Course Description
Physiology is the study of how the body works. More than any other of the biological sciences, it involves using an understanding of biological process at the most basic level to explain how a whole organ or an entire body functions. It is this integrated aspect that puts Physiology at the centre of the biological and medical sciences.
Physiological studies of normal biological function provide the basis for understanding the abnormal function observed in human and animal disease and for developing new therapeutic treatments. The scope of physiology ranges from investigation of molecular actions in single cells to studying the way our body systems control our ability to think, eat, sleep and perform exercise. To achieve this, Physiologists must also use the related disciplines of anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics and immunology.
In your fourth year you will undertake a year's industrial placement and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc. Placements vary considerably but in general terms, you will be placed in an industrial, commercial or research environment where you will obtain a breadth of practical experience to complement your degree programme and enhance your employability.
Course Content
A degree in Physiology is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.
- Year 1
In year 1 you will take courses in Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.
Compulsory Courses
Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001) - 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020) - 15 Credit Points
The Cell (SM1501) - 15 Credit Points
Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512) - 15 Credit Points
Professional Skills Part 1 (PD1001)
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 2
In year 2 Human Physiology courses commence. Parallel recommended courses include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, combined with courses delivering key skills applicable to Physiology.
Compulsory Courses
Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2) - 15 Credit Points
Molecular Biology of the Gene (BI20M3) - 15 Credit Points
Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2001) - 15 Credit Points
Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2) - 15 Credit Points
Energy for Life (BI25M7) - 15 Credit Points
Research Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2501) - 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
Courses taken in year 3 enhance your understanding of the major physiological systems within the mammalian body and provide detailed insights into specific areas of mainstream physiology.
Compulsory Courses
Integrative Physiology (PY3002) - 30 Credit Points
Working Out: Placement & Career Skills (BT3006) - 5 Credit Points
Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology (BM3501) - 15 Credit Points
Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology (BM3502) - 15 Credit Points
Epithelial Physiology (PY3803) - 15 Credit Points
Neuroscience Research Topics (BM3804) - 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 4
You will spend year 4 on placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment.
Compulsory Courses
Industrial Placement (BT5007) - 120 Credit Points
- Year 5
The Honours year aims to explore in depth, specific aspects of physiology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.
Compulsory Courses
Advanced Molecules, Membranes and Cells (BM4004) - 30 Credit Points
Staying Alive - Adaptation in Physiological Systems (BM4009) - 15 Credit Points
Physiology Project (PY4501) - 60 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select one of the following:
- Developmental Neuroscience (PY4302)
- The Science of Ageing - From Cradle to Grave (BM4301)
Developmental Neuroscience (PY4302) - 15 Credit Points
The Science of Ageing - from Cradle to Grave (BM4301) - 15 Credit Points
Entry Requirements
SQA Highers - AAAB*
A Levels - ABB*
IB - 34 points, 6 at HL*
ILC - 5H with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3, with H2 and H3 from Chemistry and Biology, OR AAABB including AB from Chemistry and Biology. The grading within band B must be at B2 or above.*
*Including good performance in Chemistry and Biology.
Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers AAB or A Levels AAB, or IB 36 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be an A-grade.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 54 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
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MSci in Physiology with Industrial Placement (Full Time)
University of Aberdeen
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MSci in Physiology with Industrial Placement (Full Time)
University of Aberdeen