Combined Honours Programmes

Medical Physiology (Major, Minor or Joint)

Campus: Stratford

Why Study Medical Physiology as part of a Combined Honours Degree?

This Medical Physiology programme provides an excellent opportunity to study the complex anatomy and detailed function of the human body in health and disease. Anatomy and Physiology are two of the core subjects of Medicine. Special importance is given to learning practical anatomy and relating this to physiological function. Applied Physiology is emphasized throughout the programme by the teaching of techniques and instrumentation used to investigate and assess health and disease e.g. ECG, fitness tests, chest X-rays. All students will learn life support and obtain a first aid certificate. The programme is ideal for a research career in the biological/medical fields or for studying higher degrees (MSc, PhD). The programme should be extremely attractive to those intending to pursue a career in Medicine, Physiotherapy, Dentistry and other professions allied to Medicine in the NHS or using their skills in teaching, the Pharmaceutical and other industries.

What will I study?

Medical Physiology is a study of the normal and abnormal function of the human body with particular emphasis on applied aspects, such as practical anatomy, exercise physiology, fitness testing, instrumentation and measurement of body systems and first aid techniques. The programme covers a wide range of biomedical areas including anatomy, human physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, biochemistry and microbiology.

The programme at UEL aims to provide students with a strong scientific background for studying both the normal structure and function of the human body and the pathophysiology (covering causes, symptoms and diagnosis of disease).
Strong emphasis on practical anatomy (location, structure, function) of the body
Practical skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid certificate
Applied physiology such as exercise and fitness assessments, nutrition and health, drugs and disease, instrumentation and measurement of body systems.
An emphasis on specialist techniques (including biochemical, physiological, pharmacological, molecular and tissue) to investigate and interpret body systems.
Extensive laboratory training through all years of the programme.
Work experience by taking an optional sandwich year

Which modules will I study?

You can view a full guide to the modules you have to study as part of your chosen pathway, along with a full range of option modules available by viewing the Single & Combined Honours Programmes Guide for Medical Physiology.

What carreer opportunities are open to me if I study Medical Physiology?

Medical physiologists work in a variety of fields, as health care scientists in the NHS interpreting collected data which can than be used to inform diagnosis and therapy. Alternatively, the degree would suit jobs in teaching, the pharmaceutical industry, management and IT. There is the possibility that, with further study, they could become Doctors or Dentists or other positions allied to medicine. Many science graduates also study for higher qualifications such as MSc or PhD enabling them to undertake careers in research

Can I study a Combined Honours Programme as a Part-time degree?

All our Combined Honours Programmes can be studied on a Part-time or Full-time basis. As a Part-time student, you will study the same degree programme, but at a slower pace. You will study up to 4 modules per year (instead of 6 as a full-time student).

Popular Combinations with Medical Physiology are:

Biochemistry with Medical Physiology
Clinical Science/Medial Physiology
Health Services Management with Medical Physiology
Medical Physiology with Business Information Systems
Medical Physiology with Education & Community Development
Medical Physiology with International Business
Pharmacology/Medical Physiology

What can I combine with Medical Physiology?

We have over 5000 different combinations and you can choose from over 75 pathways. Please visit the Combined Honours Programmes page for a full list

Please note that the timetabling for this pathway is currently under review and some combinations may require evening attendance. Please check with the School of Combined Honours for further details.

Entry Requirements

240 UCAS tariff points (including two passes at A2 level, one of which must be in a Science subject i.e. Biology/Chemistry). In addition to the above, we require GCSE Maths, English and Science grade C.

How do I apply?

If you wish to study with us full-time from September, you will need to make your application via UCAS (www.ucas.ac.uk).

If you wish to study with us part-time you can obtain an application form from our admissions department study@uel.ac.uk or apply on-line.

Applicants should have studied Biology, Chemistry or Physics at A Level and we also accept the equivalent Baccalaureate or Irish Highers. Other suitable qualifications include Access to Science, Advanced GNVQ in Science and BTec National Diploma in Science. Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis.