Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior), BS


Are you interested in animals and animal behavior? Do you plan to enter the neuroscience field, apply to medical or veterinary school, or conduct biomedical research? This concentration helps you build strong foundations in biology, chemistry, physics and math --- your first step toward your goals.

Program Description

The neurobiology, physiology and behavior concentration serves students in the BS program in biological sciences with a broad yet rigorous education.

While it might seem that neurobiology, physiology and behavior are quite separate fields, the three interact extensively in living organisms to achieve common goals. By studying neurobiology, behavior and physiology from the perspectives of molecular and cellular biology, evolution, organ systems (neural, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune and more), and the environment, students gain insight into how these aspects work together in a variety of ways.

Students in this concentration also learn to apply principles from mathematics, chemistry and physics. Discoveries are made at the laboratory bench and in the field, and students in the concentration are encouraged to participate in research projects in the labs of faculty members.

This program is available as an accelerated degree program.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.


Major concentration courses

  • BIO 331 Animal Behavior (3)
  • BIO 360 Animal Physiology (3)
  • BCH 361 Principles of Biochemistry (3) or BCH 461 General Biochemistry (3)

Major core electives (complete two of the following)

  • BIO 436 Sociobiology and Behavioral Ecology (3)
  • BIO 461 Comparative Animal Physiology (3)
  • BIO 462 Endocrine Physiology (3)
  • BIO 467 Neurobiology (3)
  • BIO/MIC 420 Immunology: Cellular and Molecular Foundations (3)

Major comparative structure and function courses (complete one of the following)

  • BIO 351 Developmental Biology (3)
  • BIO 370 Vertebrate Zoology (4)
  • BIO 385 Comparative Invertebrate Zoology (4)
  • PSY 426 Neuroanatomy (4)

Please see an advisor if courses are not offered in the term you wish to take them

Major laboratory/research courses (complete one of the following)

  • BCH 367 Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory (1)
  • BCH 467 Analytical Biochemistry Laboratory (3)
  • BIO 308 Plant Physiology (4)
  • BIO 342 General Genetics Laboratory (2)
  • BIO/MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society (4)
  • BIO 352 Laboratory in Vertebrate Developmental Anatomy (2)
  • BIO 361 Animal Physiology Laboratory (2)
  • BIO 435 Research Techniques in Animal Behavior (3)
  • BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology Laboratory (4)
  • MIC 421 Experimental Immunology (2)
  • BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB 495 Undergraduate Research or BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB 484 Internship or BIO/MIC/MBB 492 Honors Directed Study may be substituted for one lab course (1-3)

Major electives

Any SOLS upper division coursework (300 and 400 level BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB) will count in this area, including BCH 361, that has not already been used in the major area.

Requirements in related fields 

General chemistry 
  • CHM 113 General Chemistry I (4)
  • CHM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
Organic Chemistry (take general or pre-health sequence)
  • CHM 231 Elementary Organic Chemistry  (3)
  • CHM 235 Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
OR pre-health sequence
  • CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I (3)
  • CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II (3)
  • CHM 237 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
  • CHM 238 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
Physics (take general or pre-health sequence)
  • PHY 101 Introduction to Physics  (4)
OR pre-health sequence
  • PHY 111 General Physics I (3)
  • PHY 112 General Physics II (3)
  • PHY 113 General Physics Laboratory I (1)
  • PHY 114 General Physics Laboratory II (1)
Math (complete one of the following)
  • MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences (3)
  • MAT 210 Brief Calculus (3)
Statistics (complete one of the following)
  • STP 231 Statistics for Biosciences (3) 
  • STP 226 Elementary Statistics (3)

For more information on requirements and recommendations specific to this degree please see our Did you know for on-campus degrees page.


Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • First Required Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
  • Math Intensity: Moderate program math intensity moderate

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.



Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.



Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Biology, MS

Deepen your knowledge about the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Biology (Biology and Society), MS

Do you need more than a foundation in biology? Do you also want to take your training into society, to bring about change? Within this multidisciplinary program, you can develop ways of knowing and skills for action in the real world, preparing you for employment, a PhD or other professional studies.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Molecular and Cellular Biology, MS

Do you want to understand the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life? Choose from a diverse range of research and training opportunities and gain skills in contemporary techniques, and enjoy the opportunity to tailor the program around your research and career interests.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Microbiology, MS

When you become an expert in microbes, you will be able to contribute to the greater good. Join us to learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, and receive theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking), MGM

This concentration prepares graduates for leadership roles in global organizations. It offers applied learning opportunities, internships and 16 concentrations in real-world settings around the world where students gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy), MGM

