Physiology Undergraduate Major

 

Program Description

The goal of the Physiology major is to understand the function of the human body by pursuing systematic studies of cells, tissues and organisms. The program's emphasis is on discovering the mechanisms underlying the normal and pathological functions of animal organisms in terms of the physical and chemical laws that govern them. An undergraduate major in physiology leads to a B.A. degree through the College of Liberal Arts. The major can accommodate students interested in any of several fields related to health and biological sciences, and it can be individually tailored to students' needs.

Declaring Physiology as Your Major

Students interested in declaring Physiology as their major should come in for advising or contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies (barne014@umn.edu) as early in their academic career as possible. It is not necessary to wait until you have completed the Lower Division Requirements (below). Details concerning office hours, appointments and information we would like you to have during your advising appointment can be found here.

Coursework Requirements for Major

Lower Division Requirements

Chemistry 1021, 1022
Math 1271, 1272, or 1281, 1282
Physics 1301w, 1302w; or 1201w, 1202w (Note: The class time of 1201w Fall is same time as Phsl 3061W)

Upper Division Requirements

Phsl 3061- Principles of Physiology and
Phsl 3062W- Research Paper for Physiology Majors
• This course is the central focus of the major
• Both courses are only offered in the FALL semester
• Both courses must be taken in the same semester
  
• The lower division courses in Math, Physics and Chemistry are the foundation for our Physiology courses. They are the official prerequisites for course registration.


Phsl 3701- Physiology Lab
The Physiology Lab is only offered in the FALL semester
Call 612-625-7456 for course permission number if necessary

Chem 2301 (Organic I)
Chem 2302 (Organic II)
Chem 2311 (Organic Lab)
BioC 3021 or 4331 (or equivalent Intro Biochemistry)
Biol 4003 (Genetics)
Biol 4004 (Cell Biology)

Advanced Educational Opportunities

At least TWO elective courses are to be taken for a total of at least 4 semester credits. These should be considered as Advanced Educational Opportunities to expand a students scientific portfolio. Electives are generally chosen from approved courses in science or mathematics at the 3xxx, 4xxx and 5xxx levels. (Note: The student should contact an advisor for assistance with choosing electives). Courses that are used as part of another major are not to be included as electives. With sufficient justification, a student may seek permission from the Director of Undergraduate Studies to include as electives, courses not listed below. This must be done prior to taking the course. However, in no case will a lower level version of a listed course be approved.

Approved Electives

BioC Any 4xxx
Chem Any 4xxx
CSci Any 3xxx or 4xxx
GCD 4111, 4161, 5036, 4025
Math Any 22xx
MicB 3301, 4131
NSci 3101, 3102
Phcl 4001
Phsl 4021, 5315, 5444, and 5511
Psy 3011, 3031, 3061, 5012, 5031, 5036, 5037, 5038, 5061, 5137, 5606
Stat (3011 or 3021), 3022, 5021

Honors Requirements

Physiology Honors students must meet the general requirements of the University Honors Program (UHP) for each level of Honors. Detailed information on the requirements for graduation with honors from the University of Minnesota can be found at the UHP Web site: http://honors.umn.edu/.

Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude Honors students in Physiology must also complete at least 3 credits of PHSL 4095. Phsl 4095 can be either a library project course, or a laboratory project course. The laboratory course option is offered when appropriate laboratory experiences are available. Students interested in taking PHSL 4095 should discuss their intentions with a Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology faculty member and/or a Physiology advisor.

Summa Cum Laude candidates must complete two full semesters of PHSL 4095 (4 credits total), concomitant with completion of an approved senior thesis.

IMPORTANT: Because a general knowledge of Physiology is beneficial to completing an Honors research project, Honors students should plan for completion of Phsl 3061 prior to their senior year. This allows the student to begin their one to two semester honors research project with a strong foundation in the core principles of the major.

QUESTIONS?

Contact: Vincent Barnett, Ph.D., Director of Undergraduate Studies in Physiology barne014@umn.edu