Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior), BS

At a Glance: program details

Location:
Tempe campus,
or
online
Additional Program Fee: Yes
Second Language Requirement: No
Math Intensity: Moderate
Initial Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences

Required Courses (Major Map)

Are you fascinated by animal behavior? Are you interested in making scientific discoveries at the laboratory bench and in the field? Dive in and build the strong foundation you need to launch your career in neuroscience, health care, veterinary medicine or biomedical research.

Program Description

In the Bachelor of Science program in biological sciences with a concentration in neurobiology, physiology and behavior, students discover how animals --- including humans --- function, think and behave.

Students investigate molecular and cellular processes and the function of organismal systems, including neural, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and digestive. They explore ecological and evolutionary influences and biomedical implications to develop a holistic understanding of animal function.

In addition to coursework, students gain hands-on experience with distinguished faculty, with opportunities to engage in independent research projects and internships.

This program is available as an accelerated degree program.

In addition to reviewing 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.

A new approach to teaching biology

As a biology student at Arizona State University, you are part of a new movement to reinvent science learning, designed to prioritize your needs and empower you to not only succeed but be transformed into a future leader and problem solver.

ASU’s adaptive and flexible teaching model levels the playing field for all learners, allowing anyone to understand complex concepts and gain the confidence to take on scientific challenges in a growing field.

Here, you will apply biological models through immersive exploration and hands-on discovery. Explore a 24,000-square-foot Natural History Collection, the only insectary of its kind in Arizona and several research opportunities for online students, which set our programs apart from other institutions across the globe. Together, we’ll learn how to visualize and build a better world.

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)

Gain the ability to integrate economic, cultural and political variables in working to solve critical societal development issues, such as raising standards of living. You'll have opportunities around the world to tackle some of humanity's most difficult and urgent challenges.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Computational Life Sciences

Join in the transformation that new types and amounts of data are bringing to the life sciences. You can learn computational methods that complement traditional bench-based approaches, allowing you to arrive at novel insights, and you'll gain the knowledge and skills you'll need when applying computational techniques in life sciences research.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)

Are you seeking a leadership role in a global organization? This concentration offers applied learning opportunities and internships in settings around the world. You'll gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy)

A new class of hybrid careers has recently emerged that combines digital media skills with marketing and design expertise. Become a global leader with both management and multimedia skill sets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism)

Prepare for leadership roles in the global tourism arena. You'll be equipped with the skills needed to transform global enterprises --- skills that are increasingly important as ecotourism grows and the tourism industry adopts sustainability practices.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions)

Learn powerful new strategies and tactics to make sustainability a driver of organizational engagement, cost savings and innovation. You'll become an expert leader who can transform sustainability practices in your chosen field.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management

Gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. This program offers applied learning opportunities, 16 concentration options and practical internships in global settings.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Administration)

There is a cross-sectoral need for professionals who have both public administration mastery and next-generation global management skills and experience. As a future executive or manager, you'll be equipped with these sought-after skill sets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship)

Acquire the expertise needed to conceive and execute innovative global ventures. Through rigorous coursework and in-depth exposure to current multicultural business practices, you'll master the principles of management for global entrepreneurial enterprises.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery)

Are you seeking a leadership role in the rapidly growing health care industry? Through this concentration, you'll gain a repertoire of global management skills and experience tailored specifically to health care.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Affairs)

Are you looking to become a leader in a nonprofit, governmental or international business role? With specialized cross-training in international affairs and the fundamentals of global management, you'll be ready to make a great impact on a worldwide scale.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Business)

Become a leader through mastery of global business management principles and practices. You'll gain an understanding of the economic, political and social factors driving change and how decisions affect global markets. Attain the perfect balance of practical and people skills to inspire, influence and drive global success.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Do you want to understand the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life? You'll gain skills in contemporary techniques and have the opportunity to tailor the program around your research and career interests.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)

Thrive in global markets and respond to the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Customize your degree and acquire digital skills in marketing, design, product development, automation and data analytics.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Biology

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

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Microbiology

When you become an expert in microbes, you'll be able to contribute to the greater good. 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 )

Are you a globally minded person who demands a purpose-driven career? Prepare for impactful roles in nonprofit organizations around the world as you gain the knowledge necessary to produce meaningful, rewarding work that enhances communities.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Policy)

Are you seeking a career as a policy analyst or leader in public service? Join graduates around the world who are involved in the formulation, approval, implementation and evaluation of public policy.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Legal Studies)

Engage in experiential learning and build your skills 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)

Do you need more than a foundation in biology? Do you want to take your training into society and bring about change? Within this multidisciplinary program, you can develop knowledge and skills for tangible action and prepare for employment, a doctoral program, 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

Graduates of the neurobiology, physiology and behavior concentration within the biological sciences program have critical thinking skills and a solid platform for advanced research, graduate study and other professional programs, including endocrinology, environmental or behavioral physiology, human physiology, metabolism, neurobiology and social behavior.

Graduates have an understanding of the process of science, knowledge of foundational concepts in biological sciences, chemistry, physics and statistics, and the ability to understand and apply core biomedical concepts. This groundwork prepares graduates for direct entry into technical positions in hospitals; government laboratories and agencies; research institutes; and food, dairy, chemical, pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

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

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

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

Physician Assistants

Growth: 26.5%
Median Salary*: 126010

Veterinarians

Growth: 19.7%
Median Salary*: 103260

Animal Scientists

Growth: 5.7%
Median Salary*: 69390

* 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 Outlook |

Green Occupation

Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Through study abroad programs, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, biological sciences students experience distinct biological environments and gain an understanding of worldwide differences in the human condition. They are 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 to them, Global Education programs students can tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. They are able to engage in community service and outreach activities, 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.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.

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.

[email protected]
480/727-6277