Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior - NPB

EXB Club

NPB Club

Honor Societies

EXB Minor

Human Physiology Minor

Neuroscience Minor

Honors & Citation Awards

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The Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior Major

In 1993, the reorganization of the Division of Biological Sciences was completed. Faculty from several different campus units, including Animal Physiology, Animal Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Psychology, and Zoology joined together to form the Section of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (NPB). The Physiology major, with its emphasis on cellular, systemic, comparative and environmental physiology, expanded to include neurobiology and behavior. To reflect the integration of the three sub-disciplines, effective fall 1996, the major changed its name to NPB. Human as well as other animal systems are examined.

The NPB major is designed to provide students with an understanding of vital functions common to all animals -- growth, reproduction, movement, response to stimuli, and maintenance of homeostasis. The physiological mechanisms upon which these functions depend are precisely regulated and highly integrated. An organism’s behavior is determined by the coordinated actions of all physiological systems within the organism’s physical and social environments. Students in this major will study functional mechanisms, as well as the control, regulation, integration, and behavior that relate to these mechanisms at the level of the cell, organ system, and organism.

The major provides the foundations for a challenging career.  It serves as a basis for further training in schools of human and veterinary medicine, medical technology, physical therapy, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, and other health sciences. The major also provides the scientific foundation for employment in health care, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Students interested in high school teaching, college level teaching, or research may use the program as preparation for advanced degrees.

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