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Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) Major

Effective Fall 2023

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience may not elect the Neuroscience or Psychology majors.

Advising

The Department has Academic and Peer Advisors (during the Fall and Winter semester only) to support students with declaring and exploring majors, confirming major
progress, assisting with research and course options, as well as discussing transfer credit, academic difficulties, and graduate school options. Students can schedule an
appointment in 1343 East Hall or online. Students are encouraged to review the Psychology department course charts to understand how current course offerings fit into the major.

Prerequisites

An introductory course (PSYCH 111, 112, or 114) with a minimum letter grade of "C"; and STATS 206 or STATS 250 or STATS 280 with a minimum grade of C- or higher or "P".

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 32
  1. Core course requirement.  Both courses are required:
    • Biopsychology: PSYCH 230
    • Cognitive Psychology: PSYCH 240

  2. Breadth course requirement.  Choose one course from the following:
    • PSYCH 235, 250, 270, 280, 290, or 291

  3. Lab requirement. Two courses for a minimum of 5 credits total.  At least one lab must be methods-based and only one non-Psych course may be elected.  Students must see an advisor to use thesis courses to meet lab requirements.
    • Methods-Based Lab Courses: PSYCH 300 (if taken FA22 or later), 302, 303, 331, 341, 342 (if taken FA22 or later), 366, 422, 423, 426, 429, 451, 457 (section titled "Developmental Methods"), PSYCH/LING 547; BIOLOGY 226; EEB 381 or 493; MCDB 306, 308, or 423
    • Experiential Lab Courses: PSYCH 211 (section titled "Biopsychosocial Medicine"), 226, 306 (section titled "Biopsychosocial Medicine"), 322, 326, 422, 423, 424, 428
    • Thesis Research Sequence: Honors - PSYCH 424 & 426; non-Honors - PSYCH 428 & 429

  4. Cognate course requirement. One course selected from the following list or a Psychology 300-400 level course (lec/sem) not on the advanced course list.
    One course selected from the following list: 
    • ANAT 403
    • ANTHRBIO 467, (568)
    • BIOLCHEM 415
    • BIOLOGY 205, 208, 222, 225, 305
    • CHEM 351
    • COGSCI 200
    • EEB 390, 442, 450, 481, 492
    • EEB/ENVIRON 381, EEB 440/EAS/ENVIRON 422,  EEB/EAS/ENVIRON 451
    • EECS 281, 492
    • LING 315, 516 (514)
    • MCDB 307, 310, 311, 418, 422, 425, 534
    • PHIL 340, 345, 450, 482
    • STATS 401, 406

  5. Advanced course requirement.  Four additional upper-level courses for at least 12 credits.  Two courses must be at the 300-level and one course at the 400-level
    • 300-level courses: PSYCH 330, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 352, 355, 356, 358, 359, 363, 364, 365
    • 400-level courses: PSYCH 402, 413, 414, 420, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436 (only if elected W20 or later), 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 454, 456 (only if elected W20 or later), 457 section titled "Biology, Brain & Behavior: The Developing Child", 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 468, ANTHRBIO 478/PSYCH 469, 476, 478, 531

Constraints

  • 100-level courses may not be used to meet the requirements for the major or the credit requirement.
  • Credit/No-credit courses may be used toward the Lab requirement, but will not count toward the total number of psychology credits required for major.
  • Although some courses that are graded credit/no credit may be used to meet the lab requirement, 32 credits must be letter graded.

Residency

At least 24 credits must be completed through the Psychology department in-residence (AA Campus Department of Psychology and U-M Study Abroad). Of these 24 credits, 12 credits must be upper-division (300 or above).

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the PSYCH subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Honors Major in Psychology and in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience

Psychology and Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience majors with strong academic records and an interest in research are encouraged to consider participating in the Honors Major. The Honors Major is designed to enable advanced students to gain experience in design, conduct, and analysis of research studies. Students experience an intensive collaboration with a faculty member, and complete a significant effort to create new scientific knowledge. The Honors Major can serve as a capstone for their undergraduate studies, and as important preparation for graduate training or employment in a variety of fields.

  1. Requirements. In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an Honors degree designation requires having and maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4, participation in two terms of independent study Honors courses, presenting in the Annual Research Forum, and the completion and acceptance of a written thesis describing an original research project conducted in collaboration with a faculty mentor.
  2. Faculty Partnership. Students wishing to pursue Honors should explore their interests in research and statistics early in their academic career. The student must then identify a faculty research mentor to work in partnership on an Honors project. The research mentor can be any faculty member or research scientist holding a faculty appointment in the University. Students must have one mentor from the Psychology Department. With the mentor as a collaborator, the student will prepare a project plan and timeline for completion. Application deadlines are posted on the Psychology Honors website.
  3. Admission to the Honors Major. A student and their faculty research mentor must apply together for admission to Honors; this includes an application and research proposal. Students are encouraged to apply the semester before their final year at the university (i.e., the end of their Junior year) to begin the Fall term of their Senior year. 
  4. Courses. Once accepted into the Honors Major, Psychology and in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience students will be issued overrides for PSYCH 424 for the first semester of their thesis, and PSYCH 426 in their final semester. The Honors courses are graded and may be used towards the lab requirements (PSYCH 424 = experiential/research lab; PSYCH 426 = methods lab) when taken for the appropriate number of credits (see Honors major advisor for guidance). PSYCH 426 may satisfy the college upper-level writing requirement. Students may be required to take a Methods-based lab in addition to these courses, and are encouraged to meet with the Honors major advisor to plan how each course will count toward their plan.
  5. The Honors Thesis. The required senior Honors thesis is a written report describing the design and execution of the research project conducted in collaboration with the faculty mentor. The thesis will be due one calendar month before the anticipated graduation date. All Honors theses must be prepared in American Psychological Association (APA) format, and typically run 30-40 double-spaced pages in length. One electronic and hard copy of the thesis and a submission form must be submitted.
  6. Evaluation of Thesis. The thesis will be evaluated by two-three readers: the mentor, an outside reader (a faculty member not involved in the research project), and a possibly representative of the Honors Major. Students and mentors are responsible for suggesting a second reader prior to submitting their application. The reports of all readers will address the quality of the science reported in the thesis, as well as the quality of the written presentation. The report of the mentor will also address the role the student played in the design, execution, and interpretation of the experiments reported in the thesis, and should point out the role played by others on the project. The Honors Director will then meet to review the recommendations of the readers and decide on the appropriate level of Honors. The Honors Director will attempt to maintain uniform standards, and is not constrained by the recommendations of the readers. Based on LSA guidelines, a determination of "No Honors," "Honors," "High Honors," or "Highest Honors" is made. This determination of an Honors designation must be completed prior to the actual awarding of the degree.

Students interested in the Psychology Department Honors Major should attend an informational session and review program details on the website prior to applying.

Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) (Major) (Winter 2023 - Summer 2023)

Effective Winter 2023

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience may not elect the Neuroscience or Psychology majors.

Advising

The Department has Academic and Peer Advisors (during the Fall and Winter semester only) to support students with declaring and exploring majors, confirming major
progress, assisting with research and course options, as well as discussing transfer credit, academic difficulties, and graduate school options. Students can schedule an
appointment in 1343 East Hall or online. Students are encouraged to review the Psychology department course charts to understand how current course offerings fit into the major.

Prerequisites

An introductory course (PSYCH 111, 112, or 114) with a minimum letter grade of "C"; and STATS 250 or STATS 280 with a minimum grade of C- or higher or "P".

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 32
  1. Core course requirement.  Both courses are required:
    • Biopsychology: PSYCH 230
    • Cognitive Psychology: PSYCH 240

  2. Breadth course requirement.  Choose one course from the following:
    • PSYCH 235, 250, 270, 280, 290, or 291

  3. Lab requirement. Two courses for a minimum of 5 credits total.  At least one lab must be methods-based and only one non-Psych course may be elected.  Students must see an advisor to use thesis courses to meet lab requirements.
    • Methods-Based Lab Courses: PSYCH 300 (if taken FA22 or later), 302, 303, 331, 341, 342 (if taken FA22 or later), 366, 422, 423, 426, 429, 451, 457 (section titled "Developmental Methods"), PSYCH/LING 547; BIOLOGY 226; EEB 381 or 493; MCDB 306, 308, or 423
    • Research Lab Courses: PSYCH 226, 322, 326, 422, 423, 424, 428
    • Thesis Research Sequence: Honors - PSYCH 424 & 426; non-Honors - PSYCH 428 & 429 
  4. Cognate course requirement. One course selected from the following list or a Psychology 300-400 level course (lec/sem) not on the advanced course list.
    One course selected from the following list: 
    • ANAT 403
    • ANTHRBIO 467, (568)
    • BIOLCHEM 415
    • BIOLOGY 205, 208, 222, 225, 305
    • CHEM 351
    • COGSCI 200
    • EEB 390, 442, 450, 481, 492
    • EEB/ENVIRON 381, EEB 440/EAS/ENVIRON 422,  EEB/EAS/ENVIRON 451
    • EECS 281, 492
    • LING 315, 516 (514)
    • MCDB 307, 310, 311, 418, 422, 425, 534
    • PHIL 340, 345, 450, 482
    • PSYCH 406, 462, 472
    • STATS 401, 406

