1. Handbook
  2. Bachelor of Biomedicine
  3. Majors, Minors and Specialisations
  4. Physiology
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Physiology

Bachelor of BiomedicineMajorYear: 2023

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Overview

The Physiology major will teach students how the body works. Students will learn about the ways in which cells, organs and the whole body function in an integrated way. By understanding normal function, students will investigate disturbances in whole body systems such as those relating to the endocrine, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, developmental and neural control systems. The experimental bases of physiology are emphasized and students will use contemporary techniques to examine questions in physiology. Discoveries in physiology have a broad impact upon health and medicine, environmental science, industry, nutrition, exercise and reproductive biology. Many of the discoveries from the human genome project rely on physiology to understand their impact on the human body.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this major, students should be able to:

  • identify knowledge of Physiology as a research-intensive multidisciplinary science,
  • integrate scientific processes across multiple systems,
  • apply skills in critical evaluation of scientific literature, physiological data and experimental design,
  • describe practical skills and technologies in the solution of scientific problems,
  • communicate physiology concepts in oral and written forms to both scientific and lay audiences,
  • recognise the historical background and evolution of scientific concepts,
  • demonstrate an intellectual curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning, with a capacity to be creative and innovative, and
  • demonstrate skills related to problem solving, teamwork, analytical reading, self-assessment, and assessment of peers.

Last updated: 3 May 2024

Structure

50 credit points

To obtain a major in Physiology students need to complete:

  • 12.5 credit points of Physiology core subjects
  • 37.5 credit points of Physiology selectives and electives including
    • A minimum of 12.5 credit points of Physiology selectives

Note:

A Physiology elective may also be selected from the range of biomedical science subjects (requires approval of the major coordinator)

Physiology core subjects

Code Name Study period Credit Points
PHYS30010 Advanced Human Physiology
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Physiology selectives

Code Name Study period Credit Points
PHYS30009 Experimental Physiology
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYS30011 Clinical and Translational Physiology
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYS30012 Physiology: Adapting to Challenges
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Physiology electives

Code Name Study period Credit Points
ANAT30007 Human Locomotor Systems
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ANAT30008 Viscera and Visceral Systems
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOM30003 Biomedical Science Research Project
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (Off Campus)
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (Off Campus)
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (Off Campus)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL30001 Reproductive Physiology
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
NEUR30002 Neurophysiology: Neurons and Circuits
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
NEUR30003 Principles of Neuroscience
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
NEUR30004 Complex Functions in Neuroscience
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PATH30001 Mechanisms of Human Disease
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHRM30003 Drug Treatment of Disease
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Notes

This major is available to new generation Bachelor of Science students (B-SCI) and Bachelor of Biomedicine students. It is also available to Bachelor of Science students who commenced prior to 2008. The published structure of this major includes subjects available in the current year. Pre-2008 Bachelor of Science students who completed one or more Level 3 science subjects towards this major prior to 2010 should contact the Science Student Centre for advice on appropriate subjects to complete this major.

A quota has been applied to 3 optional subjects in this major.

Last updated: 3 May 2024