Physiology

Program Overview

The Physiology major explores the human body's functions from molecular to whole-body levels. Through core courses, students gain knowledge of cell physiology, exercise physiology, membranes, muscles, signaling, and integrated organ function. This major prepares graduates for careers in the biomedical industry, research laboratories, or further studies in medicine or other health professions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Physiology major teaches you how the human body works, from the molecular and cellular levels, to tissues and organs, and explains how these interact together with the environment to produce beneficial results for the organism. You'll also examine diseases and the changes that occur at the molecular and cellular levels and how these impact on whole body function. Through these investigations you'll understand how physiologists contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to combat the mechanisms of disease.

Outline:

• Level 1:
• Core:
• PHYL1001 Physiology - How your body works (6 points)
• Option:
• ANHB1101 Human Biology I: Becoming Human (6 points)
• ANHB1102 Human Biology II: Being Human (6 points)
• BIOL1130 Frontiers in Biology (6 points)
• SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell (6 points)
• Bridging:
• CHEM1003 Introductory Chemistry (6 points)
• MATH1720 Mathematics Fundamentals (6 points)
• MATH1721 Mathematics Foundations: Methods (6 points)
• SCIE1500 Analytical Methods for Scientists (6 points)
• Level 2:
• Core:
• PHYL2002 Physiology of Cells (6 points)
• SSEH2260 Exercise Physiology (6 points)
• Level 3:
• Core:
• PHYL3001 Physiology of Membranes, Muscles and Signalling (6 points)
• PHYL3002 Physiology of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems (6 points)
• PHYL3003 Physiology of Nutrition and Metabolism (6 points)
• PHYL3004 Physiology of Integrated Organ Function (6 points)

Careers:

A Physiology major can lead to careers in the biomedical industry and in research laboratories. There is growing demand for physiology graduates to investigate the action of genes in the body. Physiology graduates are well prepared for a range of professional careers requiring postgraduate study, such as medicine, pharmacy and clinical audiology. Opportunities exist for employment as scientists in commercial organisations or in sales associated with these types of organisations and in public science education. If you have combined your major with qualifications in the area of sport science or exercise and health, you could also find a career in health promotion and fitness.

Other:

• Popular Combinations:
• Anatomy and Human Biology
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Exercise and Health
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Sport Science
• Zoology
• Study Abroad Options:
• Vrije University (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
• Queen's University (Kingston, Canada)
• University of Bristol (Bristol, United Kingdom)
• Degree Options:
• Bachelor of Philosophy
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Biomedical Science