Physiology

Physiology is an area of biology related to how the human body works. Physiologists are interested in how the cells and organs of the body operate and how their incredible array of processes co-operate to enable our bodies to function under normal and challenging circumstances. Physiologists are, therefore, at the forefront of medical research and the search for a better understanding of disease processes.

At UCD, Physiology students acquire a thorough understanding of the organs of the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and how they function, interact and respond to the internal and external environment.

Information on all our courses including pathways, internships and careers information is available in the UCD Science Undergraduate Courses Entry 2025 Brochure (PDF).

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

Physiology is one of the degree subjects available through the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream in the common entry Science course. Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree subject. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice but degree subjects can be competitive. As we offer a number of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. If a degree subject is oversubscribed, places are allocated on a competitive basis. For more information on choosing a degree major at the end of Second Year, visit the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Physiology student could study each year in UCD.

First Year
Scientific Enquiry • Cell Biology & Genetics • Basis of Organic and Biological Chemistry • Biomedical Sciences • Biology in Action • Life on Earth • Linear Algebra for Science • Calculus for Science • Optional Science Modules • Elective Module

Second Year
Biomolecular Lab Skills • Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology • Biomolecular Sciences • Cell & Tissue Physiology • Organ & Systems Physiology • Chemistry for Biologists • + modules for 2 other Science Subjects • Elective Modules

Third Year
Immunophysiology• Cardiovascular Physiology • Digestion & Excretion • Data Modelling for Science • Respiratory Physiology • Endocrine Physiology • Experimental Physiology • The Brain & Motor Control • Option Modules • Elective Modules

Fourth YearResearch Project • Fundamentals of Physiological Research • Adaptation to Hypoxia • Physiology Journal Club • Haemostasis & Thrombosis • Brain Disorders • Physiological Genomics • The Physiology of Disease • Exercise Physiology • Option Modules

Timetables & Assessment

Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Physiology students have spent time studying at the following universities:

San Jose State University, USA

University of Queensland, Australia

Physiology graduates go on to establish careers in areas such as biomedical research in the university system or other governmentrun operations, pharmaceutical industrybased research and development, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical industry sales. Physiology graduates regularly gain places on graduate-entry Medicine and other allied healthcare degree courses.

UCD provides opportunities for graduate physiological research at the Masters or PhD level. Research into basic physiological mechanisms takes place but the research focus is on translational research, i.e. the research that enhances our understanding of human disease that leads to advances in the improvement of human health.

Students have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement module worth 5 credits. This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following Third Year.

Students have also completed research projects as part of the UCD School of Medicine Student Summer Research Awards competition.

More information about the internship module and application process.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

Associate Professor John Baugh
UCD School of Medicine
askscience@ucd.ie

Having come into UCD with no other certainty bar loving biology, the UCD Science course really was a great option. I am now a Physiology graduate and am so glad I chose this subject. I believe the level of academic teaching is outstanding and I loved learning how various systems of the body works, including the heart, lungs and kidneys. My final year project was based on the inflammatory responses of spinal cord injury. UCD opened a whirlwind of opportunities or me. I was a Student Ambassador and Science Student Leader and I have acted as a Peer Mentor as well as serving on student society committees. I also spent two summers volunteering in Tanzania with UCD Volunteers Overseas. I am about to start a PhD in New Zealand.

Celine Camon, Graduate