What is Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior?

Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior (NPB) emphasizes the understanding of vital functions common to all animals. All animals perform certain basic functions - they grow, reproduce, move, respond to stimuli and maintain homeostasis. The physiological mechanisms upon which these functions depend are precisely regulated and highly integrated through actions of the nervous and endocrine systems to determine behavior and the interaction between organisms and their physical and social environments.

The Undergraduate Major

NPB
In 1993, the reorganization of the Division of Biological Sciences was completed. Faculty from several different campus units, including Animal Physiology, Animal Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Psychology, and Zoology joined together to form the Section of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (NPB). The Physiology major, with its emphasis on cellular, systemic, comparative and environmental physiology, expanded to include neurobiology and behavior. To reflect the integration of the three sub-disciplines, effective fall 1996, the major changed its name to NPB. Human as well as other animal systems are examined.

The NPB major is designed to provide students with an understanding of vital functions common to all animals -- growth, reproduction, movement, response to stimuli, and maintenance of homeostasis. The physiological mechanisms upon which these functions depend are precisely regulated and highly integrated. An organism’s behavior is determined by the coordinated actions of all physiological systems within the organism’s physical and social environments. Students in this major will study functional mechanisms, as well as the control, regulation, integration, and behavior that relate to these mechanisms at the level of the cell, organ system, and organism.

The major requires strong foundations in the quatitative disciplines of math, chemistry and physics. During the freshman and sophomore years, students take courses in math, chemistry, physics and general biology. As a part of the College of Biological Sciences, students then take a common upper division curriculum in genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology, disciplines essential for all students studying any area within modern biology. As NPB majors, students take an additional course in cellular neurobiology, a course in systemic physiology, and a course in behavior. Since biology is a experimental science, the laboratory experience is essential. Students are required to take three laboratory courses, one in systemic physiology, another in cell physiology and neurobiology, and an advanced laboratory. After completing these required courses, students gain additional breadth and depth by taking elective courses in physiology, neurobiology, or behavior. Within their focus, students are strongly encouraged to take additional study. Independent study is a critical part of the undergraduate educational experience, giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned and extend their understanding and problem solving skill through working with faculty in the research laboratory.

EXB
In 1958, the Exercise Biology program began as an academic major in Physical Education in the Physical Education Department. An addition to Hickey Gym completed in 1964 included a research and teaching laboratory complex, the Human Performance Laboratory. This was the first such space in the UC system designed for the purposes of conducting research in physical education and exercise science. The laboratory’s academic focus and technical development were predominantly in the areas of exercise physiology and biomechanics, with some work in the newly developing area of sport psychology. The research emphasis was on humans rather than the animal models commonly utilized in most other research labs on the Davis campus.

The year 1988 saw the introduction of a B.S. degree and academic tracks in physiology, biomechanics and clinical exercise. This eventually led to a change in the name of the department and major to Exercise Science. In 1999, the Exercise Science academic program was separated from the Physical Education activity program, which eventually became a part of the Division of Social Sciences. The Exercise Science major was reorganized into a form consistent with other majors in the Division of Biological Sciences (DBS), now the College of Biological Sciences (CBS). In 2000 the program was officially transferred to DBS, with the revised major renamed Exercise Biology. In 2005 the Exercise Biology program and associated faculty were merged into the Section of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior in CBS.

Post Graduate Opportunities

The majors of NPB and EXB provide excellent preparation for many post graduate opportunities in the health related professions and graduate programs in biology related disciplines. The laboratory experience gained within the major provides background and skills marketable for entry level positions in private and academic research laboratories. Students interested in teaching in high schools can enter teaching credential programs; others have gone to law school and entered business programs.