BSc (Hons)
Human Physiology
Develop specialist expert knowledge of the human body
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Physiologists continue to play a vital role in our understanding of how the body works and taking this course is your opportunity to gain a sound understanding of the human body’s biological functions.
You’ll study a range of diseases and gain hands-on experience in diagnostic procedures used to investigate and manage health conditions for professional practice.
What will I experience?
On this course you will:
- Be taught by experienced health practitioners; many are members of clinical professional groups
- Use our modern laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning
- Learn to assess the body’s physiological functions and practise diagnostic procedures in our clinical simulation suite
What opportunities might it lead to?
You’ll have the potential for a rewarding career in a range of scientific settings. Alternatively, you can enrol on a MSc and PhD programme to continue pursuing the academic interests developed throughout your undergraduate studies.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- clinical research
- teaching
- scientific writing and the media
- public healthcare
- health promotion
- further study at medical school
In James Watson West there is a simulation of a hospital ward and one of an operating theatre, both of these are great for preparing you for real practice and are used frequently in lessons.
Henry Barfoot, health sciences student
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- B121
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Entry
280 points to include 2 A Levels, with 80 points from a biological science or an equivalent qualification with appropriate biological science content. Or AVCE Double Award or Advanced GNVQ or a suitable Access or Foundation degree (which must include biology).
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £11,000 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- sci.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5550 - Department
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work
Subject:
Health Sciences and Social Work
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- The clinical and real-life learning approach that will equip you for your chosen career
- Our simulated environments that mean you’ll gain and practise the skills you’ll need before entering the workplace
- Approachable lecturers, many of whom are teacher practitioners
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
During your first year you’re straight in to developing practical skills alongside your academic studies. We’ll also examine and discuss the reasons and theories behind the purpose of ageing and theory of human origin.
Core units in this year include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biological Cell and Systems Chemistry
- Academic Skills
- Health and Disease Prevention
- Applied Systems Human Biology
- Fundamental Topics in Human Physiology
Year two
This year involves further training in the examination and assessment of patients, while also covering the study of environmental factors and triggers on health.
Core units in this year include:
- Altered Physiology
- Clinical Examination and Assessment in Patients with Altered Physiology
- Environment Physiology and Health
- Research Methods
There is also an optional unit in cardiology.
Year three
In your final year you will be looking at key areas of allergy, sleep, neurobiology and disease surveillance. You’ll study current literature, examine emerging scientific data and conduct a dissertation project in an area of your choosing.
Core units in this year include:
- Biology of the Mind
- Respiratory Disease and Allergy
- Disease Modelling and Surveillance
- Neurobiology of Sleep, Learning, Memory and Reorganisation
Teaching and Assessment
You’ll experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, lab and experimental work, web-based learning and both individual and group work. We aim to provide a balanced structure of academic and practical learning, and you will also be asigned a personal tutor who will support you throughout the course.
How are you assessed?
Assessment takes various forms and is usually done at the end of each unit. Here’s how:
- coursework
- problem solving task
- examinations
- critical appraisal/analysis
- presentations
- lab practice assessments
- project work
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
Centre for Simulation in Healthcare
Practise procedures and respond to possible risks in a safe environment
Specialist Software and Scientific Equipment
We have an outstanding array of facilities
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
Centre for Simulation in Healthcare
Our aim is to enhance your learning and experiences through the use of innovative learning technologies. Mirroring the current clinical setting and allowing for patient-facing role play, our Centre can be used to practise procedures and respond to possible risks. You’ll get the chance to build professional practical skills and be taught through real-life scenarios using our simulated learning sessions.
Specialist Software and Scientific Equipment
We have an outstanding array of facilities providing a safe and effective learning experience. Here’s a taste of what you’ll have access to:
- hi-fidelity human patient simulators
- a simulated ward and theatre
- mobile simulators
- electronic voting systems
- an eye-tracker device
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
Upon graduating, you’ll enjoy excellent career prospects for both scientific and non-scientific careers alike. You can use your course as a springboard to medical, forensic or healthcare professions, as well as further study, research or academia. Your decision-making and leadership ability, along with your other transferable skills, will also be sought after by a variety of employers and can be applied to a range of career paths.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- operating department practitioner
- care manager
- community/retail pharmacist
- medical writer/research executive
- medical sales representative
- planning radiotherapist
Work experience
How do you carry out a physical examination? What do you do when your patient’s condition is deteriorating?
Health-related careers can involve working in some of the most demanding and stressful environments. Therefore, preparing you so you know what to expect and how to react is one of our top priorities.
Our facilities give you the chance to get to grips with the equipment you may be using after you graduate. We teach you to safely and accurately use such equipment and train you in the necessary procedures on campus so you learn to effectively respond to clinical need. On completion of this course, you’ll be equipped with the relevant work experience to confidently venture into the medical environment.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more