Biology: Physiology

How do all of our body parts and systems work together to keep us alive?

While anatomy is all about form, physiology is about function, exploring how living things work. Emmanuel's physiology concentration is designed for students interested in a focused study of human physiology - our circulatory, respiratory, hematologic, immunologic, digestive, skeletal, nervous, muscular systems and more. In addition, students will perform in depth investigation into metabolic processes and the stress of exercise.



Major Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

B.S. in Biology with Concentration in Physiology

Requirements for Concentration:

  • 1. BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
  • 2. BIOL2137 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
  • 3. BIOL2113 Human Nutrition
  • 4. BIOL3151 Exercise Physiology with lab
  • 5. 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)
  • 6. One upper-level biology elective that must be at the 3000-level and cover catergory

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.

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The Longwood Medical and Academic Area (LMA)

In a city known for innovation in healthcare, opportunities for Emmanuel students are bolstered by our location within the world-renowned Longwood Medical and Academic Area (LMA). With walking-distance access to cutting-edge scientific and medical institutions, ours is a neighborhood that stands hand-in-hand with the future.

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Featured Faculty: Aren Gerdon

Professor Aren Gerdon is the Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics and an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Emmanuel College. He leads his own chemistry research group, focusing on biomaterials, and works closely with other research groups across campus. Professor Gerdon is passionate about sharing his deep knowledge of chemistry with his students, guiding them from class work to practical, real-world lab experiments.

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Emmanuel is a place where students broaden their sense of what’s possible and prepare for inspiring careers in an ever-changing world. Be here.