Mind, Brain, and Behavior

Mind, Brain, Behavior

A First-Year Ampersand Program

Explore how mind, brain, and behavior connect through hands-on case studies and interdisciplinary research in cognitive science.

How are mental abilities investigated and explained in psychology and neuroscience? Mind, Brain, & Behavior introduces students to cognitive science through the integrated perspectives of psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. Using case studies and close engagement with scientific research, students examine how mental processes are studied, explained, and applied across contexts—from learning and sleep to aging and clinical conditions. The program emphasizes critical thinking and scientific writing while highlighting how different methods and frameworks converge to explain mind–brain relationships, culminating in mentored research that connects theory with discovery.

The MBB program is ideally suited for students interested in cognitive science and likely to major in PNP, Cognitive Neuroscience, or Psychology. The program is designed to create a cohesive cohort within these three majors, providing strong preparation for future coursework and fulfilling major requirements. While the MBB program is beneficial for pre-med students, it is not exclusively targeted at them. If your primary interests lie in psychological treatments, disorders, therapy, or if you prefer not to engage in research, this program may not be the best fit for you

How to Sign Up

Signing up for a First-Year Program is a structured process designed to help match you with a program that best fits your interests. Ampersand Programs require a short essay responding to a program-specific prompt. If you plan to rank this Ampersand Program, prepare a 250-500 word essay that responds to the following prompt: Why are you considering a major in PNP, Cognitive Neuroscience, or Psychology? What sparked your interest in these areas?

Learn More About Sign-Ups

Ampersand Program Courses

Semester 1: Introduction to Study of the Mind-Brain: Psychological, Biological and Philosophical Perspectives 

The primary goal of this course is to provide an in-depth introduction to the techniques by which mental abilities are investigated and explained in psychology and neuroscience. We will utilize a “case-study”-based approach, in which specific topics will be highlighted to provide students with first-hand experience in how different experimental approaches and methods can be utilized in an integrated and convergent manner to discover how mind, brain, and behavior are inter-related. In addition, the course will emphasize how basic cognitive psychological and neuroscience principles can applied to better understand changes that might be occurring in different populations or clinical groups (e.g., ADHD, Alzheimer’s Disease). The course is divided into modules that allow for a deeper exploration of a smaller set of illustrative topics, rather than a broader and more superficial overview: Study Strategies, Mindfulness & Mind-Wandering, Sleep & Dreaming, Cognitive Aging & Alzheimer’s. A key learning objective is for students to have a deeper understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of cognitive science and to develop the ability to think and write critically about scientific research addressing mind-brain relationships. 

Semester 2: Introduction to the Study of the Mind Brain II 

In this course, participants in the Mind, Brain, Behavior program continue their exploration of cognitive science. We explore different frameworks for thinking about how the different branches of cognitive science relate to each other. The course contains an introduction to relevant topics in the philosophy of science and the philosophy of mind. 

 

Semester 3-4: Independent Study

In the sophomore year, students are able to undertake research under the supervision of a faculty member who serves as a research mentor for the MBB program. Sophomores may choose among several research labs, each combining independent work with opportunities to work collaboratively. This research experience culminates in a research symposium held at the end of the spring semester, sophomore year.

 

Ampersand Program Faculty

https://psych.wustl.edu/xml/faculty_staff/11924/rss.xml
​Todd Braver

​Todd Braver

​Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Radiology, and Neuroscience

Todd Braver studies the brain mechanisms by which individuals exert control over their thoughts and behavior, and how this control can break down.  

https://philosophy.wustl.edu/xml/faculty_staff/11827/rss.xml
​Ron Mallon

​Ron Mallon

Professor of Philosophy and Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology

Professor Mallon's current research interests include social constructionist claims and the role that culturally transmitted moral rules play in moral reasoning.​