Do you want to know more about how the human body works? Did you enjoy your HUBS courses?
A degree in physiology takes your knowledge of how our neural, cardiovascular, and epithelial systems work to a higher level.
Physiology is the study of how organisms function and survive in a changing environment. At the University of Otago, the BSc in Physiology focuses primarily on the functions of the human body.
Students study a wide range of interesting topics, including how single cells transport molecules across their cell membranes, how brain cells communicate with one another and how whole animals regulate cardiovascular / respiratory function in response to exercise and altitude.
Course material is taught through a mixture of lectures, practical laboratories, small group tutorials and computer-assisted and self-directed study.
Course of study
If you have passed HUBS 191, HUBS 192 and two of CELS 191 (or 199), CHEM 191, PHSI 191 or BIOC 192 then you are ready to enrol in our 200-level physiology papers.
The required 200-level papers for majoring in Physiology are PHSL 232 and PHSL 233, and one of NEUR 201 or NEUR 202. In semester 1, you can enrol in NEUR 201, whereas in semester 2 PHSL 232, PHSL 233 and NEUR 202 are available. We recommend that you enrol in two or three other 200-level papers that support your Physiology degree to give you an alternative plan in case you decide not to major in Physiology. Papers from Anatomy, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology work well with Physiology, however you can take papers from any subject - not necessarily science papers.
The required 300-level papers for majoring in Physiology are at least four from: PHSL 341, PHSL 344, PHSL 345, NEUR 303, or BMSC 321. In semester 1, you can enrol in PHSL 341, PHSL 345 and NEUR 303, whereas in semester 2 PHSL 344 and BMSC 321 are available.
To complete your degree you need to have passed papers with a total point value of 360 points (20 papers). In addition to the required papers, a further six papers must be 200- or 300-level, and the remaining 10 papers can be 100-level or above. As a BSc student you can take five non-science papers and have these count towards your degree. If you are interested in doing postgraduate studies (Honours or PgDipSci) you would have to take at least five papers at 300-level.
View more details on our postgraduate study page
We suggest you plan your proposed degree before you enrol through eVision; you can change your course and major during your degree. However, if you are a bit uncertain about your choices or have questions of any kind please contact the Department of Physiology and they will bring in you in contact with a course adviser. We are here to support you!
Email physiology.evision@otago.ac.nz
Summary of papers
| 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 232 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology PHSL 233 Cellular, Gastrointestinal and Renal Physiology One of:NEUR 201 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience NEUR 202 Systems Neuroscience | 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 |