Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior (NPB) is a major that emphasizes the understanding of vital functions common to all animals. All animals perform certain basic functionsthey grow, reproduce, move, respond to stimuli, and maintain homeostasis. The physiological mechanisms upon which these functions depend are precisely regulated and highly integrated. Actions of the nervous and endocrine systems determine behavior and the interaction between organisms and their physical and social environments. Students in this major study functional mechanisms, the control, regulation, and integration of these mechanisms, and the behavior that relates to those mechanisms. They do so at the level of the cell, the organ system, and the organism.
In the freshman and sophomore years, students majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior build a broad scientific background, taking courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. As juniors or seniors, students can enroll in a variety of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior courses and related upper division courses. The NPB major contains three tracks: the Neurobiology track, the Physiology track, and the Organism-Environmental Interactions track. If you wish to propose an alternative to these tracks for yourself, please meet with your Biology Academic Success Center (BASC) advisor who can approve such individualized plans. Students can also participate in a number of advanced laboratory courses or may design an individual, independent project guided by a member of the faculty.
Completion of the Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior major provides the foundation for advanced study leading to careers in high school teaching, college level teaching or research. It also serves as the basis for further training in the health professions, including but not limited to human and veterinary medicine, medical technology, physical therapy, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, and optometry. The major is also appropriate for those intending to seek careers in biotechnology or other biologically related industries.
