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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physiology

Faculty of Science

Physiology

Physiology is the study of how the body works - the ways in which cells, organs and the whole bodies function, and how these functions are maintained in a changing environment.


Suggested Subjects


100-Level Subjects

Three of the following:

Note: Combined Course students who take a full year's course load and only 2 of the Science subjects listed above will be eligible for selection into 200 level Physiology.


200-Level Subjects

One of the following combinations: Cell Biology 606-205, 606-206, Microbiology 526-201 or 526-205, 526-202, Pharmacology 534-201 or 534-202 and Chemistry 610-221 or 610-220, Genetics 652-204, 652-205, or 652-214, 652-215, Zoology 654-202 or 654-212.

Physiology 536-201, 536-211, 536-202 and 536-203 are recommended for students considering taking Physiology in third year.

Physiology 536-201, 536-211 and 536-202 are generally the minimum requirements for acceptance into third year. However students taking only 536-201 and 536-211 may seek exemption from the Head of Department. Students must take at least 78 hours practical work in second year.

The aim of Physiology subjects 536-201, 536-211, 536-202 and 536-203 is to introduce the student to the investigation of body systems and their control at the cellular and systemic levels, with emphasis on quantitative aspects of Physiology studied as an experimental science. They are intended to provide an adequate background for all third year physiology units, and to stand alone as the physiological components for students with majors in other disciplines.

On completion of these subjects a student should have an understanding of cellular physiology, concerned with both those properties that characterise all living cells, and those that are unique to special cell types such as neurones and muscle fibres; systemic physiology, in which the activity of different tissues and organs subserving the various coordinated functions of the human body (e. g. the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems) are considered. The emphasis is on the functions of the human body, although the foundations of this knowledge commonly depend on observations and experiment in other animals; the skills required to observe physiological responses; the skills to record and analyse data accurately.

Physiology 536-207 is a terminal subject and is of general interest to students interested in Health Issues, Environmental Sciences and Education. The aim of Physiology 536-207 is to introduce students to whole body function, health and nutrition. On completion the students should have an understanding of the physiological aspects of both personal and community health and nutrition.


300-Level Subjects

Third year Physiology is offered as a group of seven subjects. Four subjects (536-301, 536-302, 536-303, 536-306, 536-307) encompass the basic Physiology teaching and the other two subjects (536-304, 536-305) cannot be taken without the necessary co-requisite or prerequisite subjects. Physiology 536-304 is the major subject offering practical experience in Physiology at an advanced level. The Department strongly recommends that Physiology students take this subject in combination with other subjects. Subjects 536-306 and 536-307 are applied specialist subjects and are taken in conjunction with 536-301.

On completion of 300-level Physiology subjects, a student should have attained: specialised knowledge in the areas of Physiology of interest to the student; a precise and detailed knowledge of specialist areas in physiology; an appreciation of how areas of physiology integrate to give overall control of body function; the ability to generate and test hypotheses in an area of interest to the student; a strong background in current approaches and technology to test concepts in Physiology.

Students who have completed Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physics, Psychology and Zoology without Physiology at the 200-level may be admitted to individual 300-level subjects. Students should consult with subject advisers in the Department during the second Semester of their second year.


Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Please refer to Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiology.

Physiology 200-Level

536-201 Physiology Part A
536-211 Physiology Part B
536-202 Physiology (General Practical)
536-203 Physiology (Integrative Physiology)
536-206 Physiology (Optometry)
536-207 Human Biology and Nutrition

Physiology 300-level

536-301 Systems Physiology
536-302 Mammalian Cellular Physiology
536-303 The Brain: From Perception to Behaviour
536-304 Seminars and Experimental Physiology
536-305 Project in Physiology (Advanced)
536-306 Exercise Physiology
536-307 Physiology of Human Nutrition


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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physiology
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.