Program Overview

Program Overview

The Human Physiology program at Boston University provides a comprehensive foundation in science and health. The program is designed to resemble a more approachable and inclusive version of coursework encountered in the inaugural year of medical school or other schools of health professions.

Program Structure

The program is structured to ensure that graduates meet the admission criteria for various graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions, as well as for pursuits in basic science research. In the first two years, students engage in core science courses and fulfill BU Hub requirements. The third and fourth years of the curriculum are designed to provide a more advanced and specialized education in human physiology.

Learning Outcomes

The program has the following learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate a robust understanding of human anatomy and human physiology.
  • Students will demonstrate a diverse understanding of human anatomy and human physiology by:
    • Discerning anatomical features/structures
    • Differentiating function and dysfunction of various body systems
    • Recognizing the interrelatedness of body systems
    • Applying this knowledge to real-world scenarios
• Demonstrate practical skills for research, health, and the healthcare industry.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate practical skills by:
    • Developing a variety of diagnostic and research techniques
    • Making informed decisions based on individual evaluations
    • Understanding “best practices” of patient care in real-world, clinical settings
• Exhibit social and cultural awareness.
  • Students will demonstrate cultural and social acumen via:
    • Developing effective interpersonal communication skills
    • Displaying the ability to collaborate and contribute to a team
    • Identifying instances of exclusion and marginalization in health, research, and medicine

Requirements

All BU undergraduate students, including both entering first-year and transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. The program requires a minimum of 128 units for graduation, with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and no more than 16 units of D grades.

University Requirements

• A minimum of 128 units is required for graduation.
• Each course (or transfer equivalent) specified in the curriculum must be included in the 128 units.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be achieved for graduation.
• This GPA must represent a record that contains no more than 16 units of D grades.
• A course will not be accepted for external transfer if the grade is lower than a C.

Degree Requirements

Sargent College Requirements

Fundamental Courses

Human Physiology Requirements

Human Physiology Electives

(minimum of 8 units required)

• SAR HS 331 Physiology of Sex and Human Reproduction (4 units) (Spring)
• SAR HS 341 Physiology Across the Lifespan (4 units) (Fall)
• SAR HS 362 Muscle Physiology (4 units) (Spring)
• SAR HS 370 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology (4 units) (Spring)
• SAR HS 371 Pulmonary Pathophysiology (4 units) (Spring)
• SAR HS 375 Cardiovascular Pathophysiology (4 units) (Fall)
• SAR HS 438 Pathophysiology in Marginalized Populations (4 units) (Fall)
• SAR HS 452 Advanced Exercise Physiology (4 units) (Fall)
• SAR HS 469 Advanced Regional Anatomy (2 units) (Fall/Spring)
• SAR HS 549 Mechanisms of Disruption in Brain Disorders (4 units) (Spring)
• SAR HS 576 Clinical Measurements in Cardiology (4 units) (Spring)

Accreditation

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).