PSYC 2285 Behavioral Neuroscience

This course presents an introduction to the physiological basis of behavior. Basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology are presented, and the following topics are then discussed: neuropharmacology, psychopharmacology, and the biological bases of mental illness; brain mechanisms of reward and reinforcement; hormones and behavior; an introduction to the development of the nervous system; brain mechanisms of learning and memory; and brain mechanisms of emotion.

Course overview

Department
Psychology and Neuroscience
School
MCAS
Credits
3
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Every Fall,Every Spring

Catalog details

Prerequisites
PSYC1110 or BIOL2000

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Requirements fulfilled

  • Neuroscience B.S.: Foundation (24 Credits) — Any one of the following courses (3 credits) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
  • Psychology B.A.: One course from the Biological/Cognitive cluster (3 credits) (Class of 2028 and After)
  • Psychology B.S.: One course from the Biological/Cognitive cluster (3 credits) (Class of 2028 and After)
  • Psychology B.A. (Class of 2027 and Before): Three 2000-level courses — Biological area (Class of 2027 and Before)
  • Psychology B.S. (Class of 2027 and Before): Three 2000-level courses — Biological area (Class of 2027 and Before)
  • Psychology: Courses That May Be Applied to the Minor (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

4.27 / 5

Based on 925 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • John P Christianson
    Summer 2026, Summer 2025, Summer 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2023, Fall 2022, Summer 2022, Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.39/5
  • Michael A McDannald
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2022 · Official rating 4.49/5
  • Caroline J Smith
    Spring 2026, Spring 2025 · Official rating 4.52/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Summer 2026 · John P Christianson · On-line Asynchronous · Offered
  • Section 02
    Summer 2026 · John P Christianson · On-line Asynchronous · Offered
  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Michael A McDannald · Devlin Hall 8 TuTh 12:00 Noon-01:15PM · Offered