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Physiology Undergraduate Major

What is Physiology?
Physiology is the study of how the body works, specifically, how cells, tissues, and organisms function. It is a biological science that provides the foundation upon which we build our knowledge of what “life” is, how to treat disease, and how to cope with stresses imposed upon our bodies by different environments.

The Physiology major – Overview
The physiology major program in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, includes courses in basic biological and physical sciences, human anatomy & physiology, and a wide selection of physiology topics as well as research. Most students in the physiology major plan to continue their studies, following completion of the BS in Health Sciences degree, in graduate school or in a professional school preparing for a career in health care (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, optometry, etc.).

Students begin at the university as pre-physiology majors until they have completed prerequisite courses and earned a cumulative grade-point-average of at least 2.25. Most pre-majors apply for admission to the physiology major when they are juniors or have completed their junior year. The physiology major curriculum provides a comprehensive array of courses focusing on the body’s cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Several courses include “hands on” laboratory activities and provide real-world applications that make learning exciting and meaningful.

What makes the Physiology Undergraduate Major Exceptional?

• Physiology is the only undergraduate major offered through the College of Medicine. Major courses are taught by faculty members who also teach graduate and medical school students.
• Less than 10 U.S. universities offer an undergraduate physiology major — this list includes UA.
• For the past four years (2002-2005), the pre-physiology major has been one of the top five most popular majors selected by incoming UA freshmen, based on enrollment.
• In 2005-06 approximately 200 physiology students were enrolled in the Honors program and 80% of the junior and senior honors students participated in research projects with College of Medicine faculty.
• In 2006, the Physiology Department won the Provost's Award for Meritorious Departmental Achievement in Undergraduate Instruction in recognition of its outstanding accomplishments in teaching and its dedication to promoting academic rigor and research-based study at the undergraduate level.