The goal of physiology is to understand, in terms of physical and chemical principles, the mechanisms that operate in living organisms from the subcellular level to the level of the whole animal, with an emphasis on how these mechanisms are integrated to produce a viable organism.

Neurobiology is the study of the structure, function, and development of the nervous system, and originated, in part, as a subdiscipline of physiology. In recent years, neurobiology has become one of the most rapidly changing and exciting areas of biology. A neurobiology and physiology major is excellent preparation for careers in education, research, industry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and other professions.

Careers in Neurobiology and Physiology

Approximately 25% of biology students proceed directly to graduate school in biology or biology-related fields.  About 45% go on to schools of medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry.  Still others go directly to work in a broad variety of fields. These include research or applied science positions in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Some become high school teachers, go into sales, or work for governmental regulatory agencies, zoos, or parks.