Physiology

Study Human Systems, Function and Adaptation for Careers in Healthcare and Research

The biology major with a concentration in physiology focuses on how the body’s systems function and adapt to maintain life. From neuromuscular activity to metabolic regulation, you’ll explore how humans respond to internal changes, environmental stressors and physical demands, connecting molecular processes to whole-body performance.

This concentration is designed for students interested in healthcare, biomedical research, and graduate programs in fields like physical therapy, nutrition, or physiology. Lab-based coursework and hands-on research opportunities allow you to investigate topics such as exercise science, homeostasis, and the physiological effects of disease and treatment.

By studying human function at every level, from cells to systems, you’ll develop the analytical skills, scientific insight and real-world experience needed to succeed in advanced health professions or scientific careers.

The Curriculum

Major Requirements

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

B.S. in Biology with Concentration in Physiology

Requirements for Concentration:

BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
BIOL2137 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
BIOL2113 Human Nutrition
BIOL3151 Exercise Physiology with lab
BIOL4194/95 Research Internship in the Natural Sciences I & II OR INT3211 Experiential Internships in the Natural Sciences (with permission of instructor; a one-semester experience with approved research component)
One upper-level biology elective that must be at the 3000-level and cover category

Category 1: Cellular/Molecular Electives

BIOL2115 Determinants of Health and Disease
BIOL2119 Current Topics in Biological Research
BIOL2151 Marine Microbiology with Lab
BIOL3101 Developmental Biology with Lab
BIOL3103 Cell Biology with Lab
BIOL3119 Immunology
BIOL3125 Molecular Biology
BIOL3127 Microbiology
BIOL3132 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry
BIOL3135 Cancer Biology
BIOL4194/BIOL4195 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I and II

* BIOL4149 counts as a 3000-level biology laboratory elective for a B.S. in biology if the entire two-semester internship sequence (BIOL4194 and BIOL4195) is completed. The student's advisor determines the appropriate category for the internship. Students receive academic credit for the second internship course (BIOL4195), but it would not be counted as one of the 11 required biology courses.

Learning Goals & Outcomes

At the completion of a degree from the Biology Department, the student will have:

Master and apply fundamental concepts in biology.
Source, critically evaluate and communicate scientific knowledge.
Collaborate effectively with others to find insightful solutions to scientific questions.
Apply ethical and moral reasoning to important biological issues that impact society.
Acquire expertise in laboratory techniques, laboratory safety, experimental design, and data analyses.
Explore career goals and experiential opportunities to excel in future professions.