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Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior), BS

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Undergraduate Degrees
  3. Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior), BS

At a Glance: program details

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

Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

eAdvisor Tracking Tool


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.




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:

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation)

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation)

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 (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)

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)

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy)

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 (Sustainable Tourism)

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism)

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 (Sustainability Solutions)

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions)

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

Global Management

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

Global Management (Public Administration)

Global Management (Public Administration)

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 (Global Entrepreneurship)

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship)

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)

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery)

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 Affairs)

Global Management (Global Affairs)

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)

Global Management (Global Business)

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

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Molecular and Cellular Biology

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

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)

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

Biology

Biology

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

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Microbiology

Microbiology

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 (Nonprofit Leadership and Management )

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management )

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 Policy)

Global Management (Public Policy)

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 (Global Legal Studies)

Global Management (Global Legal Studies)

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

Biology (Biology and Society)

Biology (Biology and Society)

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


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 Science Teachers, Postsecondary

  • Growth: 8.6%
  • Median Salary*: 81650
  Bright Outlook

Family Medicine Physicians

  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 211300

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

  • Growth: 3%
  • Median Salary*: 67430

Genetic Counselors

  • Growth: 16.1%
  • Median Salary*: 89990
  Bright Outlook

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

Neurologists

  • Growth: 3.2%
  • Median Salary*: 224260

Physical Therapists

  • Growth: 15.1%
  • Median Salary*: 97720
  Bright Outlook

Physician Assistants

  • Growth: 26.5%
  • Median Salary*: 126010
  Bright Outlook

Veterinarians

  • Growth: 19.7%
  • Median Salary*: 103260
  Bright Outlook

Animal Scientists

  • Growth: 5.7%
  • Median Salary*: 69390
  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).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook | Green Occupation Green Occupation


Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Through study abroad, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students studying biological sciences experience unique biological environments and gain an understanding of worldwide differences in the human condition. They are able to be exposed to a variety of laws, policies and practices in biology-centric environments worldwide and expand their knowledge of how science impacts society.

With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs allow students to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets, and they are able to engage in community service and outreach, which can help their graduate and professional program applications stand out.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in neurobiology, physiology and behavior.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • sols.advising@asu.edu
  • 480/727-6277


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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