Career in Physiology

Tweet

Becoming a Purpose Driven Achiever

Physiology simply put is “the study of function”. It is one course very important to the study of life and remains a common language of all life sciences; whether in the medical, biological, pharmaceutical or agricultural sciences.

Since living things comprise of plants, and animals, we have plant physiology (study of function in plants) as well as animal physiology (study of function in animals). Under animal physiology, we have human physiology which is the study of function of the human body.

Human physiology or physiology (as found in some institutions) shall be our focus in this discourse. It is the scientific study of the normal functioning of the human body. While anatomy studies the structures of the human body, physiology digs deep into how those structures interact and function in a normal state.

Relevance of Physiology

Physiology is very important as it is the foundation of all medical sciences. It is closely related to anatomy, forms the basis/reference point for pathology (study of the abnormal function of the body i.e. function in the presence of disease); it cannot be separated from pharmacology (study of drugs and how they are used), and forms the background for all medical practice and treatment.

Physiologists try to answer key questions in different areas of medical sciences ranging from the function of a single cell to interaction between the body systems and the environment and also how different physiological processes like cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and reproductive respond to different drugs, chemicals and medicinal extracts. Students studying medicine, pharmacy, nursing, laboratory science, etc., study physiology as part of their undergraduate courses.

Where to Study Physiology

A degree course in physiology (Bachelor of Science degree) is offered in some Nigerian universities. These include: ILORIN, IBADAN, LAGOS, and ABU.

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission, prospective students must possess at least five ‘O’ Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Candidates must sit for the UTME and obtain acceptable points as well as passing the Post-UTME test of the chosen institution. Some institutions offer remedial programme which is a pre-degree programme through which one may gain admission to study physiology. Also, two ‘A’ Level passes in physics, chemistry and biology may qualify you for direct entry admission in some universities.

It takes a minimum of four academic sessions to earn a Bachelors degree in physiology for UTME students while direct entry students spend minimum of three academic years to qualify.

Prospects

Employment opportunities abound in teaching and research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Good graduates may find employment as university lecturer, teachers in other higher institutions or secondary schools, while some work as laboratory assistants or technologists. Generally, a higher degree in physiology (MSc, PhD) opens up more opportunities. Welcome into the exploration of the world of physiology.

Career in Education

Diligence, Discipline and Determination