Departments

The Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior emphasizes research into the understanding of vital functions common to all animals. All animals perform certain basic functions-they grow, reproduce, move, respond to stimuli and maintain homeostasis. The physiological mechanisms upon which these functions depend are precisely regulated and highly integrated, but may be disrupted by disease, injury and aging. Actions of the nervous and endocrine systems determine behavior and the interaction between organisms and their physical and social environments.

The UC Davis Department of Psychology offers a multifaceted program that looks at humans, animals and computer models, from neurons to relationships to cultures, and examines the scientific bases of behavior, thought and emotions.

The Department of Neurology conducts basic and clinical research on the nervous system and provides clinical care for people with neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, epilepsy, movement disorders like Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, tremor, dystonia, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular conditions, headache and sleep disorders. Our faculty includes leading neuroscientists, who work to expand our knowledge of nervous system function, as well as neurologists and psychologists who provide diagnosis and treatment for adults and children. We partner with colleagues from throughout the health system and work closely with the Department of Neurological Surgery to provide multidisciplinary team management for neurological disorders. We also offer cutting-edge diagnostic approaches, including advanced neuroimaging technologies and access to trials of new medications and other therapeutic modalities.

The Department of Neurological Surgery is home to internationally recognized experts in neurosurgical disorders. We provide neurosurgical care for the majority of the Northern California area and collaborate closely with the University’s NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Level I Trauma Center, Center for Neuroscience, and Stroke Program to ensure that patients have access to advanced, multidisciplinary, patient focused care. We offer a full-range of technologies and provide the most current and effective treatments for the entire spectrum of neurological disease. Our research programs have tested advances in neuroimaging and treatments that improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with brain aneurysms, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, seizures and degenerative disc disease.

The division of Neuroradiology and Interventional Neuroradiology works closely with the departments of Neurology, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology, and Neurologic and Orthopedic Surgery, to provide a multidisciplinary approach for patients. The division consists of 8 diagnostic neuroradiologists, all of whom practice solely in the area of neuroradiology, and are subspecialty trained and certified in the assessment of diseases and injuries of the brain, neck, and spine. The division also includes two dedicated neurointerventionalists, who are both subspecialty trained in the treatment of vascular diseases of the brain, neck, and spine. 

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis is a collaborative team of more than 540 faculty, staff, residents, fellows, trainees and volunteers. Our major areas of commitment are training and education in psychiatry and psychology; clinical and basic neuroscience research in areas such as autism, ADHD, dementia and aging; and the provision of mental health services to a diverse socioeconomic population throughout the greater Sacramento area.

The mission of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is to improve the health, function and quality of life of individuals with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, brain and spinal cord insults and neuromuscular disorders. We pursue our mission through the compassionate delivery of the highest quality patient care, state-of-the-art education of students, physicians, clinical investigators and allied health providers, public service to the local and global community and research, which generates new knowledge that can be applied to the health and functional challenges that face our world.

Dedicated to protecting, preserving and restoring vision through world-class eye care, innovative research, and first class medical education, the UC Davis Health System Eye Center is Northern California's leading academic tertiary referral center for ophthalmic services.

The Department of Pharmacology comprises a dynamic group of faculty, researchers and students from diverse backgrounds undertaking investigations to reveal biological mechanisms that will ultimately lead to discovery of novel understanding of physiological and pathological mechanisms, identification of potential therapeutic targets and development of new strategies for a variety of human diseases.

The mission of the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology is to conduct innovative research, engage in high-level service, and provide excellent educational opportunities and mentoring to students, postdoctoral fellows and residents in the discipline of physiology.

The mission of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine is to conduct world-class research, to excel in undergraduate, graduate and medical education, and to serve the university through leadership in forums committed to graduate and professional school admissions and curriculum. Departmental faculty focus on the fundamental molecular aspects of cell biology, gene expression, cancer biology, membrane biology, glycobiology, neurobiology, muscle physiology, human genetics, chemical and structural biology, molecular imaging and drug development.