Professional Studies in Psychophysiology Certificate

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Certificate Lead: Richard Sherman, Ph.D.

Sponsored by: Psychophysiology (PH) Specialization                                  

Description

Psychophysiology is the branch of psychology centering on the physiological bases of human psychological processes. It is the study of the biological bases of behavior among humans. Applied psychophysiology focuses on the amelioration/treatment and prevention of disease, as well as creation of optimal functioning patterns in education, sports, and business through teaching people techniques for recognizing and correcting abnormal physiological levels of function and responses. Our clinical concentration or practice focuses on the amelioration / treatment and prevention of disease through teaching people techniques for recognizing and correcting abnormal physiological levels of function and responses. Our non-clinical concentration focuses on teaching clients to function optimally in such environments as the work place, sports, and school. The field has a long history of making major contributions to education and healthcare in both treatment and prevention arenas. For instance, relaxation techniques are widely recognized as being effective in both the treatment and prevention of headaches.

Students who wish to meet the standards for certification by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) must take the one credit biofeedback lab corresponding to the type of biofeedback in which they wish to be certified (PH510B for general BFB or PH527B for neurofeedback). They must have a college level course in anatomy and physiology. Participants who do not have such a course can take our 3 credit A&P course (PH507) as it is designed specifically for people who need A&P to provide behavioral interventions. They may also wish to meet the mentoring requirement by taking our 3 credit mentoring course. Different versions of the course are available depending on whether the participant is interested in certification in general biofeedback, EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback), or pelvic floor disorders biofeedback. Students taking the mentoring course must have access to an appropriate biofeedback device and be available to work with the instructor for a minimum of one hour per week via the web based program “go to meeting”.  After taking the six credits of core coursework, students have nine credits to use. Participants can take any course offered by the Psychophysiology Specialization (with concurrence by the Specialization Coordinator).

Curriculum

• PH 505  Biological basis of behavior (Introduction to psychophysiology)
• PH 510A   Psychophysiological Recording and Intervention / General Biofeedback Lecture
• Choose 3 Electives (in consultation with specialization lead)
• PH 8950  Integrative Paper/Seminar

Students who have already taken a course equivalent to either of the above may substitute any of the psychophysiology specialization courses for the one already taken in consultation with the Certificate Lead.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this Certificate, students will be able to:

1. Perform basic psychophysiological assessments.
2. Associate common behaviors with underlying factors such as genetics, hormones, and physiology.
3. Perform basic psychophysiologically based interventions to enhance optimal performance.
4. Recognize the variety of psychophysiological interventions.