Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior

About this opportunity

In the BS program in biological sciences with a concentration in neurobiology, physiology and behavior, students discover how animals --- including humans --- function, think and behave.

Students investigate molecular and cellular processes and the function of organismal systems, including neural, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and digestive. They explore ecological and evolutionary influences and biomedical implications in order to develop a holistic understanding of animal function.

In addition to coursework, students gain hands-on experience with world-renowned faculty, with opportunities to engage in independent research projects and internships.

Thesis

Thesis projects within NPB are dominantly lab-based research studies, typically with experimental components and with the aim of preparing a publication-quality document that summarizes your work, findings, and their implications. 

Thesis Committee guidelines: An honors thesis committee is comprised of a Thesis Director and a Second Committee Member who collaborate with their student(s) to help them set project expectations, guidance throughout the thesis process, and evaluation of their final work. 

Thesis Director: Any member of the ASU faculty with professional expertise in the project area. This excludes graduate students.

Second Committee Member: A member of the ASU faculty or staff, including graduate students, or a qualified local professional who the student and Thesis Director decide is appropriate to serve based on their professional expertise in the project area. 

Third Committee Member (Optional): Any individual with sufficient expertise or experience relevant to the project area as determined by the student and Thesis Director.

In addition to the standards listed above, an honors thesis committee member may not be an undergraduate peer or direct relative of the student. 

Academic Preparation

The student should begin searching before their senior year for a PI and lab in which to work so that they can gain the necessary experience and skills to develop their own independent Barrett honors thesis research project. They may look to become part of our undergraduate research program (SOLUR), which will further assist in the student's professional research development and career.

Recommended Timeline

Students traditionally gain research experience early in their career (by their junior year), in order to settle into the main lab in which they'll perform their thesis work in their junior and/or senior year.

Other Honors Opportunities

Examples of enrichment-contract experiences include: group discussions, independent or group projects (e.g. literature review), community outreach project