Physiologists study the mechanisms by which the body functions from the molecular and cellular levels through progressive differentiation to tissue, organs and systems, and eventually the integrated interactions and control of body functions.

This core knowledge is applied in research undertaken to investigate normal and abnormal life processes.

During the first year of study for this degree, students are exposed to a generic range of subjects from the biological and agricultural sciences. In the second year they study physiological systems, which include the neurophysiological, haematological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, nutritional and digestive, endocrinological and reproductive systems, with biochemistry as a compulsory subject.

The study programme for the third and final year includes a selection of integrated physiology modules, such as exercise and nutrition physiology, cellular and developmental physiology, applied and pathophysiology, higher neurological function and industrial physiology. At the third-year level, students have an opportunity to select elective modules in the programme. The Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology programme will appeal to scientifically minded students who are inquisitive by nature.

Research is undertaken in cooperation with medical teams in private and government research laboratories at, for example, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Medical Research Council (MRC), the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), pharmaceutical firms, universities, veterinary and industrial institutions, state departments (for example the Department of Health) and health farms.

Physiologists also make contributions in the fields of education (as teachers, lecturers and instructors), sports physiology, biostatistics, bioengineering, industrial hygiene, journalism, medical technology and, in the industry, as representatives of pharmaceutical firms.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

Many of the career options for graduates in Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology are research-orientated. Research is performed in cooperation with medical teams in private and government research laboratories, pharmaceutical firms, universities, veterinary and industrial institutions. Graduates of this degree also contribute to education (teachers, lecturers and instructors), sports physiology, biostatistics, bioengineering, biotechnology, microbiology, virology, industrial hygiene, scientific journalism, medical technology, and sales representatives of pharmaceutical firms. Further studying also opens the opportunity to become genetic counsellors and psychologists.

All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from the proverbial A to Z – from actuaries to zoologists, and consists of 13 departments.

All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people. According to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings the University has achieved new world rankings in Physical Sciences, a discipline which features strongly in NAS and also maintains excellent positions on the ISI Web of Science (WOS) field rankings in Plant and Animal Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Environment and Ecology Sciences.

In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.

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