Faculty of Science
Physiology

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Faculty of Science

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

Physiology offers two major streams. Mammalian cellular physiology is the study of the cellular components that primarily determines organ function. Systems physiology is the study of the coordinated and networked processes that determine whole body function and adaption to change.

Physiology is very suitable to be taken as a double major with anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology (botany), genetics, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and zoology.

Students may take a double major or take the balance of their subjects from the specialist areas listed above.

1. Suggested subjects

1.1. 100-level subjects

Two semesters of three of the following:

chemistry: 610-141 and 610-142; or 610-121 and 610-122)
physics: 640-141 and 640-142; or 640-121 and 640-122; or 640-161 and 640-162;
biology: 600-141 and 600-142;
mathematics and statistics: 620-141 and 620-143; or 620-121 and 620-123; or 620-161 and 620-160; or 620-151 and 620-152.
psychology 512-120 and 512-121.

Note: Combined course students who take a full year's course load and only two of the science subjects listed above will be eligible for selection into 200-level physiology.

1.2. 200-level subjects

Some combination of:

physiology 536-201, 536-211, 536-202, 536-203;
biochemistry 521-211, 521-212; 521-220, 521-221
anatomy 516-201, if possible;
a selection of: microbiology 526-201 or 526-205, 526-202; pharmacology 534-201; chemistry 610-221 or 610-220; genetics 652-214, 652-215; zoology 654-202, 654-203 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 the minimum requirements for acceptance into third year. However, students taking only 536-201 and 536-211 who wish to take third year physiology are encouraged to seek exemption from the Head of Department. Students must have taken at least 72 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; and the skills to record and analyse data accurately.

1.3. 300-level subjects

For students undertaking a major in physiology a minimum of 50 points of 300-level physiology subjects is required. However, less than 50 points of 300-level physiology subjects may be appropriate for students undertaking other majors such as neuroscience.
Selections from the following: anatomy and cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, pathology, pharmacology, and zoology.

Third year physiology is offered as a group of eight subjects. Subjects (536-301, 536-311, 536-302, 536-303, 536-308) encompass basic physiology teaching and the other two subjects (536-304, 536-310) cannot be taken without the necessary corequisite or prerequisite subjects. Physiology 536-304 and 536-310 offer practical research experience in physiology. The department strongly recommends that physiology students taking these subjects do so in combination with other subjects.

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; and a strong background in current approaches and technology to test concepts in physiology.

Students who have completed anatomy, biochemistry, physics, psychology or 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.

2. Bachelor of Science (Honours)

For information about faculty and departmental entry requirements for honours, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours). These requirements should be considered when planning your course.

3. Further Information

Department of Physiology
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: +61 3 8344 5820
Fax: +61 3 8344 5818
Web: http://www.physiology.unimelb.edu.au

Physiology 200-level

536-201 Principles of Physiology
536-202 Physiology (General Practical)
536-203 Physiology (Integrative Physiology)
536-206 Physiology (Optometry)
536-211 Physiology:Control of Body Function
516-209 Introductory Neuroscience

Physiology 300-level

536-301 Integrative Physiology: Heart & Kidney
536-302 Molecular Neurophysiology
536-303 The Brain: Neurophysiology of Behaviour
536-304 Seminars & Experimental Physiology
536-308 Physiology of Muscle & Exercise
536-310 Research Project in Physiology
536-311 Molecular/Cellular Basis of Physiology