| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | Full-time | 4 years | September | EU 3000 | EUR 3000 |
Overview
Physiology is the study of how humans and other animals function at all levels: the whole body, the cells it is composed of, and the molecular processes happening inside these cells.
Anunderstanding of normal physiology forms the basis for the practice of human and veterinarymedicine (and much of dentistry). Physiology is distinctive among the biological sciences in that ittakes an integrated, holistic view of the whole organism, bringing together knowledge from a rangeof disciplines to create an overallunderstanding of the living organism.
Other life sciences have adopted a reductionist approach, concentrating on a single component of a complex system rather than the system as a whole. Physiology bringsthese fragments together to understand how a living organism works.
If you enjoy working with the details as well as the overall picture, then maybe Physiology is the degree for you.
Course Details
The course starts with the basic Year 1 material common to Biology, Chemistry, Physics andMathematics (CK402).
In Year 2 it builds on this by examining the fundamental molecularprocesses that occur in all cells and the function of some specialisedcell types, such as nerve and muscle cells. Based on this foundation in cellular physiologythe course then deals with interactions between large populations of cells and with the integrated function of organ systems as they occur inwhole animals, principally humans.
Year 3 provides a deep insight into the functions of the body systems (eg nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory systems) and includes core modules in Pharmacology (how drugs can be used both to alter biological function and to reveal new aspects of biology), immunology (study of the body's defence mechanisms), and a literature review style research project.
In Year 4, students are introduced to issues in diverse areas of Physiology with a focus on the research literature and exploration of methods, data analysis and theories of molecular, cell and integrative physiology. The application of basic science to human health and disease is explored. Additionally, students undertake a research project under the supervision of academic staff.
Year 1 Modules:
Core:
BC1001 Introduction to Biochemistry and the Biological Basis of Disease (5 credits);
BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (5 credits);
BL1004 Physiology amd Structure of Plants and Animals (5 credits);
CM1200 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry (10 credits);
MA1001 & MA1002 Calculus for Science I & II (5 credits each);
MB1003 Microbiology in Society (5 credits);
PY1010 Physics for Biological & Chemical Sciences (10 credits);
Electives:
BL1005 Introduction to Ecology (5 credits);
BT1001 Biotechnology (5 credits);
CM1201 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry 2a (10 credits);
Year 2 Modules:
Core:
Biomolecules; Principles of Metabolic Pathways; Introductory Molecular Biology; Principles of Human Structure; Mammalian Cell and Tissue Structure; Introductory Physiology; Introduction to Biostatistics; Fundamentals of Microbiology; Principles of Microbiology.
Electives:
Main Group and Transition Element Chemistry; Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry; Energetics and Kinetics; Spectroscopy; Introduction to Plant Biotechnology; Vertebrate Diversity; Fundamentals of Ecology; Aromatics; Carbonyls and Alkenes
Year 3 Modules:
Core:
Research Methodology in Neuroscience and Biomedical Science; Biochemical Immunology; Cell and Epithelial Physiology; Bioenergetics and Endocrinology; Neurophysiology; Cardiovascular Physiology; Respiratory Physiology; Renal Physiology; Digestive Physiology; Literature Review, Experimental Design and Data Analysis; Pharmacology
Electives:
Toxicology; Chemotherapy and Pharmacology of Inflammation
Year 4 Modules:
Core:
Research Project
Electives:
Molecular Physiology of Channels; Regulation of Epithelial Transport; Gene Targeting Tools for Physiology; Thermoreception and Temperature Regulation; Applied Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology; Control of Breathing in Health and Disease; Learning and Memory; Physiology of Calcium Signalling; Physiology and Pathophysiology of Vascular Endothelium; Endocrine and Gastrointestinal Physiology
See theCollege Calendarfor more detailed information on the programme and theBook of Modulesfor a more detailed description of programme modules.
Fact File
Course Code: CK402
Course Title: Physiology
College: Science, Engineering and Food Science
Duration: 4 years
Teaching Mode: Full-time
Qualifications: BSc (Hons)
NFQ Level: Level 8
Costs: Full-time EU/EEA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees. The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees Criteria. In 2016/17 the Student Contribution Charge will be EUR 3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be EUR 165.Some modules incorporate practical laboratories and for these the students may be required to purchase basic safely items such as a laboratory coat or goggles. Other modules may require a kit of components to be purchased.
2017 Entry Requirements: H5 in two subjects and O6 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, Mathematics, one Laboratory Science subject (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. Additional Requirement: H4 in the Laboratory Science subject or Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.
Entry Points: 2016: 480 points.
Course Practicalities
This course comprises a combination of lectures, practicals (experiments) and tutorials/workshops.
See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.
Assessment
Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment.
Application Procedure
EU Applicants: Application to the first year of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie.The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year ofentry.
Non-EU Applicants.
Mature Applicants: Application is made through the CAO (www.cao.ie) and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry.
2017 Entry Requirements: H5 in two subjects and O6 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, Mathematics, one Laboratory Science subject (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. Additional Requirement: H4 in the Laboratory Science subject or Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.
Entry Points: 2016: 480 points.
Contact University College Cork (UCC) to find course entry requirements.
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