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Physiology  (POS1)

BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Medicine
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
8
Award
Bachelor of Science
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Assoc Professor John Baugh
Overall Programme Credits:
240
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 4
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 3: 50
Stage 4: 60

Curricular information is subject to change.

If you are interested in doing an Internship as part of Stage 4, you must indicate your interest now (in Stage 3).
See full details www.ucd.ie/science/careers/internships/students/

This programme is aimed at students who are interested in understanding how the human body works as an integrated organism in health, and investigating the associated mechanisms leading to diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal system, endocrine and nervous systems. On completion of the programme, Physiology graduates are ideally equipped with a range of skills pertinent to a career in biomedical research or a health related discipline. We value and therefore encourage our students to be knowledgeable, critical thinkers, with a strong understanding of biomedical research.  We aim to provide a learning environment that fosters autonomous student learning and scientific curiosity, promotes scientific integrity and develops excellent written and oral communication skills. We utilise a varied approach to scholarship, delivered by a research-intensive faculty, focussed on small group interactions, lectures and tutorials, and substantial laboratory experiences embedded in an active research environment. Assessment varies according to the educational and learning outcomes of the module and specifically focuses on examining the students' ability to effectively communicate a deep understanding of integrative physiological concepts. 


1 - Students will have a knowledge of the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs and systems in the human body, underpinned by a broad foundation in Science.
2 - Students will develop a deep understanding of how molecules, cells and organs interact to form a whole being, from the molecular basis of cell function to the integrated and co-ordinated behaviour of the human body.
3 - Students will have an understanding of major organ systems, mechanisms of important diseases, and how experimental models can be used to develop our understanding of associated disease processes with an aim to discover therapeutic strategies.
4 - Students will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of Physiology to problem solve and work effectively using evaluative and critical skills in a range of contexts.
5 - Students will be able to competently perform a range of important practical research techniques relevant to Physiological and scientific research, aligned with an understanding of the fundamental principles underlying the methodological approach.
6 - Students will be able to conceptualise and comprehend the research process, the evolving nature of research, how this process leads to the generation of new knowledge, and will have substantially engaged in independent Physiological research.
7 - Students will develop a substantial knowledge of a broad range of information resources, literature databases, and other relevant resources, and be able to effectively use these resources to support their research practice in an organised and timely way
8 - Students will be able to critically analyse physiological research, identify pertinent and key questions and problems, and be able to articulate and communicate their scientific ideas in a competent and professional manner.
9 - Students will develop an appreciation of the value of a broad range of communication skills as an instrument to enhancing their own scholarship, interacting with others and furthering their scientific understanding.
10 - Students will develop excellent oral and written communication skills, data analysis, summary and presentation, and appropriate scientific writing, to ensure competency in delivering key integral points supported by computer and IT skills
11 - Students will be able to reflect on personal and professional values, the connection between ethics and professional / scientific practice and their responsibility to utilise this knowledge with integrity to make independent and informed decisions.
12 - Students will be able to work effectively both in teams and independently, driven by a scientific curiosity, to continue to meet new challenges and further their scholarship.
13 - Students will be aware of their responsibility and ability to confidently and competently contribute to the local, national and international communities as graduates of UCD.

Students’ performance will be reviewed at the end of the academic year. Students who fail 50% or more of their registered modules, and who fail to progress to the next stage of their programme, will be identified under the UCD Continuation – Academic progress policy. Students’ performance will continue to be reviewed in subsequent trimesters and students will be invited to meetings with the College of Science office for support and guidance.

Where the rate of progression and performance over two academic years is deemed unacceptable, a case will be submitted to the Governing Board for review. A recommendation for discontinuation may be the outcome of this review.

As Stages 3 and 4 have the most dynamic components of the programme, and the material studied previously may no longer be relevant, a student who has been away from the programme for a significant period should be required to register again to Stage 3. The upper limit for completion of Stages 3 and 4 should be six years if they choose to do 120 credits with 20 in each year.

Stage 3

Students take eight core modules and two optional modules. Additional modules can be selected from the BSc programme or alternatively, student may select 10 credits from elective modules.
If you are interested in doing an Internship as part of Stage 4, you must indicate your interest now (in Stage 3). See full details www.ucd.ie/science/careers/internships/students/

Stage 4

Students complete 60 credits. Students must select all four core modules (35 credits) and the remaining modules must be selected from Option lists 1 and 2.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 3 Core Modules
PHYS30010 Cardiovascular Physiology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
PHYS30090 Digestion and Excretion Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
PHYS30300 Immunophysiology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
STAT20070 Data Modelling for Science Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
PHYS30020 Respiratory Physiology Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
PHYS30040 Endocrine Physiology Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
PHYS30190 Experimental Physiology Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
PHYS30270 The Brain and Motor Control Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select two optional modules from the list below.
BMOL30040 Receptor-mediated cell signalling Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select two optional modules from the list below.
MEIN30240 Bioinformatics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select two optional modules from the list below.
PHAR30010 Chemotherapeutic Agents Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select two optional modules from the list below.
PHAR30080 Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Illness Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select two optional modules from the list below.
ZOOL30030 Evolutionary Biology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select two optional modules from the list below.
BMOL30020 Molecular basis of disease Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select two optional modules from the list below.
GENE30030 Genetic Basis of Disease Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select two optional modules from the list below.
PHAR30050 Experimental and therapeutic strategies in molecular pharmacology Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select two optional modules from the list below.
RDGY30520 Medical Imaging (Clin/Res) Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
PHYS30180 Physiological Genomics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
PHYS40170 Fundamentals of Physiological Research Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
PHYS40270 Physiology Journal Club Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
PHYS40060 Physiology Research Project Spring  20
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Students select at least 4 modules from Option List 1. Students may select all 5 modules from this list.
PHYS30110 Adaptation to hypoxia: high altitude and lessons for disease Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Students select at least 4 modules from Option List 1. Students may select all 5 modules from this list.
PHYS30280 Psychiatric and Neurological brain disorders Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Students select at least 4 modules from Option List 1. Students may select all 5 modules from this list.
PHYS30310 Exercise Physiology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Students select at least 4 modules from Option List 1. Students may select all 5 modules from this list.
PHYS30250 Haemostasis and Thrombosis Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Students select at least 4 modules from Option List 1. Students may select all 5 modules from this list.
PHYS30260 The Physiology of Disease Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
BMOL30030 Regulation of Gene Expression Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
MEIN30240 Bioinformatics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
NEUR40020 Physiology of Synaptic Plasticity Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
PATH40020 Clinical Biomarkers Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
SCI30080 Professional Placement-Science Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
ANAT20010 Clinical Human Anatomy III Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
BMOL30020 Molecular basis of disease Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
GENE30030 Genetic Basis of Disease Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
GENE40030 Advanced Mechanisms of Gene Regulation Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
NEUR40030 Modulation of Synaptic Signalling Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
PHAR30020 Endocrine, Renal and Reproductive Pharmacology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
PHAR30050 Experimental and therapeutic strategies in molecular pharmacology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
RDGY30520 Medical Imaging (Clin/Res) Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students can select 1 module from this list.
MDSA30280 SSRA Research Elective I Summer  5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHSCI001 Stage 4 - 70.00%
Stage 3 - 30.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47