Behavioral and Biological Sciences
The study of Behavioral and Biological Sciences investigates the intersections between biochemistry, psychology, genetics, neurobiology, behavior, immunology and anthropology.
Students choosing this major will learn the foundations of biological and psychological sciences as they apply to the study of human and animal behavior. The student experience will include lectures, seminars and hands-on laboratory courses to develop foundational understanding, experimental techniques and critical thinking skills. In addition the importance of ethical considerations and implications of research on behavior and genes will be emphasized. Opportunities to participate in research with faculty, attend seminars and develop communication skills provide an exceptional educational experience at the intersection of this rapidly growing area of cutting edge research and treatment.
For further information about Behavioral and Biological Sciences, contact program director: Dr. Nitya Sethuraman.
A recent study called The Next Generation of Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences Researchers: Breaking Through by the National Academies and sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Bloomberg Philanthropies highlights the need for research and training in the biomedical fields. The BBS program is designed to prepare future researchers, professionals and educators in this critical area. Students trained in behavioral and biological sciences will be uniquely prepared to enter careers in research or business, to pursue graduate studies or enter professional training such as medical school.
Undergraduate Catalog: Overview and requirements for the BBS major.
Learn more about CASL Degree Requirements.
- Explain how molecular and genetic processes contribute to behavior.
- Explain how environmental and socio-cognitive experiences contribute to behavior.
- Describe the causes or possible causes of behavioral disease or illness, and provide scientific rationale for the pharmacological and socio-cognitive treatment of illness and disease.
- Read, interpret, and critique the literature in biology and behavioral science.
- Communicate in written and spoken formats about scientific principles and findings.
- Interpret and design appropriate experiments and apply principles of data analysis using statistical methods.
- Understand professional and ethical responsibilities.
Preferred Admission Programs
UM-Dearborn Partnership with UM-Ann Arbor College of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Preferred Admission Program
Do you want to be on the frontline of healthcare? As a future pharmacist, you're part of the community either as a retail pharmacist, or in the hospital, research lab, industry or academia. We're excited to share about the Pharmacy Preferred Admission Program the University of Michigan-Dearborn has with the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor College of Pharmacy (UM-COP).
Up to ten (10) UM-Dearborn students, either high school student admitted to UM-Dearborn or first year UM-Dearborn student, will be granted conditional assurance of admission annually to UM-COP. These students will earn their bachelor's degree from UM-Dearborn. Together with Health Professions Advising team, the students will work on which courses to take to best prepare academically and co-curriculars to work on for the PharmD program at UM-COP. If they meet the PharmD admission requirements, these students will have reserved seats in the UM-COP's PharmD program, setting them on the course for a successful career in the pharmacy field. If you have questions, please meet with our HPA Director.
UM-Dearborn Partnership with MSU College of Human Medicine
Early Assurance Program (EAP)
Do you have college years of service working with underserved communities? If you're truly committed to serving the medically underserved locally (Michigan) and globally as a physician, then Michigan State University (MSU) College of Human Medicine (CHM), the allopathic (MD) medical school, may be for you! See MSU CHM Admissions.
UM-Dearborn formed a partnership with MSU CHM Early Assurance Program (EAP). You can read more about the partnership. This isn't an early decision program. Rather, if MSU CHM is your first-choice medical school and your mission is their mission, then the MSU CHM EAP is something you may want to pursue.
Learn more when MSU CHM visits campus each fall to share information about their medical school (CHM) and the EAP. Set up an appointment with the HPA Director to find out if the EAP is your pathway and how to prepare your EAP application because the application cycle is not the same as the typical cycle. Please note: The UM-Dearborn MSU CHM EAP is not for UM-Dearborn alumni, or those seeking an early-decision program, or those already in the current MD or DO application cycle.
Making the Most of Your Major
There are opportunities to develop skills and connect with others interested in geological sciences beyond the classroom.
Get Involved
Join a professional organization. Present a research poster at Meeting of Minds or the CASL Research & PBL Showcase. Explore UM-Dearborn student organizations on VictorsLink.
Get Real World Experience
Internships, research, and study abroad opportunities are available for students. Talk with your professors to learn more.
Plan for Life After Graduation
BBS students have opportunities to work or to further their education in graduate or professional schools. Career Services offers assistance with job searching, resumes, interviews, or graduate school applications.
Read about the good work being done by our Behavioral & Biological Sciences faculty and students!
Faculty in the News
Recent Faculty Kudos
"This multidisciplinary major creates a strong link between biology and psychology, allowing students, like me, to study how the brain relates to human behavior. This major, also, is perfect for students who are interested in the physical side of Psychology. By combining the study of biology and psychology, you learn about the relationship between our biological make-up and how we think, feel and act."
- Lena Rammouni, 2018 BBS Honors Scholar
I am Lena Rammouni, a junior here at the University of Michigan- Dearborn. As a first-generation college student, I was clueless about what major I wanted to focus my studies around. All I knew was that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine.
I started off as a Biochemistry major my freshman year. After my first semester and taking my pre-required courses, I realized I developed a newfound love for psychology. The human mind and its functions really took my breath-away and always had me pondering for more. This helped to influence my decision to minor in Psychology. However, I always wished that there was a major that combined both the biological and psychological concepts. After expressing my ideas to my counselor, she directed me towards a new major: Behavioral and Biological Sciences (Biopsychology).
Switching to this major was by far one of the best decisions I have ever done here at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. This multidisciplinary major creates a strong link between biology and psychology, allowing students, like me, to study how the brain relates to human behavior. This major, also, is perfect for students who are interested in the physical side of Psychology. By combining the study of biology and psychology, you learn about the relationship between our biological make-up and how we think, feel and act. For a pre-medical student, these fascinating subjects give you the knowledge needed to improve people's lives, whether it is treating mental illness or a variety of other psychological and physical problems. This major is not limited to only the pre-medicine track, it will prepare you to work in many different fields. I highly recommend this major to students that want more than a Biology or Psychology degree.