Biological Sciences in Psychology Course of Studies at the National University of Rosario

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to contribute to the study of the relationship between psychology and biology, in the context of psychologists’ educational training in the Psychology course of studies at the National University of Rosario. The following topics were developed: a) identification of the origins of the perception which established a lack of connection between psychology and biology, analyzing several historical stages of the psychological field in our country; b) analysis of the historical process of incorporating biological training to the Psychology course; and c) investigation of the perceptions heldby Psychology students, teachers and graduates as regards the importance of biological sciences in the training of psychologists. Biological Sciences are likened to positivism and medicine, and are considered to be opposed to psychoanalysis. Some students go from initial lack of knowledge to rejection, due to the difficulty implied by these subjects and their theoretical stance. Finally, in their professional practice, psychologists come to value biological knowledge in that it helps them to understand the complexity of the cases they need to tackle.