How to Be Behavioral Physiologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 27, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Behavioral Physiologists study the effects of an animal's behavior on its physiology. By looking at how an animal's behavior affects its physical and mental health, they can gain insight into a variety of biological processes. For example, they may explore the effects of stress hormones on memory and learning, or the impact of exercise on cardiovascular health.

Behavioral Physiologists also study how the environment and social interactions influence an animal's behavior, and assess how these factors can influence their physical and mental well-being. their research can provide insight into how to improve animal welfare and human health.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a behavioral physiologist is to earn a bachelor's degree. Most entry-level positions require applicants to possess at least an undergraduate degree in a field of science, such as biology or psychology.
Take Relevant Courses. During your undergraduate studies, you should focus on courses that are relevant to the field of behavioral physiology. This includes courses in biology, psychology, neuroscience, anatomy, and physiology.
Earn a Master's Degree. Most aspiring behavioral physiologists pursue a master's degree in order to gain the advanced knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field. A master's program typically takes two years to complete, and will provide students with the opportunity to specialize in a particular subfield of behavioral physiology.
Gain Research Experience. Many employers prefer to hire applicants who have research experience. You should strive to gain as much research experience as possible while pursuing your degree. This can include working as a research assistant or participating in an internship program.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification is not mandatory for becoming a behavioral physiologist, but it can help demonstrate your level of expertise and commitment to the field. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers certification in several subfields of psychology, including behavioral physiology.
Find a Job. Once you have obtained the necessary education and experience, you can begin searching for a job in the field of behavioral physiology. Jobs are available in both the public and private sectors, and may involve conducting research, teaching, or consulting.

The cause of becoming a qualified and skilled behavioral physiologist is largely determined by the level of education and experience. To obtain the necessary qualifications for this career field, individuals must complete a doctoral degree in psychology or physiology. In addition to this, gaining experience through research, internships and volunteer work is essential in order to stay up to date with the latest trends in the field. As a result, by obtaining the necessary qualifications and experience, individuals become highly skilled behavioral physiologists, allowing them to make valuable contributions to the field.

You may want to check Pulmonary Physiologist, Research Physiologist, and Sports Physiologist for alternative.

Job Description

Animal Behavior Researcher
Behavioral Neuroscience Professor
Animal Psychology Technician
Animal Behaviorist
Animal Welfare Officer
Applied Animal Behavior Specialist
Animal Research Scientist
Animal Ethologist
Animal Neuropsychologist
Animal Training Instructor

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Understanding of the nervous system and its components
Ability to design and implement experiments
Knowledge of animal behavior and communication
Knowledge of the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of behavior
Understanding of behavior in different environmental contexts
Ability to interpret and analyze data
Good communication skills
Critical thinking and problem solving skills
Knowledge of ethical principles and protocols related to animal research

Behavioral physiologists are experts in understanding the behavior of organisms and how it is affected by different stimuli in the environment. One of the most important skills for a behavioral physiologist to have is the ability to think critically and analytically. This allows them to develop hypotheses, plan experiments, and interpret data.

Behavioral physiologists must also be able to understand both the behavior of an organism in its natural environment, as well as its behavior in a controlled environment. they must have excellent communication skills to effectively discuss their research with other scientists, clinicians, and members of the public. Finally, they must be knowledgeable of relevant laws and regulations regarding animal welfare, as this is a paramount concern in all research conducted by behavioral physiologists.

With these skills, behavioral physiologists can use their knowledge to advance our understanding of animal behavior and its implications for humans.

Developmental Physiologist, Comparative Physiologist, and Environmental Physiologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How have you used animal models to understand the effects of behavior on physiology?
What methods do you use to study the physiological effects of behavior in humans?
How do you approach investigating complex relationships between behavior and physiology?
What have been your most successful studies in behavioral physiology?
What challenges have you encountered when conducting research in this field?
How do you interpret and communicate the results of your research?
How do you ensure the ethical treatment of animals used in your experiments?
How would you design an experiment to measure the physiological effects of a specific behavior in humans?
How do you stay up-to-date on developments in the field of behavioral physiology?
What strategies do you use to motivate yourself when conducting experiments that yield inconclusive results?

Common Tools in Industry

Animal Behavior Observation Protocols. Detailed protocols for observing and recording animal behavior, such as activity level and vocalizations (e. g. ethograms).
Data Analysis Software. Software for statistical analysis of behavior data, such as MATLAB and JMP (e. g. SAS).
EEG Equipment. Tools for recording brain waves, such as EEG amplifiers and electrodes (e. g. Brain Vision).
Operant Conditioning Apparatus. Apparatus used to study operant conditioning, such as Skinner boxes and lever presses (e. g. Med Associates).
Hormone Assay Kits. Kits used to measure hormone levels, such as cortisol and testosterone (e. g. ELISA).
Animal Housing Systems. Systems for housing animals, such as cages and enrichment items (e. g. Lab Products).
Behavioral Scoring Systems. Systems for scoring behaviors, such as activity levels and vocalizations (e. g. Ubiquity Software).
In Vivo Imaging Equipment. Equipment for imaging animal behavior in vivo, such as MRI and CT scanners (e. g. GE Healthcare).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
American Physiological Society (APS)
Society of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology (SBN)
Society for Neuroscience (SFN)
International Society for Neuroethology (ISN)
Behavioral Neuroscience Society (BNS)
Society for Psychophysiological Research (SPR)
International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (IBNS)
International Society for Developmental Psychobiology (ISDP)
Society for the Quantitative Analyses of Behavior (SQAB)

We also have Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Pathophysiologist, and Anatomical Physiologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Neurophysiology. The branch of science that studies the functioning of the nervous system and its components.
Psychopharmacology. The study of how drugs affect behavior and mental processes.
Ethology. The scientific study of animal behavior.
Animal Learning. The study of how animals adapt and change their behavior in response to their environment.
Cognitive Psychology. The branch of psychology that studies mental processes such as memory, problem solving, and decision making.
Behavioral Genetics. The study of how genes influence behavior.
Behavioral Neuroscience. The study of the neural systems and processes underlying behavior.
Neuroendocrinology. The study of the interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Developmental Psychology. The study of how individuals develop in different life stages.
Social Psychology. The study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of other people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Behavioral Physiologist?

A Behavioral Physiologist is a scientist who studies the behavior of animals and humans in order to understand how the brain and body interact to produce behavior.

What type of research do Behavioral Physiologists conduct?

Behavioral Physiologists conduct research in areas such as neurobiology, psychopharmacology, animal behavior, and learning. They use techniques such as neuroimaging, behavioral experiments, and computer modeling to study behavior.

How long does it take to become a Behavioral Physiologist?

Typically, it takes about 8-10 years of education and research experience to become a Behavioral Physiologist. This includes earning a Bachelor's degree in psychology or biology, completing a Master's degree, and doing a doctorate in the field.

What is the salary for a Behavioral Physiologist?

The average salary for a Behavioral Physiologist is $85,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the level of experience and the type of research being conducted.

What organizations offer certifications for Behavioral Physiologists?

The American College of Applied Science offers certification for Behavioral Physiologists. This certification requires passing an exam and demonstrates an individual's expertise in this field.