Physiology
Overview
Physiology programs teach people how animals move and breathe, how plants grow, and how both reproduce.Physiology programs include topics such as:
- Reproduction and growth
- Vascular function
- Homeostasis
- Physical function and malfunction
- Evolutionary physiology
- Disease processes
- Cell biology
- Genetics
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in physiology. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in physiology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in physiology. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Anatomy
- Animal Physiology
- Animal Sciences, General
- Athletic Training
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences, General
- Biomedical Sciences, General
- Botany
- Cancer and Oncology Biology
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Chiropractic
- Exercise Physiology
- Exercise Science and Kinesiotherapy
- Molecular Biology
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Nurse Practitioner
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmacology
- Physical Therapy
- Physical Therapy Assisting
- Plant Physiology
- Zoology and Animal Biology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Athletic Trainers
- Biologists
- Coroners
- Naturopathic Physicians
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Pediatricians
- Physical Therapists
- Zoologists
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Biology courses
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Composition
- Physics
- Pre-Calculus
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree (usually in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry), good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
A bachelor's degree program in physiology typically requires that you study courses such as the following:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Applied Calculus
- Biochemistry
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Comparative Animal Physiology
- Ecology
- Elements of Physics
- English Composition
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Genetics
- Introduction to Toxicology
- Organic Chemistry
Graduate Program Courses
A graduate program in physiology typically includes courses such as the following:
- Biochemistry
- Biostatistics for Health Sciences
- Lab Rotations
- Metabolic Regulation/Molecular Endocrinology
- Molecular/Cellular Physiology
- Neurophysiology
In addition, graduate programs typically require the following:
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
You may be required to teach biology to undergraduates.
Things to Know
With a bachelor's degree you may work as a research assistant. You may go on to professional study in medical, dental, or veterinary school.
Schools
East Side Area
Central Washington University
- Integrative Human Physiology
King-Snohomish Area
Seattle Pacific University
- Biology--Physiology
South Seattle College
- Anatomy and Physiology (Transfer)
University of Washington - Seattle
- Biology--Physiology Option
- Biomolecular Structure & Design
- Physiology
- Physiology & Biophysics
Spokane Area
Eastern Washington University
- Biology--MS
Gonzaga University
- Human Physiology
West Side Area
Evergreen State College, The
- Physiology