The Biological Psychology area encompasses the
subdisciplines of Behavioral Neuroscience and Animal Behavior. Students
sponsored by faculty in this area are trained in theory and methods required for
understanding the biological bases of behavior. The doctoral track in behavioral
neuroscience provides research training in specific methods and techniques
needed to assess brain and peripheral physiological mechanisms. Topic areas
investigated by our faculty include psychoneuroimmunology, hormone-behavior
relationships, neurobiology of stress and arousal, sensory processes, and the
neural organization of the cerebral cortex. Age-related changes during
development, and the impact of stress on health and behavior are also important
foci. Students learn modern surgical, neuroanatomical, neurophysiological,
neuroimaging (PET, MRI), immunohistochemical, pharmacological, and behavioral
techniques. Training in hormone and immune assays, or cellular recording, are
also provided when required for the student's research. Conceptual issues, such
as experimental design, and the relevance to human clinical and social
conditions are emphasized.
Our students can also pursue training in
theories and methodologies involved in the study of animal behavior. Coursework
and research provide a unique interdisciplinary experience with a strong
emphasis on evolutionary/ecological principles and proximate mechanisms,
including communication and the role of hormones and social relationships
underlying the expression of behavior. Our goal is to train outstanding students
with a special interest in integrating knowledge across traditional discipline
lines.
Many facilities are available for graduate training, including the
department's Harlow Primate Laboratory, internationally known for its studies of
primate development and learning, and the Callitrichid Behavior Laboratory,
renowned for research on communication, reproduction, and conservation. In
addition, students benefit from the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center
with its large rhesus monkey and marmoset colonies. Within the Brogden
Psychology Building, research programs utilize many other small animal species.
Well-equipped facilities are available, including surgical suites, histology,
electrophysiology, endocrine, and immunology laboratories.
Our program continues to grow and incorporate new perspectives. Our most recent addition,
Anthony Auger, provides top-notch approaches toward the functions of receptors in the development of sex differences in behavior. In addition, three professors from the Department of Psychiatry--Ruth Benca, Ned Kalin and Anne Kelley--participate in our graduate program. Our students and faculty interact and collaborate with the Departments of Anthropology, Comparative Biosciences, Wildlife Ecology, and Zoology, as well as the Neurosciences Training Program, Institute on Aging, and Center for Excellence in Women's Health Research. The University of Wisconsin provides a diverse and stimulating academic environment for training in Biological Psychology.
Psychology Faculty: Professors A. Auger, C. Auger, Berridge, Coe, Marler, Postle, Rogers, Snowdon, Davidson, Jenison, Kluender, Pollak.
Affiliated Faculty:
