psych12

Bump for any additional insight, post application season. Tell me how it went for you!

Just wanted to bump to see if anyone has further insight :-)

That makes a lot of sense, my main concern is that I'd be at a distinct disadvantage due to not ever having any biology lab experience. I don't really have the time to join a lab either (it would also take me 1 semester before I'd even be able anyway, would need to take cell biology and the lab - required at my university).

Thanks for the input, some of this stuff should be more transparent..

Thanks for your response. I'm curious to see what people have for math backgrounds as well.

Hi all, I am actually a junior preparing for applying next cycle, and I wanted to see if anyone is in the same or similar boat as me. I am completing a B.S. in psychology with a concentration in biopsychology. I am looking to apply to animal behavior and learning programs, and behavioral neuroscience programs (based in the psychology department). I have only taken introduction to cell biology (not Cell Biology), molecular genetics, ecology and evolution, introduction to biochem and organic chemistry I & II (the chemistry classes were not the organic chemistry classes biology majors take). My research background (at the times of application in early fall 2013): ---- 2 years in a space radiation behavior lab – I strictly run behavioral experiments in this lab, and I am also completing my honors thesis (will be done and in prep/under review for 1st author pub by the end of fall 2013) on the neurocognitive effects of a certain kind of radiation (sorry, a little vague). I work strictly with rats at this job. ---- 1.5 years of experience paid behavioral research assistant at a world-renowned, top medical school (so I am assuming school brand helps a bit). I have learned over 20 modern behavioral tests (and am competent conducting them), I validate them, help train post docs, test new protocols and help develop protocols (I also have limited experience analyzing and organizing data). I have learned a lot of different computer software programs through this job. This is probably more of a research technician job. I work strictly with mice at this job. ---- A semester of experience in a genetic epidemiology lab - mostly did literature reviews and learned how to make good research figures. My question lies in how much biology is a pre-requisite to these animal behavior and learning, and behavioral neuroscience programs. They are based in the psychology department, and I feel I have a competitive behavioral edge, but I have never taken a biology lab or worked in one (all my research experience involves only the behavioral testing side – my honors thesis involves behavioral comparisons between different radiation particle characteristics). Is anyone else in this situation? I have this spring left, and I am applying in the fall, so I do have time to take some classes – but I wanted to take Calculus I (as an elective) and introduction to computer programming this semester, not more biology. If you are in the same boat, feel free to post questions too! I would greatly appreciate if anyone could post their experience or insight on this. If you need any additional info, let me know – thanks!