A new class of hybrid careers has recently emerged that combines digital media skills with marketing and design expertise. Offered in partnership with ASU's Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Thunderbird's concentration in digital audience strategy within the MGM program produces global leaders with management and multimedia skill sets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Affairs), MGM

This concentration provides you with specialized cross-training in international affairs and the fundamentals of global management. It is designed for future leaders in nonprofit, governmental or international business roles.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Business), MGM

This concentration produces leaders with mastery of global business management principles and practices as well as a deep understanding of the economic, political and social factors driving change and how decisions affect global markets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation), MGM

Become a global innovator with a higher purpose. Customize your degree with skills and experience that empower you to integrate economic, cultural and political variables in solving societal development issues such as raising standards of living.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation), MGM

Customize your degree with digital skills in marketing, design, product development, automation and data analytics. With a concentration in global digital transformation, you're prepared to lead the way in global industry 4.0.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship), MGM

This concentration provides the expertise needed to conceive and execute innovative global ventures. Through rigorous coursework and in-depth exposure to current multicultural business practices, students master the principles of management for global entrepreneurial enterprises.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery), MGM

This program is for those who seek a leadership role in the rapidly growing health care industry. This concentration provides you with a repertoire of global management skills and experience tailored specifically to health care.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Legal Studies), MGM

This concentration delivers experiential learning and skill-building in global management and legal analysis --- all in demand among multinational corporations, international nonprofit organizations, governments and nongovernmental organizations around the world.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Integrated Health Care), MGM

Become a global leader with a higher purpose. Learn to develop, implement, evaluate and sustain integrated care programs in diverse health care settings in response to increasing worldwide demand.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management), MGM

New generations demand purpose-driven careers. Nonprofit organizations that operate globally are poised to meet your desire for meaningful, rewarding work that produces prosperity to enhance the communities they serve. Become a future-ready leader who can maximize the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Administration), MGM

Public-private partnerships are on the rise globally. Executives and managers in this arena need repertoires that combine public administration mastery with cutting-edge global management skills and experience. This concentration addresses that cross-sectoral niche.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Policy), MGM

This concentration prepares students for careers as policy analysts and leaders in public service. Graduates around the world are involved in the formulation, approval, implementation and evaluation of public policy.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions), MGM

As sustainability gains importance worldwide, global organizations need expert leaders and managers who can transform sustainability practices. Tailor your experience with powerful new strategies and tactics for making sustainability a driver of organizational engagement, cost savings and innovation.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism), MGM

As ecotourism grows and the tourism industry adopts sustainability practices, managers and executives need new capabilities in order to transform global enterprises. This program prepares you for leadership roles in the global tourism arena.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management, MGM

This program offers applied learning opportunities, 17 concentration options, and internships in real-world global settings where you can gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.

Website | Locations: DTPHX,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Career Outlook

The broad education and critical-thinking skills students receive in this concentration are applicable to a variety of rewarding careers. Premedical, preveterinary and predental students get the background and courses needed for professional school application and beyond. Many students go on to graduate school for academic, teaching or research careers in areas such as:

  • endocrinology
  • environmental or behavioral physiology
  • human physiology
  • metabolism
  • neurobiology
  • social behavior

With a Bachelor of Science degree in this concentration, graduates have opportunities for technical positions in hospitals, research institutes and industry (food, dairy, chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology) as well as in government laboratories and agencies. The most important skills students learn in the concentration are critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied to many scientific problems and professions as well as to the challenges of daily life.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Biological Sciences Professor


  • Growth: 9.3%
  • Median Salary*: $85,600
  Bright Outlook

Family Practice Medical Doctor (FP MD)


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: $207,380
  Bright Outlook

Fish and Wildlife Biologist


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: $66,350
Green Occupation

Genetic Counselor


  • Growth: 21.5%
  • Median Salary*: $85,700
  Bright Outlook

High School Teacher


  • Growth: 3.8%
  • Median Salary*: $62,870

Neurologist


  • Growth: %
  • Median Salary*:

Physical Therapist (PT)


  • Growth: 18.2%
  • Median Salary*: $91,010
  Bright Outlook

Physician Assistant (PA)


  • Growth: 31.3%
  • Median Salary*: $115,390
  Bright Outlook

Veterinarian (Vet)


  • Growth: 15.9%
  • Median Salary*: $99,250
  Bright Outlook

Zoologist


  • Growth: 5.5%
  • Median Salary*: $63,490
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu





Program Contact Information

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