Physiology is the study of how our bodies work at the molecular, cellular, and organ systems levels.
Understanding human physiology is therefore a key part of knowing ourselves. And of course, knowing what’s normal is crucial to understanding the abnormalities that lead to disease, and enabling development of effective treatments.
The importance of Physiology is recognised by the fact there is a specific Nobel Prize category for Physiology and Medicine. Although much has been learned, mysteries still remain – will you be involved in solving them?
Why study Physiology?
A university-level understanding of how the body works is an excellent preparation for a wide range of career options. Some Physiology graduates go on to higher degrees in Physiology because they wish to become full-time researchers and academics, designing their own research and leading research teams. Other graduates use their Physiology degrees to gain access to a wide range of jobs where employers are looking for specific knowledge of human biology, including as laboratory research technicians, advisors to TV and movie productions, in medical technology companies, aviation and space medicine research, hospital sleep laboratories, and marketing pharmaceuticals – to name just a few.
Furthermore, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) can provide entry into any career where employers are looking for tertiary-level education. We also find it can be a platform for entrepreneurs who go on to set up their own businesses – from setting up vineyards and wine making, to running sporting goods shops.
A degree in Physiology is also a perfect platform for entry to further study towards qualifications in health-related professions that lead to specific careers, such as audiology, dentistry, medical technology, medicine, pharmacy, and physiotherapy.
If you find human biology interesting and want to know more about how the human body works – or why it sometimes fails to work properly – then Physiology is for you.
Background required
There are no specific secondary school subject requirements. However Year 13 Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are strongly recommended because they underpin Physiology principles. Calculus and Statistics are also useful.
If you have not done Chemistry to Year 13, we strongly advise you consider first taking a bridging course such as the Summer School paper CHEM 150 Concepts in Chemistry.
Structure of the degree
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Physiology is offered as a major for the three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.
In first year, you will study human body systems and a mix of biochemistry, biology, and/or biological physics papers.
In second year you cover the brain and nervous system; the heart, blood circulation, lungs and breathing; and the movement of substances in and out of our bodies and cells through the digestive system and kidneys.
These build on the background provided in first year to provide a high level of knowledge across all body systems.
During third year you can choose from five papers that focus at an advanced level on the above topics. These will take you to the edge of current knowledge and the latest research related to both understanding the healthy body, and the changes that occur in disease.
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc)
Instead of enrolling in a BSc majoring in Physiology, you could choose to undertake a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc) majoring in Functional Human Biology, which includes many of the above papers.
Teaching style
Physiology papers are taught via lectures, labs, group tutorials, computer-assisted and self- directed study, and regular assessments.
The labs are very hands-on. They are organised into small groups, each with a personal tutor, offering a high level of support if needed.
Career opportunities
Studying Physiology gives you the opportunity to develop the skills and life- long learning strategies crucial for careers that require tertiary science qualifications.
Physiologists work in a variety of environments including:
- Allied health professions such as optometry and audiology
- Aviation and space industries
- Education and research institutes
- Government agencies
- Hospital labs and rehabilitation centres
- Military
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Sports institutes and academies
Got a thirst for more? Further study could take you into a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci), a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)), a research-based master’s degree, or a PhD.
Physiology research at Otago
Our staff undertake internationally-recognised Physiology research.
This research is focused on three thematic areas:
- Membrane and Ion Transport
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology
The types of medical and scientific problems that this research addresses include:
- Ageing and loss of muscle mass and strength
- Diabetes and obesity
- Fertility and neural control of hormones
- Heart and lung function and dysfunction, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, cardiac stem cells, arrhythmias, and hypertension
- Intestinal physiology and probiotics
- Ion channel physiology
- Kidney and blood vessel function
- Movement disorders such as ataxia, motor neurone disease, and Parkinson’s disease
- Neurological disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, and epilepsy
- Neurophysiology of smell
- Stress and the brain
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages:
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- Master of Science (MSc)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Physiology
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1 HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 At least two of: | 18 18 36 |
| 200-level | PHSL 231 Neurophysiology PHSL 232 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology PHSL 233 Cellular, Gastrointestinal and Renal Physiology | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | Four of: | 72 |
| Plus | 162 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science | 162 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Physiology
| Papers |
|---|
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Physiology
| Papers |
|---|
Master of Science (MSc) in Physiology
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
Minor subject requirements
Physiology as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | See Below |
|
| 200-level | PHSL 231 Neurophysiology PHSL 232 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology PHSL 233 Cellular, Gastrointestinal and Renal Physiology | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | Two of: Prerequisites for PHSL 231, PHSL 232, PHSL 233 include HUBS 191, HUBS 192, and two of BIOC 192, CELS 191, CHEM 191, PHSI 191 | 36 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
Key information for future students
Contact us
Department of Physiology
School of Biomedical Sciences
Email physiology@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/physiology