  5. Advanced course requirement.  Four additional upper-level courses for at least 12 credits.  Two courses must be at the 300-level and one course at the 400-level
    • 300-level courses: PSYCH 330, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 352, 355, 356, 358, 359, 363, 365
    • 400-level courses: PSYCH 402, 413, 414, 420, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436 (only if elected W20 or later), 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 454, 456 (only if elected W20 or later), 457 section titled "Biology, Brain & Behavior: The Developing Child", 461, 463, 464, 465, 466, 468, ANTHRBIO 478/PSYCH 469, 476, 478, 531

Constraints

  • 100-level courses may not be used to meet the requirements for the major or the credit requirement.
  • Credit/No-credit courses may be used toward the Lab requirement, but will not count toward the total number of psychology credits required for major.
  • Although some courses that are graded credit/no credit may be used to meet the lab requirement, 32 credits must be letter graded.

Residency

At least 24 credits must be completed through the Psychology department in-residence (AA Campus Department of Psychology and U-M Study Abroad). Of these 24 credits, 12 credits must be upper-division (300 or above).

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the PSYCH subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Honors Major in Psychology and in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience

Psychology and Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience majors with strong academic records and an interest in research are encouraged to consider participating in the Honors Major. The Honors Major is designed to enable advanced students to gain experience in design, conduct, and analysis of research studies. Students experience an intensive collaboration with a faculty member, and complete a significant effort to create new scientific knowledge. The Honors Major can serve as a capstone for their undergraduate studies, and as important preparation for graduate training or employment in a variety of fields.

  1. Requirements. In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an Honors degree designation requires having and maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4, participation in two terms of independent study Honors courses, presenting in the Annual Research Forum, and the completion and acceptance of a written thesis describing an original research project conducted in collaboration with a faculty mentor.
  2. Faculty Partnership. Students wishing to pursue Honors should explore their interests in research and statistics early in their academic career. The student must then identify a faculty research mentor to work in partnership on an Honors project. The research mentor can be any faculty member or research scientist holding a faculty appointment in the University. Students must have one mentor from the Psychology Department. With the mentor as a collaborator, the student will prepare a project plan and timeline for completion. Application deadlines are posted on the Psychology Honors website.
  3. Admission to the Honors Major. A student and their faculty research mentor must apply together for admission to Honors; this includes an application and research proposal. Students are encouraged to apply the semester before their final year at the university (i.e., the end of their Junior year) to begin the Fall term of their Senior year. 
  4. Courses. Once accepted into the Honors Major, Psychology and in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience students will be issued overrides for PSYCH 424 for the first semester of their thesis, and PSYCH 426 in their final semester. The Honors courses are graded and may be used towards the lab requirements (PSYCH 424 = experiential/research lab; PSYCH 426 = methods lab) when taken for the appropriate number of credits (see Honors major advisor for guidance). PSYCH 426 may satisfy the college upper-level writing requirement. Students may be required to take a Methods-based lab in addition to these courses, and are encouraged to meet with the Honors major advisor to plan how each course will count toward their plan.
  5. The Honors Thesis. The required senior Honors thesis is a written report describing the design and execution of the research project conducted in collaboration with the faculty mentor. The thesis will be due one calendar month before the anticipated graduation date. All Honors theses must be prepared in American Psychological Association (APA) format, and typically run 30-40 double-spaced pages in length. One electronic and hard copy of the thesis and a submission form must be submitted.
  6. Evaluation of Thesis. The thesis will be evaluated by two-three readers: the mentor, an outside reader (a faculty member not involved in the research project), and a possibly representative of the Honors Major. Students and mentors are responsible for suggesting a second reader prior to submitting their application. The reports of all readers will address the quality of the science reported in the thesis, as well as the quality of the written presentation. The report of the mentor will also address the role the student played in the design, execution, and interpretation of the experiments reported in the thesis, and should point out the role played by others on the project. The Honors Director will then meet to review the recommendations of the readers and decide on the appropriate level of Honors. The Honors Director will attempt to maintain uniform standards, and is not constrained by the recommendations of the readers. Based on LSA guidelines, a determination of "No Honors," "Honors," "High Honors," or "Highest Honors" is made. This determination of an Honors designation must be completed prior to the actual awarding of the degree.

Students interested in the Psychology Department Honors Major should attend an informational session and review program details on the website prior to applying.

Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) (Major) (Fall 2021 - Fall 2022)

Effective Fall 2021

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience may not elect the Neuroscience or Psychology majors.

Advising

Students choosing psychology as a field of the major develop an approved plan for the major with a department advisor. Students then assume responsibility for completing their program of study or for making revisions which will not jeopardize their graduation. Students are, however, encouraged to consult a department advisor at any time. A department advisor must approve the original plan for the major and any exceptions to the stated requirements for the major. Students should also consult a department advisor when planning the final term's elections to ensure that all requirements for the major have been met and to secure an advisor's approval on a Major Release form. Appointments for students are scheduled at 1343 East Hall or online through the Department website.

Peer Advising

Advising by Undergraduate Psychology Academic Peer Advising Program students is available at 1343 East Hall during the fall and winter terms.

Prerequisites

An introductory course (PSYCH 111, 112, or 114) with a minimum letter grade of "C"; and STATS 250 or STATS 280 with a minimum letter grade of "C-".

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 32
  1. Core course requirement.  Both courses are required:
    • Biopsychology: PSYCH 230
    • Cognitive Psychology: PSYCH 240

  2. Breadth course requirement.  Choose one course from the following:
    • PSYCH 235, 250, 270, 280, 290, or 291

  3. Lab requirement. Two courses for a minimum of 5 credits total.  At least one lab must be methods-based and only one non-Psych course may be elected.  Students must see an advisor to use thesis courses to meet lab requirements.
    • Methods-Based Lab Courses: PSYCH 300 (if taken FA22 or later), 302, 303, 331, 341, 342 (if taken FA22 or later), 366, 422, 423, 426, 429, 451, 457 (section titled "Developmental Methods"), PSYCH/LING 547; BIOLOGY 226; EEB 381 or 493; MCDB 306, 308, or 423
    • Research Lab Courses: PSYCH 226, 322, 326, 422, 423, 424, 428
    • Thesis Research Sequence: Honors - PSYCH 424 & 426; non-Honors - PSYCH 428 & 429 
  4. Cognate course requirement. One course selected from the following list or a Psychology 300-400 level course (lec/sem) not on the advanced course list.
    One course selected from the following list: 
    • ANAT 403
    • ANTHRBIO 467, (568)
    • BIOLCHEM 415
    • BIOLOGY 205, 208, 222, 225, 305
    • CHEM 351
    • COGSCI 200
    • EEB 390, 442, 450, 481, 492
    • EEB/ENVIRON 381, EEB 440/EAS/ENVIRON 422,  EEB/EAS/ENVIRON 451
    • EECS 281, 492
    • LING 315, 516 (514)
    • MCDB 307, 310, 311, 418, 422, 425, 534
    • PHIL 340, 345, 450, 482
    • PSYCH 462
    • STATS 401, 406

  5. Advanced course requirement.  Four additional upper-level courses for at least 12 credits.  Two courses must be at the 300-level and one course at the 400-level
    • 300-level courses: PSYCH 330, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 352, 355, 356, 358, 359, 363, 365
    • 400-level courses: PSYCH 402, 413, 414, 420, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436 (only if elected W20 or later), 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 454, 456 (only if elected W20 or later), 457 section titled "Biology, Brain & Behavior: The Developing Child", 461, 463, 464, 465, 468, ANTHRBIO 478/PSYCH 469, 476, 478, 531

Constraints

  • 100-level courses may not be used to meet the requirements for the major or the credit requirement.
  • Credit/No-credit courses may be used toward the Lab requirement, but will not count toward the total number of psychology credits required for major.
  • Although some courses that are graded credit/no credit may be used to meet the lab requirement, 32 credits must be letter graded.

Residency

Of the 40 overall credits (pre-requisites and courses for the major), 24 must be completed in-residence (AA Campus Department of Psychology and U-M Study Abroad). Of these 24 credits, 12 credits must be upper-division (300 or above).

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the PSYCH subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Honors Major in Psychology and in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience

Psychology and Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience majors with strong academic records and an interest in research are encouraged to consider participating in the Honors Major. The Honors Major is designed to enable advanced students to gain experience in design, conduct, and analysis of research studies. Students experience an intensive collaboration with a faculty member, and complete a significant effort to create new scientific knowledge. The Honors Major can serve as a capstone for their undergraduate studies, and as important preparation for graduate training or employment in a variety of fields.

  1. Requirements. In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an Honors degree designation requires having and maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4, participation in two terms of independent study Honors courses, presenting in the Annual Research Forum, and the completion and acceptance of a written thesis describing an original research project conducted in collaboration with a faculty mentor.
  2. Faculty Partnership. Students wishing to pursue Honors should explore their interests in research and statistics early in their academic career. The student must then identify a faculty research mentor to work in partnership on an Honors project. The research mentor can be any faculty member or research scientist holding a faculty appointment in the University. Students must have one mentor from the Psychology Department. With the mentor as a collaborator, the student will prepare a project plan and timeline for completion. Application deadlines are posted on the Psychology Honors website.
  3. Admission to the Honors Major. A student and their faculty research mentor must apply together for admission to Honors; this includes an application and research proposal. Students are encouraged to apply the semester before their final year at the university (i.e., the end of their Junior year) to begin the Fall term of their Senior year. 
  4. Courses. Once accepted into the Honors Major, Psychology and in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience students will be issued overrides for PSYCH 424 for the first semester of their thesis, and PSYCH 426 in their final semester. The Honors courses are graded and may be used towards the lab requirements (PSYCH 424 = experiential/research lab; PSYCH 426 = methods lab) when taken for the appropriate number of credits (see Honors major advisor for guidance). PSYCH 426 may satisfy the college upper-level writing requirement. Students may be required to take a Methods-based lab in addition to these courses, and are encouraged to meet with the Honors major advisor to plan how each course will count toward their plan.
  5. The Honors Thesis. The required senior Honors thesis is a written report describing the design and execution of the research project conducted in collaboration with the faculty mentor. The thesis will be due one calendar month before the anticipated graduation date. All Honors theses must be prepared in American Psychological Association (APA) format, and typically run 30-40 double-spaced pages in length. One electronic and hard copy of the thesis and a submission form must be submitted.
  6. Evaluation of Thesis. The thesis will be evaluated by two-three readers: the mentor, an outside reader (a faculty member not involved in the research project), and a possibly representative of the Honors Major. Students and mentors are responsible for suggesting a second reader prior to submitting their application. The reports of all readers will address the quality of the science reported in the thesis, as well as the quality of the written presentation. The report of the mentor will also address the role the student played in the design, execution, and interpretation of the experiments reported in the thesis, and should point out the role played by others on the project. The Honors Director will then meet to review the recommendations of the readers and decide on the appropriate level of Honors. The Honors Director will attempt to maintain uniform standards, and is not constrained by the recommendations of the readers. Based on LSA guidelines, a determination of "No Honors," "Honors," "High Honors," or "Highest Honors" is made. This determination of an Honors designation must be completed prior to the actual awarding of the degree.

Students interested in the Psychology Department Honors Major should attend an informational session and review program details on the website prior to applying.

Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) (Major) (Winter 2018 - Summer 2021)

Effective Winter 2018

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience may not elect the Neuroscience or Psychology majors.

Advising

Students choosing psychology as a field of the major develop an approved plan for the major with a department advisor. Students then assume responsibility for completing their program of study or for making revisions which will not jeopardize their graduation. Students are, however, encouraged to consult a department advisor at any time. A department advisor must approve the original plan for the major and any exceptions to the stated requirements for the major. Students should also consult a department advisor when planning the final term's elections to ensure that all requirements for the major have been met and to secure an advisor's approval on a Major Release form. Appointments for students are scheduled at 1343 East Hall or online through the Department website.

Peer Advising

Advising by Undergraduate Psychology Academic Peer Advising Program students is available at 1343 East Hall during the fall and winter terms.

Prerequisites

An introductory course (PSYCH 111, 112, or 114) with a minimum letter grade of "C"; and STATS 250 or STATS 280 with a minimum letter grade of "C-".

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 32
  1. Core course requirement.  Both courses are required:
    • Biopsychology: PSYCH 230
    • Cognitive Psychology: PSYCH 240

  2. Breadth course requirement.  Choose one course from the following:
    • PSYCH 250, 270, 280, 290, or 291

  3. Lab requirement. Two courses for a minimum of 5 credits total.  At least one lab must be methods-based and only one non-Psych course may be elected.  Students must see an advisor to use thesis courses to meet lab requirements.
    • Methods-Based Lab Courses: PSYCH 302, 303, 331, 341, 366, 422, 423, 426, 429, 451, 457 (section titled "Developmental Methods"), PSYCH/LING 547; BIOLOGY 226; EEB 381 or 493; MCDB 306, 308, or 423
    • Research Lab Courses: PSYCH 226, 322, 326, 422, 423, 424, 428
    • Thesis Research Sequence: Honors - PSYCH 424 & 426; non-Honors - PSYCH 428 & 429 
  4. Cognate course requirement. One course selected from the following list or a Psychology 300-400 level course (lec/sem) not on the advanced course list.
    One course selected from the following list: 
    • ANAT 403
    • ANTHRBIO 467, 478, (568)
    • BIOLCHEM 415
    • BIOLOGY 205, 208, 222, 225, 305
    • CHEM 351
    • COGSCI 200
    • EEB 390, 442, 450, 481, 492
    • EEB/ENVIRON 381, EEB 440/EAS/ENVIRON 422,  EEB/EAS/ENVIRON 451
    • EECS 281, 492
    • LING 315, 516 (514)
    • MCDB 307, 310, 311, 418, 422, 425, 534
    • PHIL 340, 345, 450, 482
    • PSYCH 462
    • STATS 401, 406

  5. Advanced course requirement.  Four additional upper-level courses for at least 12 credits.  Two courses must be at the 300-level and one course at the 400-level
    • 300-level courses: PSYCH 330, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 352, 355, 356, 358, 359
    • 400-level courses: PSYCH 402, 413, 414, 420, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436 (only if elected W20 or later), 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 454, 456 (only if elected W20 or later), 457 section titled "Biology, Brain & Behavior: The Developing Child", 463, 531

Constraints

  • 100-level courses may not be used to meet the requirements for the major or the credit requirement.
  • Credit/No-credit courses may be used toward the Lab requirement, but will not count toward the total number of psychology credits required for major.
  • Although some courses that are graded credit/no credit may be used to meet the lab requirement, 32 credits must be letter graded.

Residency

Of the 40 overall credits (pre-requisites and courses for the major), 24 must be completed in-residence (AA Campus Department of Psychology and U-M Study Abroad). Of these 24 credits, 12 credits must be upper-division (300 or above).

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the PSYCH subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Honors Major in Psychology and in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience

Psychology and Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience majors with strong academic records and an interest in research are encouraged to consider participating in the Honors Major. The Honors Major is designed to enable advanced students to gain experience in design, conduct, and analysis of research studies. Students experience an intensive collaboration with a faculty member, and complete a significant effort to create new scientific knowledge. The Honors Major can serve as a capstone for their undergraduate studies, and as important preparation for graduate training or employment in a variety of fields.

  1. Requirements. In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an Honors degree designation requires having and maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4, participation in two terms of independent study Honors courses, presenting in the Annual Research Forum, and the completion and acceptance of a written thesis describing an original research project conducted in collaboration with a faculty mentor.
  2. Faculty Partnership. Students wishing to pursue Honors should explore their interests in research and statistics early in their academic career. The student must then identify a faculty research mentor to work in partnership on an Honors project. The research mentor can be any faculty member or research scientist holding a faculty appointment in the University. Students must have one mentor from the Psychology Department. With the mentor as a collaborator, the student will prepare a project plan and timeline for completion. Application deadlines are posted on the Psychology Honors website.
  3. Admission to the Honors Major. A student and their faculty research mentor must apply together for admission to Honors; this includes an application and research proposal. Students are encouraged to apply the semester before their final year at the university (i.e., the end of their Junior year) to begin the Fall term of their Senior year. 
  4. Courses. Once accepted into the Honors Major, Psychology and in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience students will be issued overrides for PSYCH 424 for the first semester of their thesis, and PSYCH 426 in their final semester. The Honors courses are graded and may be used towards the lab requirements (PSYCH 424 = experiential/research lab; PSYCH 426 = methods lab) when taken for the appropriate number of credits (see Honors major advisor for guidance). PSYCH 426 may satisfy the college upper-level writing requirement. Students may be required to take a Methods-based lab in addition to these courses, and are encouraged to meet with the Honors major advisor to plan how each course will count toward their plan.
  5. The Honors Thesis. The required senior Honors thesis is a written report describing the design and execution of the research project conducted in collaboration with the faculty mentor. The thesis will be due one calendar month before the anticipated graduation date. All Honors theses must be prepared in American Psychological Association (APA) format, and typically run 30-40 double-spaced pages in length. One electronic and hard copy of the thesis and a submission form must be submitted.
  6. Evaluation of Thesis. The thesis will be evaluated by two-three readers: the mentor, an outside reader (a faculty member not involved in the research project), and a possibly representative of the Honors Major. Students and mentors are responsible for suggesting a second reader prior to submitting their application. The reports of all readers will address the quality of the science reported in the thesis, as well as the quality of the written presentation. The report of the mentor will also address the role the student played in the design, execution, and interpretation of the experiments reported in the thesis, and should point out the role played by others on the project. The Honors Director will then meet to review the recommendations of the readers and decide on the appropriate level of Honors. The Honors Director will attempt to maintain uniform standards, and is not constrained by the recommendations of the readers. Based on LSA guidelines, a determination of "No Honors," "Honors," "High Honors," or "Highest Honors" is made. This determination of an Honors designation must be completed prior to the actual awarding of the degree.

Students interested in the Psychology Department Honors Major should attend an informational session and review program details on the website prior to applying.

Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) (Major) (Fall 2015 - Fall 2017)

Effective Fall 2015

Exclusions:

Students who elect a major in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience may not elect the Neuroscience or Psychology majors.

Advising

Students choosing psychology as a field of the major develop an approved plan for the major with a department advisor. Students then assume responsibility for completing their program of study or for making revisions which will not jeopardize their graduation. Students are, however, encouraged to consult a department advisor at any time. A department advisor must approve the original plan for the major and any exceptions to the stated requirements for the major. Students should also consult a department advisor when planning the final term's elections to ensure that all requirements for the major have been met and to secure an advisor's approval on a Major Release form. Appointments for students are scheduled at 1343 East Hall or online through the Department website.

Peer Advising

Advising by Undergraduate Psychology Academic Peer Advising Program students is available at 1343 East Hall during the fall and winter terms.

Prerequisites

An introductory course (PSYCH 111, 112, or 114) with a minimum letter grade of "C"; and STATS 250 or STATS 280 with a minimum letter grade of "C-".

Requirements

Minimum Credits: 32
  1. Core course requirement.  Both courses are required:
    • Biopsychology: PSYCH 230
    • Cognitive Psychology: PSYCH 240

  2. Breadth course requirement.  Choose one course from the following:
    • PSYCH 250, 270, 280, 290, or 291

  3. Lab requirement. Two courses for a minimum of 5 credits total.  At least one lab must be methods-based and only one non-Psych course may be elected.  Students must see an advisor to use thesis courses to meet lab requirements.
    • Methods-Based Lab Courses: PSYCH 302, 303, 331, 341, 343, 422, 423, 426, 428 (2nd term); 457 (section titled, "Developmental Methods"), PSYCH/LING 547; BIOLOGY 226; EEB 381 or 493; MCDB 306, 308, or 423
    • Research Lab Courses: PSYCH 226, 322, 326, 422, 423, 424, 428 (1st term)

  4. Cognate course requirement. One course selected from the following list or a Psychology 300-400 level course (lec/sem) not on the advanced course list.
    One course selected from the following list:
    • ANTHRBIO 467, 478, (568)
    • BIOLCHEM 415
    • BIOLOGY 205, 208, 222, 225, 305
    • CHEM 351
    • COGSCI 200
    • EEB 381, 390, 440/ENVIRON 442/NRE 422, 442, 450, 451/ENVIRON 451/NRE 451, 481, 492
    • EECS 281, 492
    • LING 315, 514
    • MCDB 307, 310, 311, 418, 422, 425, 534
    • PHIL 340, 345, 450, 482
    • PSYCH 462
    • STATS 401, 406

