The department’s majors and minors cover a wide breadth of topics within the fields of neurobiology, physiology and behavior, as well as in other disciplines within the life sciences. Major education helps prepare students for a variety of careers, including in healthcare fields, and also serves as an excellent foundation for graduate study.
Majors and Minors
Majors
Human BiologyUnderstand our species, from molecules, genes, and cells to tissues, organ systems and organism/environment interactions. The Human Biology major provides students with a broad biological understanding of our species, from molecules, genes, and cells to tissues, organ systems and organism/environment interactions. It provides fundamental knowledge needed for a broad range of careers, including those in the areas of healthcare, biotechnology, public health, public policy, and education, and for advanced study in health-related disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, and pharmacy. | B.S. |
Neurobiology, Physiology, and BehaviorThe NPB major provides a foundation for careers in health sciences, including medicine, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, pharmacy, and more, as well as employment in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries. It prepares students for advanced degrees in teaching or research, focusing on vital animal functions like growth, reproduction, and homeostasis. Students study the physiological mechanisms and behaviors at cellular, organ system, and organism levels, emphasizing control, regulation, and integration within physical and social environments. | B.S. |
Minors
Exercise BiologyLearn how physical activity levels impact human form and function, from physiological, biomechanical and behavioral perspectives. The courses are designed to foster intellectual curiosity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, in the context of understanding organismal animal (including human) biology. Students majoring in Human Biology or Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior cannot pursue the Exercise Biology minor. |
Human PhysiologyThis minor exposes students to general and specialized courses related to human biology including courses such as exercise and aging in health and disease and exercise metabolism. Students who obtain a human physiology minor will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the physiological processes that allow animals to function in their environment. This minor provides a foundation for further training in health-related professions. Student majoring in Human Biology or Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior cannot pursue the Human Physiology minor. |
NeuroscienceThis minor allows non-NPB majors to learn about the importance of the nervous system. The large breadth of neuroscience courses available includes molecular and cellular neurobiology, developmental neurobiology, neurobiology of addictive drugs and cell signaling in health and disease. Students who obtain a neuroscience minor will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the neurobiological processes in animals and humans. Students majoring in Human Biology or Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior cannot pursue the Neuroscience minor. |