Physiology

Coordinator: Associate Professor Alan Tilbrook (Department of Physiology)

The discipline

Physiology is the study of the way in which the body functions normally, and in dysfunction and disease. It is the core discipline of the biomedical, medical and life sciences. A program of study in physiology provides an ideal cornerstone for students wishing to pursue future studies in medical or allied health areas. Physiology provides the answers to questions on how the body works, on what happens when we are born and develop, on how our body systems adapt when challenged by stresses such as exercise or environmental extremes, and on how body functions change in disease states. From nerves to muscles, from the brain to hormones, physiologists are concerned with functions at all levels. This spans from the molecular and cellular to the organ and body systems levels, to ultimately provide understanding of the integrated function of the whole body.

In all units, emphasis will be on human body function. There will be study of both normal function as well as of common examples of adaptation to unusual environments (eg high altitude) and of dysfunction (eg heart disease, infertility, ageing) as appropriate to the unit and level of study. The aim is to provide students with greater insight into body function and an understanding of the basis of many common dysfunctions.

Units offered

Level two

PHY2011 Neuroscience of sensation, brain and movement
PHY2021 Body systems physiology
PHY2032 Physiology of human health

Level three

PHY3012 Integrative neuroscience
PHY3072 Muscle and exercise
PHY3082 Developmental physiology
PHY3111 Sensation and movement
PHY3171 Clinical and experimental cardiovascular physiology
PHY3181 Sex, reproduction and society
PHY3990 Action in physiology research project

Sequence requirements

Minor sequence in physiology (24 points):

12 points of level-one BIO, CHM or PHS units, and
two of PHY2011, PHY2021, or PHY2032.

Major sequence in physiology (48 points):

a minor sequence in physiology, and
24 points from level two or three PHY units, with at least 18 points at level three.

Recommendations

Level two

There are no prerequisites for any level-two units. To be able to take any of the level-three physiology units, students must have passed any two of PHY2011, PHY2021 and PHY2032.

Students planning to complete major sequences in both physiology and pharmacology are advised to take all three level-two physiology units and PHA2022.

Level three

There are three level-three units available in semester one and a further three in semester two. Students wishing to major in physiology normally take two units in semester one and another two units in semester two, however students can take these units in any combination. Less than fours units can be taken by students not wishing to major in physiology, and all six can be taken by students with a special interest in physiology.

The level-three units can be paired as: PHY3111 with PHY3012, PHY3171 with PHY3072, and PHY3181 with PHY3082. They do not, however, indicate prescribed paths that must be followed, and students are free to take these units in any combination that they wish.

Honours

The level-three units provide the basis for higher-level study in physiology at honours level, within the department or its affiliated institutes, or for graduate and postgraduate study in many other biomedical and medical disciplines. Honours-level study comprises two long units. In PHY4100 (36 points), students undertake a major research project, under the supervision of a staff member, in a topic selected from a wide range available within the department or its affiliated institutes. PHY4200 (12 points) provides for advanced theoretical study and further development of students’ analytical, research and communication skills. Mid-year entry to physiology is possible depending on the availability of places.

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