What is physiology?

Physiology is the science of living systems. Physiology is not a single subject, it has many areas of specialization. It can be as focused as studying the movement of ions through a single pore or channel in a cell membrane, or as general as the study of how the unique environment of space affects humans and the development of countermeasures to the effects of long term space flight.

Physiologists helped develop treatments such as cardiac pacemakers and artificial joints, which are of benefit to animals as well as humans. They want to find answers to questions like:

• What limits determine where humans and other animals can live?
• How are water, sugars and ions transported across cell membranes?
• What specific exercise training programmes ensure peak performance?

On a molecular level, understanding ion channel properties and what controls where and when they are placed in the body brings us closer to developing novel therapeutic strategies for pain control and the treatment of life threatening conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
Nutrient (glucose, amino acids and lactate) transport across membranes of tissues plays a key role in whole body fuel metabolism. Integrative physiology shows how whole body metabolism is regulated and how the body adapts to altered fuel intake and use, and how muscle can adapt to changes throughout life e.g. growth, ageing and functional alterations such as exercise.

Why should I think about getting a degree in Physiological Sciences?

• The subject is basic to the study of living organisms; it is about function - how the body works
• It provides a context within which all other Life Sciences become relevant - in both health and disease
• It provides the opportunity to acquire a good general university training in modern biomedical science
• It can be used as the basis for further postgraduate specialized study and training in many areas

What can a physiological sciences graduate do?

Physiology is the gateway to a wide range of career and further training opportunities:

• Research, either fundamental, medical or applied e.g. in universities, research institutes or the pharmaceutical industry
• Medical/paramedical professions, medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, dietetics, nursing, radiography, etc. all welcome Physiology graduates

Degrees:

BSc (Hons) Physiological Sciences
BSc (Hons) Anatomical & Physiological Sciences
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry & Physiological Sciences
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology & Physiological Sciences
BSc (Hons) Physiology with Sports Biomedicine

Further information – useful web sites:

• The Physiological Society: http://www.physoc.org/
• The American Physiological Society: http://www.the-aps.org/
• Society of General Physiologists: http://www.sgpweb.org/

Course contact:

Dr Sandy Harper