You might be familiar with the idea that psychologists study the mind, but have you ever wondered if psychologists also delve into the intricacies of the brain?

The distinction between the “mind” and the “brain” is not just semantic but also pertains to the academic focus and domain of study. In psychology, the “mind” predominantly refers to the intangible facets such as thoughts, images, and emotions that aren’t physically observable. When you process or internalize these words, it’s an activity of your mind. On the other hand, the term “brain” denotes the tangible, physical organ within your skull. Studying the “brain” involves examining its anatomical structure and functions, from neurons and the nervous system to specific regions that become active during various cognitive and bodily activities.

If this type of career interests you, read on. You will learn what a biological psychologist does, what degree is necessary for this position, and access interviews with biopsychologists working in their field.

What Does a Biological Psychologist Do?Job Requirements (What Do Biological Psychologists Study?)SalarySchools for Biological Psychology DegreesCompanies That Hire Biological PsychologistsInterviews with a Biological PsychologistFamous Biological PsychologistsBiological Psychology Examples

What Does a Biological Psychologist Do?

Job Requirements (What Do Biological Psychologists Study?)

Salary

Schools for Biological Psychology Degrees

Companies That Hire Biological Psychologists

Interviews with a Biological Psychologist

Famous Biological Psychologists

Biological Psychology Examples

A biological psychologist studies how the physical brain and the psychological mind influence human behavior. Their research looks at the entire nervous system, our thought processes, and the results of those processes. Biopsychologists may also act as teachers and consultants, depending on their job.

This isn’t the most popular field of psychology, but it has its place in psychology.

To become a biopsychologist, you must attend school for several years. After you have earned your Bachelor’s, you can enter a graduate program that combines psychology and neuroscience. Many colleges have a School of Neuroscience and Psychology, although some programs keep these two degrees in separate schools.

Most psychology jobs (and licenses) require that you not only earn your Master’s degree but also your Ph.D. As you work toward your Ph.D. or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), you can intern at various labs, pharmaceutical companies, and other organizations interested in hiring you once you have completed your degree.

Earning your dream job may require research experience, licensure, and other certifications. Check your state’s requirements to practice as a psychologist as you make your plans.

There isn’t a lot of data on biopsychology salaries, especially when you consider the number of different titles that biopsychologists hold. Generally, it is possible to live comfortably as a biopsychologist and reach a point in your career where you make six figures.

Biological Psychologist Reported SalaryLowAverageHighComparably​$88,982​ZipRecruiter$19,500$59,009$124,000CareerTrend​$75,710​Payscale​$71,735​

Biological Psychologist Reported Salary

Low

Average

High

Comparably

​

$88,982

ZipRecruiter

$19,500

$59,009

$124,000

CareerTrend

$75,710

Payscale

$71,735

Looking to earn a biopsychology or behavioral neuroscience degree? Look no further than these schools. They have been ranked as some of the top schools in the country for biopsychology majors:

Biological psychology, often termed biopsychology or behavioral neuroscience, delves into the intricate relationship between the mind and the brain. It bridges the gap between psychology and biology, giving students a deeper understanding of the biological bases of behavior. Because of its comprehensive nature, many educational institutions categorize it as a prime prerequisite for medical programs. Consequently, students who opt for this major often find themselves amidst pre-med track peers, gearing up for medical school.

While the overlap between biological psychology and pre-med tracks is significant, it’s essential to remember that biopsychology is a vast and varied field with numerous opportunities. With clarity, purpose, and strategic navigation, students can thrive in the major without succumbing to the pressures of the pre-med pathway.

Where do biological psychologists work? Everywhere!

When you look for biopsychology jobs online, you are likely to find a lot of college research facilities looking for assistants and other roles related to research. But this isn’t the only type of organization that looks for biopsychologists. Pharmaceutical companies want to know how certain drugs may affect the biology and psychology of their patients. Healthcare institutions may hire biopsychologists to work with patients who have undergone brain trauma. Any of these organizations may be on the lookout for a biopsychologist:

Biological psychologists can offer an interesting look into the brain and our behavior. Just read thisinterview with Meike Bartels, a biological psychologist in the Netherlands. She argues that some people were able to increase their well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic!

You can also listen to interviews with biological psychologists, like this interview with Dr. Robert Paul.

Jon Schull is a well-known biological psychologist, but he’s not the only one! The study of the mind-body (or mind-brain) connection goes back to the world’s early philosophers, from Plato to Descartes. The following biopsychologists (and similar figures in the field) have shaped how we view the mind-body connection or have fun stories to tell from their experiences.

Dr. John Martyn Harlow, a biopsychologist in the 1800s, is most known for his work with Phineas Gage. Phineas Gage is a classic case in biopsychology; after enduring a traumatic brain injury, friends and family of Gage observed that his personality changed. Biologically, he mostly recovered from the incident. Psychologically, he would never be the same.

Another classic in the world of biopsychology is the book The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales. NeurologistOliver Sackswrote this book, and is frequently discussed in early biopsychology classes.

Lisa Feldman Barretthas been named one of today’s most influential biological psychologists. She has authored or co-authored six books and been a crucial part of over 200 peer-reviewed papers! Her work focuses primarily on emotions and the brain.

What can you find a biological psychologist doing every day? The answer greatly varies depending on their workplace and role. Here are some common activities along with real-world examples to illustrate:

These real-world scenarios showcase biopsychologists' multifaceted roles, spanning from hardcore research to clinical applications and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Related posts:The Psychology of Long Distance RelationshipsOperant Conditioning (Examples + Research)Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI Test)Variable Interval Reinforcement Schedule (Examples)Abandonment Issues (Examples, Causes, and Treatment)

Reference this article:Practical Psychology. (2021, June).Biological Psychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews).Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/biological-psychologist/.Practical Psychology. (2021, June). Biological Psychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews). Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/biological-psychologist/.Copy

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Practical Psychology. (2021, June).Biological Psychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews).Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/biological-psychologist/.Practical Psychology. (2021, June). Biological Psychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews). Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/biological-psychologist/.Copy

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