analysis, a human interaction observation laboratory, and laboratories for demonstration and research with humans and animals.
Psychology labs include:
- Psychobiology of Stress and Health (PSHL) Lab
- 91Â鶹Sexual Health Research Lab (MASHLab)
- MtA Personality Lab
- Cognition Education Lab
- Neuroscience Lab
Biopsychology is interdisciplinary in nature — students are required to take courses in both disciplines.
Course options in this program may include:
- genetics and evolution
- human physiology
- animal behaviour
- neurophysiology
- sensation and perception
- behavioural neuroscience
There is some flexibility to allow students to focus more heavily on one of the two disciplines, biology or psychology, should you choose to do so.
A capstone project in the Biopsychology program explores advanced topics in biopsychology with a focus on the physiological, psychological, evolutionary, and genetic link between the brain and behaviour.
PSYC 2101 — Biopsychology
This course introduces the neural bases of behaviour. Topics include: the role of evolution and genetics in the development of the nervous system, the structure and function of the nervous system, and the biological bases of perception, movement, eating, drinking, sleeping and dreaming, sexual behaviour, addiction and reward, and memory. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1 Hour)
BIOL 3211 — Human Physiology
This course provides a comprehensive study of the physiology of the human body. It examines the function of the nervous, muscular, sensory, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal systems. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
BIOL 4311 — Neurophysiology
This course investigates advanced topics in neurophysiology including neuro- and glio-transmission, the physiology and plasticity of synapses, and neuronal circuits that underlie behaviour. It also discusses the development and pathophysiology of the nervous system.
PSYC 3101 — Human Neuropsychology
This course examines the structure and functions of the cerebral cortex. Topics include cerebral asymmetry in function, the anatomy and functions of the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, and the neural substrates of higher functions such as memory, language, emotion, spatial behaviour, and attention. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 1.5 Hour)
PSYC 4101 — Advanced Topics in Behavioural Neuroscience
This course examines the relation between brain and behaviour.
BIPS 4121 — Advanced Topics in Biopsychology Neuroscience
This capstone course in the Biopsychology program integrates knowledge obtained throughout the Biopsychology degree. With an emphasis on discussion of the primary literature, this course explores advanced topics in Biopsychology with a focus on the physiological, psychological, evolutionary, and genetic link between the brain and behaviour.
Explore all Biopsychology courses
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Geneviève Desmarais
Associate professor, Psychology
» Biopsychology students get to see the human brain in action
What can I do with a biopsychology degree?
Through extensive experiential learning opportunities, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, Mount Allison's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in medicine and psychology, while others move directly into careers in research, healthcare, and beyond.
Popular career paths for Biopsychology graduates include:
- psychologist
- neurologist
- mental health counsellor
- teacher
- medical health professional
What is it like to study at Mount Allison?
Biopsychology is a combination of studying the brain, body, and mind — and has given me well-rounded knowledge about how the human body works. This program has prepared me well for medical school!
/current-students/department-psychology
What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to biopsychology?
Biology
Biology is the scientific study of living things — their form, function, origin, and behaviour.
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. It seeks to understand human nature and why people do what they do.
Cognitive Science
Cognitive Science is the scientific study of the mind and its processes. It seeks to understand how the mind works — combining studies in psychology, computer science, and philosophy.