Physiology

What do you particularly enjoy about studying at Bristol?

Bristol is a very pretty city and a lot of fun. It's small enough to make you feel at home, yet large enough for you never to get bored. I've met some interesting and friendly people and am involved in lots of clubs and societies.

Chloe,
Fourth year

Physiology is an experimental, scientific discipline and is of central importance in medicine and related health sciences. Physiology provides a thorough understanding of normal body function that enables more effective treatment of abnormal or disease states. We make use of innovative teaching methods to enhance teaching. Practicals are run in well-equipped modern labs and incorporate a newly developed online learning environment, eBiolabs and state-of-the-art Human Patient Simulators.

Physiology courses

Why study Physiology at Bristol?

Physiology is the study of body function: how cell tissue and organ function is integrated in the whole individual. Physiology is an experimental, scientific discipline of general educational value.

In years one and two of our Physiological Science degree, you will have the opportunity to study other subjects alongside physiology, including non-science subjects. Popular choices are biochemistry, human anatomy, pharmacology, psychology or a modern language. Assessment in years one and two is through a combination of coursework, including online tests and exams.

The School of Physiology and Pharmacology houses world-leading research groups in cardiovascular physiology, neuroscience and cell biology, and from year one you will benefit from teaching from research active staff.

An MSci in Physiological Science with Study in Industry provides you with the opportunity to gain experience in applied science laboratories in the commercial or government sectors.

Undergraduate International Scholarship

International candidates who receive an offer for a place on a course in the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) route will be offered the opportunity to apply for an Undergraduate International Scholarship.

What kind of student would this course suit?

Physiological science would suit a student who has a keen interest in how the body works, from cells to the whole body, and what goes wrong in disease. You would have, or want to develop, the ability to investigate aspects of physiology from the literature and have an interest in developing skills in experimentation and the analysis of data.

How is this course taught and assessed?

For each of the first two years you will normally have nine lectures a week, supplemented by up to nine hours of practical work, depending on the units chosen. Regular tutorials are arranged in order to provide guidance in communication skills and problem solving. In the final year, formal lectures are replaced by seminars and a total of 30 days are spent on a research project. You will be assessed via coursework, including regular on-line assessments and written assignments, as well as end of unit exams.

What are my career prospects?

Many of our graduates enter careers for which physiology is of direct relevance, including basic and clinical research, graduate medical/veterinary or dental courses, or applied scientific or pharmaceutical careers. Others enter teaching or a variety of different careers not specifically needing physiological skills, but for which physiology provides an excellent general education eg commerce, accountancy, administration or management. Physiology will help you become proficient in skills valued by employers, such as data handling and communication skills.

What would you say to a prospective student?

Applying to study Physiology at Bristol will be a decision you never regret. It’s a great course with modern labs and state-of-the-art equipment such as the human patient simulator STAN.

Stuart Large
BSc Physiological Science