Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior), BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Arizona State University Tempe

Program Overview

The Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior), BS at Arizona State University explores how animals, including humans, function, think and behave, combining neurobiology, physiology, behavior, evolution and biomedical science. It suits students interested in neuroscience, health care, veterinary medicine or biomedical research, with training in laboratory investigation, quantitative analysis, experimental design and scientific communication.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their scientific foundation through BIO 181 General Biology I, BIO 182 General Biology II, CHM 113 General Chemistry I, MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences and STP 231 Statistics for Life Science, developing core knowledge in biology, chemistry, mathematics and quantitative analysis.

Year 2: Students progress into the broader biological sciences through subjects such as BIO 340 General Genetics and BIO 345 Evolution, while continuing their science and general studies requirements. These courses strengthen understanding of heredity, biological diversity, evolution and the scientific processes used to investigate living systems.

Year 3: Students begin focusing more directly on animal function and behavior through BCH 361 Principles of Biochemistry, BIO 331 Animal Behavior and BIO 360 Animal Physiology. The curriculum connects biochemical and cellular processes with physiological systems and behavioral patterns, creating a strong foundation for advanced study in neurobiology and related fields.

Year 4: Advanced study allows students to explore areas such as BIO 436 Sociobiology and Behavioral Ecology, BIO 461 Comparative Animal Physiology, BIO 462 Endocrine Physiology, BIO 467 Neurobiology or MIC 420 Immunology: Molecular and Cellular Foundations. Students consolidate their scientific knowledge while developing the analytical and research preparation needed for graduate, professional and life-science careers.

Focus areas:

Neurobiology, physiology, animal behavior, behavioral ecology, comparative physiology, endocrine physiology, immunology, evolution, biomedical science, quantitative analysis and experimental research.

Learning outcomes:

Scientific thinking, analysis of scientific evidence, experimental design, quantitative analysis, scientific communication, understanding of biological systems, research skills and preparation for graduate/professional programs or employment.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation: ASU states that its undergraduate academic programs are accredited by the HLC, providing institutional recognition and demonstrating commitment to established academic standards and continuous improvement.

Reputation (employability rankings):

#2 in the U.S. among public universities for graduate employability: ASU achieved this position in the 2025 Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (GEURS), which evaluates factors including graduate skills, academic performance, work expertise, social impact, leadership and internationality. ASU was also ranked No. 14 among all U.S. institutions and No. 37 globally in the 2026 GEURS results reported by the university.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the BS in Biological Sciences – Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior gain practical experience through laboratory coursework, faculty-led research, independent projects, internships and field-based opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes experimental design, quantitative analysis, data interpretation and scientific communication, while students can work with faculty mentors on research involving animal behavior, physiology, neuroscience and related biological questions.

Hands-on learning opportunities include:

Laboratory courses: Students can choose practical courses such as BIO 361 Animal Physiology Laboratory, BIO 342 General Genetics Laboratory, BIO 352 Laboratory in Vertebrate Developmental Anatomy, BIO 354 Cell Biology Laboratory, and BIO 435 Research Techniques in Animal Behavior.
Research projects: BIO 495 Undergraduate Research allows students to undertake supervised research in a faculty laboratory, while BIO 496 Undergraduate Thesis allows research to culminate in an undergraduate thesis.
Independent research: Through the SOLUR program, students can work with faculty and graduate-student mentors, conduct guided or independent research, analyze scientific literature and present their findings at the annual undergraduate research symposium.
Research symposium: The School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium gives students the opportunity to present original research publicly through research posters and faculty-mentored presentations.
Course-based research projects: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) place students in semester-long research projects investigating scientific problems relevant to faculty, industry partners and nonprofit organizations.
Internships and field placements: The degree's laboratory/research requirement includes options such as BIO 390 Medical/Dental Field Placement and BIO 484/MIC 484 Internship, providing opportunities to gain experience beyond regular coursework.
Computational tools: Students can take BIO 355/MAT 355/MBB 355 Introduction to Computational Molecular Biology and BIO 439 Computing for Research, developing computational skills applicable to biological research and data analysis.
Advanced laboratory techniques: BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology: Cell Culture, Immunocytochemistry and Bioimaging provides exposure to cell culture, immunocytochemistry and bioimaging techniques.
Research facilities: School of Life Sciences research infrastructure includes the DNA Laboratory, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, WM Keck Bioimaging Laboratory, Goldwater Environmental Laboratory and WM Keck Environmental Biogeochemistry Lab, alongside interdisciplinary research centers and institutes.
Research partnerships: Undergraduate research can take place in ASU laboratories and with external partners such as the Phoenix Zoo, TGen and USDA, giving students exposure to research beyond the university campus.
Global field experience: ASU Global Education offers Tropical Biology Research in Costa Rica, where students conduct fieldwork across tropical dry forest, cloud forest and lowland rainforest environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior), BS at Arizona State University develops a strong foundation in neurobiology, physiology, behavior, experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication. Graduates can pursue careers in neuroscience, biotechnology, healthcare, veterinary medicine and research, while the degree also provides preparation for graduate and professional programs.

Typical job roles: Genetic Counselor, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Physician Assistant, Zoologist.

Career support and opportunities:

Career services: ASU Career Services provides ASU CareerLink, where students can search jobs and internships, register for career events, connect with employers, and schedule career appointments.
Research experience: Students can work with faculty mentors on independent research projects, gaining experience in experimental investigation and scientific communication.
Internships: The program offers opportunities for internships and independent research projects, helping students gain professional experience alongside their coursework.
Employment settings: Graduates can enter technical positions in hospitals, government laboratories and agencies, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and chemical industries.
Employment and salary figures: ASU lists median salaries of $100,040 for Genetic Counselors, $76,780 for Fish and Wildlife Biologists, $135,880 for Physician Assistants, and $68,940 for Zoologists. These are occupational salary figures rather than guaranteed starting salaries, and some careers require advanced degrees, certification or licensure.
University–industry connections: ASU's research environment connects students with research-active faculty and interdisciplinary opportunities across life sciences, health sciences and neuroscience-related fields, while hands-on research and career-connected learning provide exposure to professional scientific settings.
Professional preparation: The program provides a foundation for neuroscience, physiology, biotechnology, healthcare and veterinary medicine, allowing students to build specialist knowledge before entering employment or professional study.
Long-term accreditation: ASU has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1931 and received reaffirmation in 2023; its next comprehensive review is scheduled for 2032–33. This provides continuing institutional recognition and quality assurance for the degree.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with skills in experimental design, data analysis, laboratory techniques, critical thinking and scientific communication, supporting careers and further study in biological and biomedical sciences.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS, students can continue into graduate programs in biological and biomedical sciences, including areas such as neurobiology, physiology, endocrinology and behavior. The degree also provides a foundation for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and other health-related fields, with ASU specifically identifying the NPB concentration as a health-career major option.