Physiology, Neurobiology and Biomechanics

Neurobiology is the study of how nervous systems function. It is currently one of the largest and fastest growing areas of biology. At its most reductionist level neurobiology employs genetic and molecular approaches and at it extends to the level of whole animal behavior and social interactions.

Faculty Mentors

Barry Trimmer
Mimi Kao
Michael Levin
Michael Romero
Eric Tytell

Biology faculty and students in masks with butterfly cage

Faculty Advisor for this Concentration

Barry Trimmer

Henry Bromfield Pearson Professor of Natural Science

Control of locomotion and the neural processes that organize sensory and motor information

Suggested Program of Study and Appropriate Courses

Year 1
- Two research Rotations (PhD students only, 1 rotation per semester); research rotations are registered as courses (Bio 253) – they are generally done with faculty in the Biology Department, but mentors outside the department can also be enlisted
- (or first year that you are a teaching assistant): All students that are Teaching assistants are required to take Pedagogy (Bio260)
Year 1 or 2

Either Seminar in Evolutionary Ecology (Bio 244) or Seminar in Physiology, Neurobiology and Biomechanics (Bio245 – currently in development) (offered in alternate years)
Biology Department Courses
- Developmental Biology (Bio103)
- Endocrinology (Bio110)
- General Physiology (Bio115)
- Physiology of Movement (Bio 117)
- Biophysics (Bio119)
- Animal Behavior (Bio 130)
- Biostatistics (Bio132)
- Neurobiology (Bio134)
- Special topics courses (Bio 195/196)
- Science Communication (Bio 262)
- Special Topics (Bio 293/294)
Courses in Other Departments
- Artificial Intelligence (Comp sci 131)
- Brain and Behavior (Psych 103)
- Psychopharmacology (Psych 123)
- Behavioral Endocrinology (Psych 127)
- Cognitive Neuroscience (Psych 129)
- Biopsychology (Psych 231)
- Advanced Special Topics (Math 150)