Physiology

Physiology is the study of the functions, mechanisms and structures of living organisms. It utilises the experimental methods as well as the techniques and concepts of the physical and chemical sciences. Research is aimed at the integration of the various activities of cells, tissues and organs at the level of the intact organism. In many instances the solutions to physiological problems are of practical value in medicine or help in our understanding of our bodies and those of other animals.

www.physiol.usyd.edu.au

What do Physiologists do?

Graduates who have majored in physiology are generally employed in the biomedical field, in occupations such as biomedical research, hospital science, sports science, health promotion, dietetics, chiropractic or medical journalism. Many of these professionals require further postgraduate study or training. Many of our graduates have also entered graduate medical and dental programs at the University of Sydney and other universities, while other graduates have become academics or teachers, or joined the public service or business sector.

How will you study Physiology?

Students can study physiology in the Bachelor of Medical Science (through the Human Life Science units) or through the Bachelor of Science, Advanced Science or Bachelor of Liberal studies degrees. Physiology is also an important part of the new interdisciplinary major in neuroscience.

What will you study?

FIRST YEAR
Although there are no first year units in physiology, it is recommended that students in first year study chemistry (required), molecular biology, maths and physics.

SECOND YEAR
Second year Physiology units of study in the BSc and Liberal Arts include lectures with a clinical emphasis on cellular neurophysiology and muscle, blood, respiration, the cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, sensory and motor systems, and principles of data analysis. These are available also for Advanced level students. Twelve credit points of second year physiology units are required in order to study third year physiology and molecular biology and genetics knowledge is assumed.

THIRD YEAR
Eight semester-length options are offered in third year. Human cellular physiology
(first semester) has two units on the physiological mechanisms that underlie
the growth and adaptation of tissues and their response to disease. The
topics covered include: bone growth, membrane transport, cellular homeostatic
ion mechanisms, cell-cell signalling and cell replication and development. Heart
and circulation has two second semester units that cover heart, regulation of blood
pressure, cardiovascular endocrinology, hypertension, vascular biology and sports
physiology. Neuroscience (first semester) comprises two units of study, the focus
of which is the study of the structure and function of the brain, with a special
emphasis on sensory and motor systems as well as cognitive processes. These
themes are further developed in second semester. The second semester units
of study also offer seminars and short research projects that give students a
taste of the Honours program. All the neuroscience units of study are jointly
taught by Department of Physiology and Anatomy and are also available at the
advanced level.