It involves analyses of the mechanical forces involved in animal behaviors such as feeding and locomotion and in fluid flow in blood vessels and in other organ systems. Developmental biology is concerned with the processes underlying the development of organisms. Work on developmental biology in the department places particular emphasis on the interface between development and evolution. Neuroethology is concerned with the evolution of the nervous system and with the neuronal mechanisms underlying natural behaviors. Paleobiology is concerned with the interrelationships between organisms and with their evolutionary histories.
Physiology is concerned with the mechanisms of organismal function.
Work in the department on physiological problems focuses on the evolution of physiological systems and on the relationship of the organism to its environment. Training in the department places an emphasis on familiarity with a broad range of ideas and skills in organismal biology. Although students can conduct research in any of the areas represented in the department, they are encouraged to develop research programs that capitalize on the talents of two or more faculty members with different perspectives. Students earning doctorates through the department will be qualified, following suitable postdoctoral training, for research and teaching careers in biology departments, anatomy departments and museums. Degrees The Degree of Master of Science Students are not admitted to the department for the sole purpose of obtaining a Master of Science degree, but this degree is awarded to students from other academic units who require a Master of Science degree as one requirement for the doctorate.