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Human Physiology

Preparing students for healthcare professions

Physiology is the study of how living organisms function under normal conditions and is a foundational component of many careers in the health sciences. The BS in Human Physiology is intended for undergraduate students interested in careers in medicine, biomedical research, industry or other allied health professions for which a comprehensive knowledge of human physiology is required. The curriculum includes core courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics along with extensive upper level courses in human anatomy and physiology. The major is particularly suited for those who plan to continue their studies at the post-baccalaureate level through graduate or professional training. By selecting from a list of recommended electives, students can easily achieve all of the necessary prerequisite requirements for admission into medical and dental schools and be prepared to take the applicable entrance exams. Alternatively, those interested in other careers within the health sciences can choose among a broader list of electives that further enhance their understanding of human health and disease. The curriculum is intentionally demanding with the goal of providing the next generation of leaders in the health sciences with foundational knowledge in human physiological function at the molecular, cellular and organism level.

AREAS OF STUDY

  • Biology
  • Chemistry/biochemistry
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Functional (gross) anatomy
  • Exercise physiology 
  • Research methods

CAREER AND GRADUATE PATHWAYS 

  • Biomedical research
  • Medical school
  • Dental school
  • Physician assistant
  • Physical therapy
  • Public health

What’s special about this program?

Human physiology includes 23 credits in anatomy and physiology, including 4 courses with a laboratory component that provide extensive hands on exposure to anatomical structures and physiological mechanisms. A major strength of the program is the inclusion of a course in Functional Anatomy which utilizes human cadavers, prosected human specimens, models, EMG and electro-physiological demonstrations, X-rays, dry biological materials, interactive videodiscs, and other instructional aids to provide in depth understanding of the gross (dissectable) structures of the human body. Students also have access to state-of-the art research laboratories and facilities with advanced technology for specialized study in cardiovascular, muscular and neural physiology, biomechanics and motor control. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research through individualized independent study and senior-level honors theses. Valuable research experience is gained through involvement in funded research projects and interdisciplinary research groups.

Get Involved

Assistive Medical Technologies

Exercise Science Club

First Step Grand Challenges

Making Doctors

Minority Association of Pre-Med Students at UD

Orthotics and Prosthetics Club

Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity

Physician Assistant Club

Pre-SOMA Society

Project Sunshine

Study Abroad

Undergraduate Research Program and Summer Scholars

Watch: Virtual anatomy tables offer realistic learning outside of cadaver lab: youtube.com/watch?v=N82V4QkcpKI

Sample Curriculum

KAAP180

Introduction to Exercise Science

 

KAAP105

Freshman Seminar in Exercise Science

 

BISC207

Introductory Biology I

 

CHEM103

General Chemistry or CHEM 107 - General Chemistry for Life Sciences I

 

MMSC200

Language of Medicine

 

BISC 208

Introductory Biology II

 

PSYC100 

 

General Psychology

ENGL110 

 

Seminar in Composition

CHEM104 

 

General Chemistry
CHEM321 Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 325 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

 

MATH221 

 

Calculus I OR MATH241 Analytic Geometry and Calculus A

 

NTDT200 

 

Nutrition Concepts

 

KAAP309 

 

Human Anatomy & Physiology I

 

CHEM322

 

Organic Chemistry II and CHEM 326 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

 

STAT200 

 

Basic Statistical Practice

 

KAAP310

 

Human Anatomy & Physiology II

 

SOCI201

 

Introduction to Sociology

 

 

Breadth Requirement (1/2)

MMSC270

 

Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases

PHYS201 

Introductory Physics I or PHYS207 - Fundamentals of Physics I

 

KAAP305 

 

Fundamentals of Sports Health Care

 

PSYC325 

 

Child Psychology OR PHYS 334 Abnormal Psychology

KAAP430 

 

Exercise Physiology

CHEM214

Elementary Biochemistry

 

PHYS202

Introductory Physics II or PHYS208 Fundamentals of Physics II

 

  Electives 

KAAP400 

Research Methods (DLE and Capstone)

 

KAAP630

 

Advanced Human Physiology I

KAAP 631

 

Advanced Human Physiology II

 

 

Second Writing Requirement

KAAP420

 

Functional Human Anatomy 

 

 

Multicultural Requirement

 

 

 

   
   

Go Global at UD

This major is eligible for the following program:

Youdee

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