Physiology and organismal biology are broad, integrative, and overlapping disciplines that generally focus on the study of life above the cellular level. Physiology integrates molecular, cellular, systems, and whole-body functions of organisms. Related courses in the department mainly emphasize the study of vertebrates and provide a foundation for the understanding of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical basis of human physiology. Organismal biology focuses on the mechanisms that contribute to the form, function, and behavior of whole organisms. Courses in this area approach these subjects in an ecological and evolutionary context. The concentration offers opportunities to gain hands-on experience through upper-level electives that include a laboratory section (e.g., Human Anatomy, Human Physiology) or advanced experience courses (e.g., Vertebrate Biomechanics, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease). Additionally, research, mentoring, or teaching opportunities may be arranged with core faculty.<br><br>This concentration prepares students for a wide variety of career paths, including the perusal of advanced degrees in human and veterinary medicine and graduate research in ecology, evolutionary biology, and applied natural sciences. Graduates with this concentration may also pursue employment in an array of fields including animal science, biology education, biotechnology, wildlife and fisheries biology, exercise physiology, pharmaceuticalbiotechnology research, natural resource management, or conservation.