Physiological Sciences BSc Honours

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.

Download information about this course as a PDF

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 2022-23.

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
Practical Skills in Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences 1	15
Practical Skills in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences 2	15
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

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

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

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.

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

Sorry, you need JavaScript to view this video

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

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)

Home Fee Students

£9250

International Fee Students

£25800

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

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:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

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