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Physiological Sciences BSc Honours

  • UCAS code: B100
  • Full time
  • 3 years

This accredited Physiological Sciences degree will equip you with the in-depth understanding of human physiological regulation and its relevance to improving disease diagnosis and treatment.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £25800

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: AAB
  • IB: 34 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

Our Physiological Sciences degree focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular processes regulating the integrated homeostasis of organ systems of the human body (physiology).

You'll understand how these can respond to various challenges such as development and maturation, exercise, and pregnancy. You'll identify what goes wrong in severe pathophysiological circumstances such as heart and lung disease, ageing, congenital disease, and neurodegeneration.

By critically examining information from scientific and clinical research studies you will explore how this information can be used to improve disease detection and therapies.

You will gain a deep and integrated understanding of many aspects of human physiology and pathophysiology, including:

• the molecular basis of cell signal transduction
• neuroscience
• cardiovascular and respiratory physiology
• renal physiology
• gastrointestinal physiology
• human anatomy for physiologists
• research techniques for physiology and biomedical research

We are a National Centre of Excellence in biomedical research. You will engage with internationally-renowned researchers and expert staff to gain a deep understanding of the life sciences that supports career aspirations in various sectors.

Students working in a lab

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Additional information

Transfer to our Medicine or Dentistry degrees

There is flexibility to transfer between our degree programmes at the end of the first year if you find your interests change.

You can also apply to transfer to our Medicine or Dentistry degrees. This opportunity is open to UK, EU and international students. It is competitive, with a limited number of places available. Students are selected on the basis of academic performance in the first year, a UCAT score, a personal statement and, if shortlisted, an interview.

Find out about transferring courses

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

All of our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:

  • phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
  • phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree

This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie before you specialise.

Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)

You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.

Phase 2 (remainder of degree)

You'll study topics such as: the physiology of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract and have the opportunity to undertake research in one of our world-leading research institutes on a subject that interest you, like:

  • cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal physiology
  • neuroscience
  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • cancer
  • ageing

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Biochemistry 15
Genetics 15
Microbiology and Immunology 15
Cell Biology 15
Professional and Practical Skills for Bioscientists 30
Pharmacology 15
Physiology 15

All of our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:

  • phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
  • phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree

This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie before you specialise.

Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)

You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.

Phase 2 (remainder of degree)

You'll study topics such as: the physiology of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract and have the opportunity to undertake research in one of our world-leading research institutes on a subject that interest you, like:

  • cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal physiology
  • neuroscience
  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • cancer
  • ageing

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Essential Biomedical Research Skills 20
Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression 10
Cell and Molecular Biology of the Immune System 10
Membrane Transport and Cell Signalling in Health and Disease 20
Molecular Physiology and Pathophysiology 15
Human Anatomy for Physiologists 10
Renal and Respiratory Physiology 20
Cardiovascular System Physiology 15

All of our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:

  • phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
  • phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree

This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie before you specialise.

Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)

You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.

Phase 2 (remainder of degree)

You'll study topics such as: the physiology of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract and have the opportunity to undertake research in one of our world-leading research institutes on a subject that interest you, like:

  • cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal physiology
  • neuroscience
  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • cancer
  • ageing

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Physiology of the Nervous System 30
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract 1 15
Integrated Physiology 10
Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract 2 15
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional compulsory module information
You also take one of the following modules (shown in the optional list below):
 
Research Project (40 credits)
OR
Optional Modules Credits
Business Enterprise for the Bioscientist 10
Health and Illness: Professional and Societal Perspectives 10
Science Communication 10
Bioethics 10
Bioinformatics 10
Research Project 40
Research project for exchange students 40
Research in Physiological Sciences 10

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You'll learn through a combination of lectures, practical laboratory classes and small group seminars.

You also have the chance to attend optional research talks, aimed especially at first-year students, as part of our biomedicine+ programme.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assessments

  • Coursework

  • Dissertation or research project

  • Examinations – practical or online

  • Practical sessions

Skills and experience

Practical skills

In your final year, you'll work alongside industry-recognised scientists in one of our research institutes while completing your research project.

This will allow you to develop advanced research and scientific skills, while also getting an insight into a career as a researcher.

Business skills

We make sure you have plenty of opportunities to gain work experience to enhance your employability while studying. This includes:

  • vacation studentships in a University research laboratory
  • paid work in one of our research institutes through our Laboratory Assistant Scheme
  • employability ambassador scheme
  • student mentoring scheme

Research skills

As a National Centre of Excellence in biomedical research, you're guaranteed an education right at the cutting edge of the discipline, so you'll always be aware of the latest developments and innovations in the field.

Chat with a Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences student

Isabella

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. We offer a wide range of destinations and opportunities for students, and we can help you decide which option would work for you (including free language courses before you go, and helping you apply for funding). You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas. You can even take a summer placement in an overseas research laboratory.

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year, and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. A work placement is not available if you're spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll be based in the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at our city-centre campus. The Faculty is also home to Dentistry, Medicine, Psychology and Pharmacy, making it a vibrant environment for learning and research.

Our facilities include:

  • a dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
  • spacious modern teaching laboratories
  • hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
  • cutting-edge research laboratories and equipment facilities
  • flexible student social spaces
  • being less than two minutes’ walk of the sports centre

Find out about the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences

Support

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have, when starting university.

We have study skills ambassadors; peers who can help you with your studies including maths support.

We also have Phase Advisors who monitor your academic progress, and in-school Wellbeing Advisors who can help you manage issues affecting you during your studies.

Your future

There is a great demand for graduates in Physiological Sciences in the health services and in industry, particularly leading of working in research teams. Many graduates choose this path. 

A large proportion of our graduates also choose to take a further degree, either a medical, dental, master's PhD or teaching qualification, before embarking on permanent employment. 

Work in a range of industries

  • research and development
  • pharmaceuticals
  • biotechnology 
  • education
  • healthcare
  • chemical
  • food and drink
  • scientific writing
  • financial 
  • cosmetics and toiletries

Make a difference

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Careers support

Throughout your studies, there will be many opportunities to engage with industry including:

  • site visits
  • guest lectures
  • employability fairs
  • industrial placements
  • internships
  • advice from industry

Develop your employability with the support of the School through:

  • summer placements
  • internship opportunities
  • SOLAR – a student-led outreach group teaching school children science
  • opportunities to participate in clinical work shadowing
  • becoming a student rep or ambassador
  • mock interviews
  • CV interviews
  • careers clinics
  • earning open badges
  • enterprise challenge events
  • assistance with applying to medicine/dentistry/postgraduate study

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: BSc Honours

Home students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

25800

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

Get in touch

By phone

Call us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333 and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.

Live chat

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You'll find our NCL chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

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