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A sea urchin, a gecko, a horse and a human are very different creatures at first glance. Yet each relies for its survival on a few basic functions—growth, reproduction and response to stimuli among them—which are common to all animals. Majors in neurobiology, physiology and behavior study these vital processes: their functional mechanisms; the control, regulation and integration of these mechanisms; and the behavior relating to these mechanisms.
Real World
Neurobiology, physiology and behavior graduates pursue a wide range of careers and graduate study options. Students from both degree tracks are successful in applying to graduate programs in medicine and other health sciences, biological sciences or other fields. Many graduates have gone on to careers in human and veterinary medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, optometry, biotechnology and other biological science-related industries.
Major Requirements
You'll begin your study with foundation courses in biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics and physics. At the upper-division level, you'll study advanced general topics in the biological sciences, and you may also choose from such courses as animal behavior, physiology of particular organ systems or groups of animals, developmental neurobiology and endocrinology. You'll pursue a B.S. degree, providing rigorous training in biological science.
Major Adviser
Name: Deborah Abbott
Contact: dsabbott@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-9696
A Student Perspective
We joke that the NPB department is really the "NPB family." Students and faculty are always working together and willing to help each other out. As a member of the NPB Club, I've gotten great information about careers related to my major from the scientists and guest speakers who attend every meeting. And UC Davis' opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research seem endless. So far I've participated in research involving epilepsy, asthma and hearing. I know these experiences will help prepare me for my future career as a doctor.
~ Krithi Ravindranath '02
A Faculty Perspective
Neurobiology is about ourselves; it is about how our nervous systems are built, how we respond to the outside world, how we remember our past, and how we imagine our future.
~ Hwai-Jong Cheng, assistant professor, NPB 100 – Neurobiology
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