Physiology is the study of how living organisms work, particularly humans. Its scope is wide and ranges from investigation of molecular actions in single cells to studying the way our body systems control our ability to think, eat, sleep and perform exercise. Physiological knowledge is essential to understand how the astronaut, the diver and the Olympic athlete can operate most effectively. To achieve this, the Physiologist must also use the related disciplines of anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics and immunology. It is this integrative approach which places physiology at the centre of biological and medical science.
As a discipline, Physiology has wide applications. It is a fundamental core science and is important to understanding the process of disease, to the development of new drugs and surgical techniques, to preventive medicine and indeed to medical care in all its forms. You will find that the study of Physiology is exciting, satisfying and relevant in the broadest sense. Physiology has been taught at the University of Aberdeen since 1593. A Department of Physiology was established along with the Regius Chair in Physiology in 1860. In 1990 Physiology was merged with the Departments of Anatomy and Pharmacology to create the present Department of Biomedical Sciences.
This degree course aims to instill a broad base of knowledge regarding physiological function at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Additionally, students will gain an in depth understanding of selected aspects of Physiology which will reflect the research expertise and strengths within the Department. A thorough understanding of the scientific method and the development of a critical approach to problem solving and research literature also will be gained. In carrying out a research-based project and the presention of the project findings as a thesis, students will gain expertise in time management, data handling, and in the transferable skills associated with mastering statistics, graphics and word processing software packages.
The degree co-ordinator is Dr C.D. McCaig and any query concerning the degree programme should be addressed to him (Dr C.D. McCaig is available by appointment between the hours of 12noon and 2pm most days of the week in term time. Appointments should be made via the Departmental Office). Enquiries concerning a specific module should be made to the course co-ordinator for that module (See University Catalogue of Courses or BMS World Wide Web Pages for names). The Head of Department of Biomedical Sciences is always available for advice regarding any of the degree schemes run by his department as well as matters such as careers advice. In the first instance appointments to see any of the above staff should be made with the Departmental Office sited on the first floor, South West Wing, Marischal College (01224-273006).
In order to complete the degree scheme the students programme of studies must comply with the Supplementary Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Pure Science (BSc) supplied to the student in the extract from the University Calender "Degrees in Science". This will involve taking a number of modules outwith the Department of Biological Sciences during years 1 and 2 and the student should consult their Advisor of Studies when selecting these courses. This document supplements the regulations in the University Calender and the descriptions of modules given in the University "Catalogue of Courses". It is correct at the time of going to press but is open to change.
Throughout your course, assessment takes the form of continuous assessment (based upon performance in prescribed tasks such as practical reports and essays) and written degree examinations (essay questions) taken in the examination diets allotted to each half session. The final year assessment is made up of four essay papers one of which includes an in depth problem solving section and the submission of a thesis. The thesis is based on a 10 week research project and is defended in an oral examination. Details concerning assessments and course work are provided in the Course Handbooks associated with each specific module. These Course Handbooks are available either from the Departmental Office or on the BMS World Wide Web Pages.
All courses run in the department have practical and general skills (enterprise) components as integral parts of the teaching package. For detailed descriptions of the courses that make up the BSc (Hons) Physiology Degree consult the University Course Catalogue, or in the case of modules taught within the Department of Biomedical Sciences consult the BMS World Wide Web Pages (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/~phy050/pydegsche.htm).
There are no courses in Physiology at in the 1st Year (Level 1). Intending Honours students in Physiology require a basic level of general physical and chemical principles and hence are required to take (or gain exemptions from) in the first half session either CM1003 Introductory Chemistry or CM1004 General Chemistry I and in the second half session, CM1504 General Chemistry. Pre-requisites for second year physiology courses in addition to chemistry include in the first half session BI1002 Cell Biology and in the second half session either BI1501 Animal and Plant Biology or BI1502 Molecular Biology. The BI modules will provide a general background in animal biology, thus preparing the student for the more detailed studies of mammalian physiology that will be made in the second year of study.
First Half Session
Cell Biology (BI 1002,4 credits)
General Chemistry 1 (CM 1004, 4 credits) or
Introductory Chemistry (CM 1003, 4 credits) and
Two other courses of your choice each worth 4 credits
Second Half Session
General Chemistry 2 (CM 1504, 4 credits)
Animal and Plant Biology (BI 1501, 4 credits) and/or
Molecular Biology (BI 1502, 4 credits) and
One or two other courses of your choice each worth 4 credits
| First Half Session | Second Half Session |
| BI 1002 | BI 1501 and/or BI 1502 |
| CM 1003 or CM 1004 | CM 1504 |
| 2 other modules | 1 or 2 other modules |
Two Physiology modules are required in the 2nd Year (Level 2). These are: Physiology A - Control Mechanisms (PY2001) and Physiology B - Co-ordinated Systems (PY2501). Compatible courses to go with these two modules in the first half session include Human Cells and Tissues (AN2001) and Molecules of Life (BC2002), and in the second half session Human Organ Systems (AN2501) and Energy for Life (BC2502).
First Half Session
Physiology A (PY 2001, 3 credits)
Second Half Session
Physiology B (PY 2501, 3 credits)
| First Half Session | Second Half Session |
| PY 2001 | PY 2501 |
| 3 other modules | 3 other modules |
Twenty four credits in Physiology are required in the 3rd Year (Level 3). Modules taken in the first half session of the third year in Physiology build on the modules taken at Level 2 by enhancing the students understanding of the major physiological systems within the mammalian body. Modules taken in the second half session will provide detailed insights into specific areas of mainstream physiology, a theme that is continued into the first half session of the Physiology fourth year.
First Half Session
Molecules, Membranes and Cells (BM 3006, 6 credits)
Integrative Physiology (PY 3002, 6 credits)
Second Half Session
Neuroscience and Neurophysiology (BM 3502, 3 credits)
Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology (BM 3501, 3 credits)
Integrative Neuroscience (BM 3801, 3 credits)
Epithelial Physiology (PY 3803, 3 credits)
| Thread | First Half Session | Second Half Session | |
| 1 | BM 3006 | BM 3502 | BM 3801 |
| 2 | PY 3002 | BM 3501 | PY 3803 |
Twenty four credits in Physiology are required in the 4th Year (Level 4). Modules taken in the first half session will provide detailed insights into specific areas of mainstream physiology. The second half session is fully occupied with a research project chosen from a list based on the reserch interests of the staff of Biomedical Sciences. There are NO examinations at the end of the first half session. Instead the students proceed straight to their research projects and sit a diet of final honours examinations at the end of the second half session. The first half session revision period is combined with that of the second half session to give four clear weeks for revision prior to the final examinations.
First Half Session
Advanced Molecules, Membranes and Cells (BM 4004, 6 credits)
Developmental Neuroscience (PY 4003, 3 credits)
Cardiorespiratory and Exercise Physiology (PY 4301, 3 credits)
Second Half Session
Physiology Project (PY 4501, 12 credits)
| Thread | First Half Session | Second Half Session | |
| 1 | BM 4004 | PY 4501 | |
| 2 | PY 4003 | PY 4301 | |