Physiology is the study of function of living organisms, primarily plants and animals. The field studies cells, tissues, organs, and the whole organism. To understand function, a mechanistic approach is used to integrate the cell level to the whole organism. The study of animal behavior and physiology go hand and hand in addressing the functional mechanisms which regulate behavior. This track will prepare pre-professionals in health science areas (MD, DO, DDS, and PT), researchers in the function of animals and plants (MS /PhD), and ecologists.

For both the Biology B.S. and the Biology B.A. (with Topical Focus)

• 12 of the upper-level elective hours must be completed from the courses listed below (for the B.S. this represents 12 out of a total 15 upper-level elective hours; for the B.A. this represents 12 out of a total 13-15 upper-level elective hours, depending on the topical focus courses)
• A maximum of 3 credit hours of BIO 394/395/397 will count towards these 12 hours
• The remaining upper-level elective hours can be completed with any approved upper-level biology elective course (including BIO 394/395/397) - see full list
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of BIO 394/395/397 will count towards a biology degree
• At least 9 credit hours of upper-level electives must have a BIO prefix

For full course descriptions, please continue to the course bulletin here

Click here for track course prerequisites and which semesters they are offered

BIO 302: Introduction to Neuroscience (3)

BIO 305: Introduction to Neuroscience Techniques (3)

BIO 375: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology (3)

BIO 394/395/397: Research in Neuroscience/Biology/Microbiology (max 3 credit hours toward track) (1-3)

BIO 430G: Plant Physiology* (4)

BIO 440: Comparative and Functional Anatomy (4)

BIO 445: Biology of Sex (3)

BIO 446: Neurophysiology Laboratory (3)

BIO 494G: Immunobiology (3)

BIO 502: Principles of Systems, Cellular and Molecular Physiology (5)

BIO 507: Biology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms (3)

BIO 535: Comparative Neurobiology and Behavior (3)

BIO 550: Advanced Physiology (3)

BIO 350: Animal Physiology* (4)

BIO 410: Vertebrate Endocrinology (3)

BIO 380: Special Topics in Biology (Intermediate Level) (Subtitle required). Subtitle must be approved by Director of Undergraduate Studies (1-4)

Courses from outside the Biology Department:

ASC 364: Reproductive Physiology of Animals (4)

ENT 568: Insect Behavior (3)

MI 595: Immunobiology Laboratory (2)

PGY 560: Pathophysiology: Integrative Study in Physiology and Medicine (1)

PSY 459: Neuropharmacology: Drugs and Behavior (3)

ANA 410G: Neurobiology of Brain and Spinal Cord Disorders (3)

ANA 442: Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology (3)

PGY 431: Introduction to Neuroendocrinology (3)

Other courses can be accepted by the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Biology on a case by case basis

*Only for students who do not use the course to fulfill the 2nd Tier Core

*For questions regarding the Physiology and Behavior Track, please email biology@uky.edu.