Neuroscience, formerly the Psychobiology major at Hiram
College, is the study of the biological and ecological basis
of behavior. The Hiram College program in Psychobiology was
begun in 1970 as a response to the increasing
interdisciplinary approach to understanding behavior. Our
distinctive program derives from the expertise of several
faculty members over a range of topics relating to
behavior-physiology-ecology relationships within the broad
perspective of evolutionary theory.
The program is administered by the
Department of Psychology, with participation by several
members of the Department of Biology. Course work for the
major includes selections from biology, chemistry,
psychology, and mathematics. Each student also undertakes a
senior thesis project that culminates in a written thesis
and oral presentation. Recent projects include: the
expression of acetylcholinesterase and calbindin in the
auditory brainstem of embryonic mice, the effects of 17-ß
estradiol on male guppy sexual behavior, and the role of
NMDAR and VDCC in the acquisition of a conditioned taste
aversion. Students often present their findings at regional
or national conferences, and are often co-authors of
published research.
The Departments of Psychology and Biology contain laboratory
facilities for neuroanatomical research, psychophysical
research, scanning electron microscopy, and experimental
investigations into animal behavior. Within the Psychology
Department are several animal housing facilities, approved
by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) for
housing rats, mice and other laboratory species. The James
H. Barrow Field Station, located approximately 5 minutes
from campus, allows for field observations and experiments
of animal behavior.
Graduates in Psychobiology often go on to graduate school in
neuroscience, medicine, veterinary medicine or animal
behavior. Others have obtained immediate employment as
veterinary assistants, medical research assistants, or
keepers at zoological parks and aquaria.