Program Overview

Medical Physiology BSc Honours

Why choose Medical Physiology BSc Honours at Middlesex?

Learn the foundations of human physiology and how to assess its health and reactions to its environments. You’ll be able to work with the latest industry equipment in our state-of-the-art facilities.

What you will learn

• How the human body adapts or responds to its environment
• The causes of and pathophysiology of diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and the nervous systems, and how we can treat them
• How we can monitor and assess the functioning of the same systems, to measure health or human performance
• How physiological data are recorded, securely stored and analysed
• What normal and abnormal biological processes look like
• The importance of research in the advancement of scientific knowledge and evidence-based practice

What you will gain

This degree is also designed to help equip you with the skills to:

• Generate, analyse and critically evaluate research evidence and data using the most appropriate technology
• Work collaboratively to solve physiological problems
• Reflect on your own learning and practice to develop personally and professionally
• Present information in the most effective way, in order to communicate ideas clearly
• Design and carry out a research project
• Carry out a wide range of physiological techniques and procedures to assess human performance or health status
• Communicate your ideas or information effectively to both scientific and non-scientific audiences, using a variety of media
• Formulate your learning and career development plans
• Use a range of information technologies
• Demonstrate a high level of numeracy and problem-solving skills

3 great reasons to pick this course

• Industry connections: We have excellent relationships with prestigious NHS trusts, such as Guy’s and St Thomas’, UCLH, College Hospital, and many more
• State-of-the-art facilities: You'll have access to our state-of-the-art facilities at StoneX Stadium with specialist spaces, simulation suites, specialist labs and much more
• Academic support: Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking

About your course

What will you study on BSc Medical Physiology?

Your studies will help you to acquire a sound understanding of the human physiology and how body’s physiological systems respond to extreme environmental conditions, such as extreme ambient temperatures and space.

In Year 1, you will review the basic sciences, covering cell biology, anatomy, human physiology and the physics behind the instrumentation and equipment used to record body functions. You will also learn about current trends and potential careers in the field of medical physiology.

In Year 2, you will explore common cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems, covering relevant anatomy, cell biology, genetics, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology and therapeutics. You will also learn techniques used to assess the functioning of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous and musculoskeletal systems and acquire research and employability skills.

Finally, in Year 3 you will explore the techniques used to assess the functioning of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and musculoskeletal systems in much greater depth, with an emphasis on diagnostics and assessment of human performance. The effect of prolonged exercise, extreme ambient pressures and temperatures, stress, high altitude and the space environment on human performance will also be studied. You will be able to carry out your own research in an area of physiology.

Course structure

• Year 1:
  • Laboratory and Professional Skills (30 credits) - Compulsory
  • Human Sciences (30 credits) - Compulsory
  • Cell Sciences and Genetics (30 credits) - Compulsory
  • Biomolecular Science (30 credits) - Compulsory
• Year 2:
  • Cardiopulmonary Science (30 credits) - Compulsory
  • Medical Instrumentation and Imaging (30 credits) - Compulsory
  • Neurophysiology (30 credits) - Compulsory
  • Research Methods and Science Innovation (30 credits) - Compulsory
• Year 3:
  • Dissertation (30 credits) - Compulsory
  • Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (30 credits) - Compulsory
  • Human Performance Assessment (30 credits) - Compulsory
  • Neurophysiological Assessment (30 credits) - Compulsory

Teaching and learning

How we'll teach you

Your knowledge and understanding are supported through bite-size videos covering threshold concepts, interactive sessions, seminars, laboratory classes, role-play and practical sessions.

You will complete group work, listen to and deliver peer presentations and take part in debates. Problem-solving exercises and analysis of case studies will see you apply your learning, alongside designing and undertaking research projects and developing portfolio material.

All of this is underpinned by structured and directed independent learning, and reflection on this.

Where will I study?

You will be studying at both our Hendon campus and our new West Stand facility at StoneX Stadium, Barnet.

While placements are not a formal part of the Medical Physiology programme syllabus, you will have opportunities to engage with practical learning and hands-on experiences through our state-of-the-art facilities and teaching methods.

Timetable

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Facilities and support

Our facilities

Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas with and 600 computer spaces, with some areas open 24 hours a day

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Careers

What can I do with my degree?

On graduating from this degree, you can continue your studies at postgraduate level by taking a diploma, master’s degree, or PhD. This may be necessary to pursue many specialised scientific career paths, such as becoming a clinical scientist or medical researcher.

The most relevant graduate roles include physiologist, teacher (at all levels), medical researcher, and clinical scientist specialising in fields such as cardiac science, neurophysiology, or physiological sciences.

A medical physiology graduate could also work as an applied physiologist, cardiac rehabilitation exercise physiologist, cardiopulmonary exercise testing practitioner, epidemiologist, pharmacologist, or exercise physiologist. Other potential roles include medical science liaison, physician associate, medical sales representative, science writer, or working in sleep laboratories.

You could also work in a number of non-scientific graduate roles that benefit from the transferable skills developed during this programme.

Entry requirements

Qualifications

• UCAS Points: 112 UCAS points, 32 must be in a science subject
• A Levels: BBC including a C or above in either biology, chemistry, environmental science, maths or physics
• BTEC: DMM in a science or numerate subject
• Access requirements: Overall pass in a relevant subject: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
• Combinations: A combination of A-Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 112 UCAS Tariff points including 32 points from a science or numerate subject

International students

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.

English language

You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.

Visas

To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.

Fees

UK students

• Full-time: £9,535
• Part-time: £79 per taught credit

International students

• Full-time students: £16,600
• Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

• Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
• A suite of Macintosh computers loaded with Logic Pro digital audio workstations, Sibelius music notation software and other software for sound generation and processing
• Access to a hybrid analogue-digital recording studio connected digitally with sound-proofed practice rooms and live recording spaces
• Free access to the complete Naxos Music Library online
• Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
• Free specialist software for your course
• Free printing for academic paperwork
• Free online training with LinkedIn Learning

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

• MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
• Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
• Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.