  5. Additional course requirement.  Four additional upper-level courses for at least 12 credits.  Two courses must be at the 300-level and one course at the 400-level
    • 300-level courses: PSYCH 330, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 352, 355, 356, 358, 359
    • 400-level courses: PSYCH 402, 414, 420, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436 (only if elected WN20 or later), 438, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 531

Constraints

  • 100-level courses may not be used to meet the requirements for the major or the credit requirement.
  • Credit/No-credit courses may be used toward the Lab requirement, but will not count toward the total number of psychology credits required for major.
  • Although some courses that are graded credit/no credit may be used to meet the lab requirement, 32 credits must be letter graded.

Residency

Of the 40 overall credits (pre-requisites and courses for the major), 24 must be completed in-residence directly through University of Michigan's Department of Psychology. Of these 24 credits, 12 credits must be upper-division (300 or above).

Distribution Policy

No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the PSYCH subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.

Honors

The Honors Major in Psychology and in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience

Psychology and Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience majors with strong academic records and an interest in research are encouraged to consider participating in the Honors Major. The program is designed to enable advanced students to gain experience in design, conduct, and analysis of research studies. Students experience an intensive collaboration with a faculty member, and complete a major effort to create new scientific knowledge. The Honors Major can serve as a capstone for their undergraduate studies, and as important preparation for graduate training or employment in a variety of fields.

  1. Requirements. In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an Honors degree designation requires having and maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4, participation in two terms of independent study Honors courses, presenting in the Annual Research Forum, and the completion and acceptance of a written thesis describing an original research project conducted in collaboration with a faculty mentor.
  2. Faculty Partnership. Students wishing to pursue Honors should explore their interests in research and statistics early in their academic career. The student must then identify a faculty research mentor to work in partnership on an Honors project. The research mentor can be any faculty member or research scientist holding a faculty appointment in the University. Students must have one mentor from the Psychology Department. With the mentor as a collaborator, the student will prepare a project plan and timeline for completion. Application deadlines are posted on the Psychology Honors website.
  3. Admission to the Honors Major. A student and their faculty research mentor must apply together for admission to the program; this includes an application and research proposal. Students are encouraged to apply the semester before their final year at the university (i.e., the end of their Junior year) to begin the Fall term of their Senior year. Students will need to have completed their Statistics requirement and have completed or planned completion of their Methods-based lab requirement before applying to the program.
  4. Courses. Once accepted into the Honors Major, Psychology concentrators will elect both PSYCH 425 and 427; Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science concentrators will elect both PSYCH 424 and 426. The Honors courses are graded, may be used towards the required experiential lab credits (Psychology major: for a maximum of 6 experiential lab credits and BCN major: maximum of 3 credits) and PSYCH 426 or 427 may satisfy the college upper-level writing requirement. Students may be required to take a Methods-based lab in addition to these courses, and are encouraged to meet with the Honors concentration advisor to plan how each course will count toward their plan.
  5. The Honors Thesis. The required senior Honors thesis is a written report describing the design and execution of the research project conducted in collaboration with the faculty mentor. The thesis will be due one calendar month before the anticipated graduation date. All Honors theses must be prepared in American Psychological Association (APA) format, and typically run 30-40 double-spaced pages in length. One electronic and hard copy of the thesis and a submission form must be submitted.
  6. Evaluation of Thesis. The thesis will be evaluated by two-three readers: the mentor, an outside reader (a faculty member not involved in the research project), and a possibly representative of the Honors Major. Students and mentors are responsible for suggesting a second reader prior to submitting their application. The reports of all readers will address the quality of the science reported in the thesis, as well as the quality of the written presentation. The report of the mentor will also address the role the student played in the design, execution, and interpretation of the experiments reported in the thesis, and should point out the role played by others on the project. The Honors Director will then meet to review the recommendations of the readers and decide on the appropriate level of Honors. The Honors Director will attempt to maintain uniform standards, and is not constrained by the recommendations of the readers. Based on LSA guidelines, a determination of "No Honors," "Honors," "High Honors," or "Highest Honors" is made. This determination of an Honors designation must be completed prior to the actual awarding of the degree.

Students interested in the Psychology Department Honors Major should attend an informational session and review program details on the website prior to applying.