Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
What Is Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour?
Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB) is the scientific study of brain and behaviour – from perception and cognition to emotion, development, and social interaction. At McMaster, the department blends psychology, biology, and neuroscience to explore how humans and animals think, feel, and act.
Students engage in hands-on research and interdisciplinary learning, preparing for careers in mental health, education, research, and clinical practice.
What Might You Study?
Courses in PNB span multiple areas of brain and behavioural science:
Cognition & Perception
Memory, attention, decision-making, and sensory systems
Mental Health & Psychopathology
Clinical psychology, emotion, and behavioural disorders
Developmental Psychology
Brain development, learning, and lifespan changes
Animal Behaviour & Evolution
Comparative psychology and behavioural ecology
Neuroscience
Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and brain imaging
Music Cognition
Auditory perception, emotion, and brain responses to music
Program Options
Program Type |
Description |
| Honours BA or BSc in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour (PNB) | Core program with options for Mental Health or Music Cognition specialization |
| Combined Honours BA/BSc | Pair PNB with another discipline (e.g. Biology, Linguistics, Music) |
| Honours B.A.Sc. in Applied Psychology in Human Behaviour | Focused on real-world applications with specializations in Autism or Early Childhood Studies |
| BioPNB Program | Combined Honours in Biology and PNB for interdisciplinary science training |
| Honours BSc in Neuroscience | Advanced study of molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience |
| Music Cognition Specialization (B.Sc.) | A science-focused 4-year program combining cognitive neuroscience and music theory to explore how the brain processes sound, rhythm, and performance |
| Music Cognition Specialization (B.A.) |
An arts-oriented 4-year program integrating psychology and musicology to study musical perception, cognition, and cultural expression |
| Minor in Psychology | Add behavioural science to any major |
| Graduate Programs (MSc, PhD) | Experimental psychology and neuroscience research, with clinical training stream available |
* Courses range from topics like Foundations of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Human Perception & Cognition, Neurodevelopment & Plasticity, Animal Behaviour Lab, and Science Communication in the Behavioural Sciences
Unique Opportunities
PNB students explore the brain and behaviour through cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary coursework, and experiential learning – preparing them for careers in psychology, neuroscience, education, and health.
Facilities & Resources
The department offers extensive facilities for human and animal research:
- LIVE Lab: A 106-seat research concert hall for studying music, hearing, movement, and interaction
- Animal Research Facility: 20,000+ sq ft space with holding rooms for bats, rats, mice, fish, and more
- Imaging Research Centre: Access to 3T fMRI magnet through partnerships with St. Joseph’s Healthcare
- Experiential Learning: Connects students to hands-on learning through jobs, placements, volunteering, and co-curricular experiences
- Psynapse: Showcases student research in brain and behaviour through peer-reviewed journal publications
Students conduct research in cognition, perception, neuroscience, development, and social behaviour.
Experiential Learning & Internships
Students gain hands-on experience through research placements, thesis projects, and applied coursework:
Key highlights:
- Applied Placements and Internships: Offers hands-on practicum and internship experiences in autism, early childhood, and behavioural science
- Independent research courses starting in Level 2
- Fourth-year thesis and capstone projects
- Applied Psychology students complete summer practicums and earn Mohawk College credentials
- Specialized lab courses in music cognition, neurodevelopment, and animal behaviour
- Career planning course (SOC SCI 2EL3)
- Graduate students complete MSc or PhD research projects, with clinical training stream available
These experiences help students build research skills and prepare for graduate school, clinical practice, or careers in health and education.
Study Abroad & Global Opportunities
PNB students can broaden their perspectives through international exchanges and global research:
Key highlights:
- McMaster Exchange Program with 100+ global partner universities
- Study abroad while earning McMaster credits
- Courses on global cognition, neuroscience, and mental health
- Funding support through fellowships and travel bursaries
- Opportunities to attend international conferences and collaborate with global researchers
These experiences foster cross-cultural understanding and prepare students for global careers in psychology and neuroscience.
Student Life & Community
PNB offers a vibrant and supportive student experience with strong faculty mentorship:
Key highlights:
- PNB Society: Builds community through mentorship, events, and academic support for PNB students
- BIOPsych Society: Supports BioPsych, PNB, and Biology students through academic events, socials, and research showcases
- PNB Mental Health Society: Promotes mental wellness and community support for PNB students through events and peer engagement
- Human Behaviour Society: Fosters connection and academic support for BioPsych students through events, outreach, and mentorship
- Collaboration with Biology, Music, Linguistics, and Health Sciences
- Inclusive environment that values curiosity, compassion, and collaboration
Students build lasting relationships while exploring the science of mind and behaviour.