Programme summary for BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology
About the programme
Medical physiology studies the normal and abnormal function of the human body, with particular emphasis on medical (diseases of the body) and applied aspects such as practical anatomy, histology, exercise physiology, fitness testing, first aid techniques and medical instrumentation. The programme covers a wide range of biomedical areas, including anatomy, human physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry and microbiology. This is one of the many bioscience programmes run by the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.
2-subject degrees
You can combine this programme with a range of other subjects as part of a 2-subject degree. Popular combinations include Medical Physiology and Clinical Science, and Medical Physiology with Medical Microbiology.
Programme structure
- Full-time students can complete the programme in 3 years, or 4-years if undertaking the sandwich degree . The programme can also be followed part-time.
- At Level 1, basic scientific concepts, on structure and function of the body, are introduced in modules on Human Physiology, Anatomy of Movement, Cellular Biology and Cellular Processes. Skills for Biosciences provides the necessary learning and basic practical skills for further study at level 2.
- At Level 2, students build on the modules at level one with further study of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry with modules in Metabolism, Physiological Function and Dysfunction (including introductory Histology), Physiological Regulation and Functional Anatomy. Students are also introduced to pharmacology and nutrition by studying Introductory Pharmacology and Food and Nutrition.
- The third year of study can be spent away from the University in a work placement (Sandwich programme).
- Level 3 specialises in pathology, research skills and medical and applied physiology with modules in Applied Medical Physiology (respiratory disease, advanced nutrition), Exercise Physiology (with advanced fitness assessment), Clinical Physiology and Employability (medical instrumentation and first aid) and Systems Pharmacology (pharmacology of major diseases). All single and major combined honours students have to do an individual research project involving original work. This may be laboratory or library based.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this programme can lead to applying for medicine, physiotherapy or dentistry; further training in the NHS as a healthcare scientist (eg, clinical physiologist); laboratory-based work in research institutes and universities, industrial and pharmaceutical laboratories; higher degrees (MSc and PhD) in related subjects; or training as a teacher (eg, via a PGCE programme at UEL).
Support
The School of Health and Biosciences provides immediate contact with University support systems.
- In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
- Module leaders and programme leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
- The School of Health and Biosciences office has a Help Desk to advise how to get the right help.
- Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
- Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for several modules via UELplus links.
Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.
Support for students on a University level includes:
- Libraries and Learning Resource Centres
- Childcare for students with children aged 21/2 years to 5 years.
- Careers advice and information · Counselling and Advice for practical problems
- Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty.
- Language tuition
- Dyslexia support
- Accommodation
Admission
The minimum requirement is 240 points at A2 level from Physics, Biology or Chemistry. Applicants can obtain this by a combination of either 2 A levels or 3 for both single and combined honours programmes. We would expect the majority to have studied Biology at A2. We also accept the equivalent Baccalaureate or Irish Highers. Other qualifications include Access to Science, Advanced GNVQ in Science at merit grade, and BTec National Diploma in Science with a minimum of 6 modules at merit grade or higher. All students should also have a minimum of grade C at GCSE, or equivalent, in English language, mathematics and double science (or chemistry and biology if taken separately).
Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. Overseas students need to show some evidence of both written and spoken English (e.g. TOEFL at 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0). For mature students (aged 21 or over), credit may be given for relevant work experience and recognition of particular skills and/or knowledge through accreditation of prior learning (AEL), according to established University procedures.
Direct entry to the second year of the programme is available for students with Higher National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area, or for those who have successfully completed study equivalent to level one in a similar programme at another University. Direct entry to level three is only available to students who have successfully completed levels one and two of a programme with very similar content at another University.
Applicants lacking the required entry qualifications may apply for the extended degree programme which is an appropriate basis for starting the degree.
Key facts
You can start many programmes in either September or February and applications are simple to make. Click below to:
Apply online Medical Physiology (BSc (Hons))
