What is Physiology?
Physiology is the study of human life. It is the foundation of life sciences, connecting science, medicine, and health.
Why Choose a Physiology and Medical Sciences Major at the University of Arizona?
The Physiology and Medical Sciences Undergraduate Program is the only undergraduate physiology program offered through a medical school in the United States.
Our program emphasizes the integrated biological functions of the human body, ranging from the cellular to the organ system levels. Through rigorous coursework and a multitude of research and engagement opportunities, our students learn how these functions are affected by stress and disease, and are well prepared to continue their studies in graduate or professional school or jump into a variety of exciting careers.
Watch a five-part video series on students answering questions about their challenges, career goals and why they chose to major in physiology.
How You’ll Get There
As a Physiology and Medical Sciences student, you will:
- Receive basic grounding in biological and physical sciences and extensive instruction in the physiological sciences, such as advanced human physiology, cell physiology, endocrine physiology, exercise and environmental physiology, cardiovascular physiology, and neurophysiology.
- Engage with dedicated faculty members, who also teach at the graduate level in the health sciences and at the medical school.
- Join a diverse group of students with a wide range of aspirations, working towards careers in a variety of health professions and in the academic or research fields.
If your goal is to continue on to a health professional school after your undergraduate education, our degree core requirements align with many prerequisite courses for popular health professional programs. You will stand out among the competition for professional and graduate school admission with your extensive foundation in advanced physiological concepts and unique and diverse set of skills and experiences developed through your customized upper-division physiology elective coursework. You can learn more about the diverse careern opportunities with a Physiology degree in our quick facts handout here.
Program Requirements
Explore our detailed Program Requirements and watch the Meet Physiology and Medical Sciences video below to to learn more about our curriculum and what opportunities and careers are available to our students.
A Day in the Life of a UArizona Physiology Student
Follow our Physiology Ambassadors around campus to get an idea of what types of classes you’ll be taking as a Physiology and Medical Sciences student, where your classes will be and ways to get involved on campus!
University of Arizona Virtual Tour
Take a Virtual Tour of the UArizona Campus or explore this YouTube playlist of student-produced videos about the UArizona experience.
Connect with Us!
Schedule a 30-minute appointment with a Physiology and Medical Sciences Advisor.
Learn how to connect with an Advisor
Follow us!
See what current Physiology students are up to. Get tips on how to adjust to college life. Find out more about research and innovation within the Department of Physiology.
