In the Behavioral focus,
students are expected to become proficient in research, theory, and
behavioral principles along with the traditional topics associated with
the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. These include conditioning and
learning, stimulus control, incentive-motivation, behavioral economics,
choice, biological-constraints-on-learning and animal models of drug
abuse. Students are able to focus on a particular topic of interest
through specialized seminars and in-depth laboratory research.
Students pursuing the Behavioral
specialization need to take any 6 of the core courses related to this
area to enhance their fundamental background knowledge. Note that other
courses (either at AU or any of the consortium schools) may be substituted
for one or more of these core
courses, but only with the approval of the academic advisor.
In addition, we appreciate individual interests and highly encourage
students to follow up these core courses with even more specialized
seminars for depth and more integrative courses for a broader perspective.
We place a special emphasis
on research at all stages of graduate training. Students are expected
to be an integral part of a laboratory
throughout their graduate training, thereby augmenting their course
learning through apprenticeship in research as well as contributions
to science. Laboratory rotations ensure that different research skills
are learned along with more content.
With practical research experience
and course work, students develop skills in the Experimental Analysis
of human and animal behavior.
For additional information
about this focus area, please contact Dr.
Stanley J. Weiss.
