Career in Physiology: A Comprehensive Guide

Diseases inevitably attack a human being. Be it a fungal, bacterial or viral disease, it needs meticulous attention and treatment. Since the medical landscape has grown exceptionally, its diversity of specialisations are unmissable. In order to treat any biological infections prevalent in a human body or any other living creature including animals and plants, psychologist play a decisive role. In every health care institution, the presence of an expert physiologist is mandatory in order to curb viral and related disease. It offers a prestigious career in life science. This blog will take you through the career prospectus of physiology, courses, universities and related components. 

What is Physiology

A physiologist is one who has extensive knowledge of biology that includes living organisms and their by parts. They have an understanding of how bodily parts of a living creature perform functions. They have knowledge of cells within a living organism. They know the internal structure and processes of single-celled structured amoebae viruses, humans, plants and other animals. Overall we can say that psychology is that branch of biology that deals with studying of living organisms including any form of life. Apart from studying cells in living organisms, they do a study of reproductive, muscular, respiratory as well as digestive systems. In order to set your feet in physiology, required bachelors and masters degree in biology, botany and Physiology should be under your belt. If you want to work with university management, a doctoral degree in physiology is highly recommended. It is mandatory that a physiologist is well-versed with the communication skills, has a diverse knowledge of the subject and ability to listen to the patient.

Physiology vs. Anatomy

Exercise physiology is the study of the physiological effects of physical activity, as the name indicates. Bioenergetics, biochemistry, cardiopulmonary function, biomechanics, haematology, skeletal muscle physiology, neuroendocrine function, and nervous system function are some of the areas of study.

Physiology Branches

The term physiology appears in the titles of several different fields. Here are a few examples:

• Cell physiology is the study of how cells function and interact; it focuses mostly on membrane transport and neuron transmission.

• The computational and mathematical modelling of complex biological systems is the focus of systems physiology. It tries to describe the way individual cells or components of a system converge to respond as a whole. They look at metabolic networks and cell signalling a lot.
• Studying how systems, or portions of systems, have adapted and altered through numerous generations is called evolutionary physiology. The importance of behaviour in evolution, sexual selection, and physiological changes in connection to geographic variance are only a few of the research subjects.
• Defense physiology refers to the physiological changes that occur in response to a possible danger, such as the fight-or-flight response.
• Exercise physiology is the study of the physiology of physical exercise, as the name implies. Bioenergetics, biochemistry, cardiopulmonary function, biomechanics, haematology, skeletal muscle physiology, neuroendocrine function, and nervous system function are among the fields of study.

What does a physiologist do?

Physiologist responsibilities differ depending on their speciality and degree level. Physiologists all investigate how the body works, but the species they examine and the work they conduct differ depending on their position. Physiologists, on the other hand, all want to make a difference in their profession, whether it’s through research, clinical practise, or teaching students about physiology.

Physiologist work environments

Based on their field of research and the objective of their job, physiologists operate in a variety of settings. Plant and cellular physiologists, for example, spend much of their time in laboratories or offices. They may also work at universities, where they do research and teach physiology courses to students. Clinical and exercise physiologists typically deal with patients in health-care settings like hospitals and rehab facilities. Animal physiologists work in a variety of settings, including animal sanctuaries, wildlife research sites, labs, and schools. Most physiologists work conventional 40-hour workweeks, regardless of where they work.

Physiologist skills

• Advanced mathematics
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Scientific method application
• Specialized equipment use
• Communication

Pathways in Physiology

In order to carve a niche in the field of physiology, a reputed degree from a recognized university is highly recommended. This is the most sought-after field in medical science, it has always been in demand. Glance through some of the top career options you can avail in the field of physiology:

Clinical Exercise Physiologist: These professionals work with health experts as well as clinicians. Their main work is to give expert advice related to physical fitness to those people who involved with diseases like chronic pulmonary, diabetes, heart etc. 

Biomedical scientist: If you have studied Physiology, a biomedical scientist will offer you a lucrative career. It primarily focuses on laboratory testing like fluids and tissue samples to help doctors in order to diagnose disease. It is a demanding career as major healthcare centres across the globe need expert biomedical scientists in order to conduct various tests.

Sports Physiologists: This is equally a promising job profile for a psychologist to get adjusted in leading sports clubs of the country in order to help sports players with physical strengthening. You have to develop various physical training program which could encourage players in maintaining their physical fitness.  

Physiotherapists: You can work as Physiotherapists also in order to treat ailing patients who are suffering from physical injuries, or disabilities. You can help them improve their physical function. This job profile is also important as there is a dearth of physiotherapists at present. They offer a lucrative career in the same.

Physiologist: You have an array of opportunities if you choose to become physiologist. You can set up your own firm and treat people or there is prestigious healthcare around the world that can offer you lucrative job opportunities. 

As an expert in this field, you can also work on various profiles mentioned below:

• Research Physiologist
• Teacher
• Agricultural Researcher
• Biochemist
• Dietician/Nutritionist
• Echocardiographer
• Epidemiologist
• Forensic Scientist
• Health Economics Specialist
• Human Resources Officer for Government or Industry
• Microbiologist
• Pathology Technician
• Reproduction Technologist
• Toxicologist
• Veterinary Scientist
• Pharmacologist

Also read: Career as a Pathologist

Top Physiology Courses 

In order to study this field, you should be familiar with top courses that turn your career as a proud Physiologist. You can get your bachelors, masters as well as a doctorate degree in Physiology from prestigious universities of the globe. Glance through the level-wise physiology courses, mentioned in a tabular format:

Bachelor Courses 

Bachelor of Science in Physiology	Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Physics	Bachelor of Human Kinetics – Clinical Exercise Physiology
Honours Bachelor of Science in Pathobiology	Bachelor of Science in Biology – Anatomy and Physiology	Bachelor of Science in Human Performance
Bachelor of Arts – Anatomy and Physiology	Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Physiological Sciences	Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Physiology

Masters Courses 

Master of Science in Biology – Physiology and Morphology	Master of Science in Physiology and Pathophysiology	Master of Science in Pathology and Molecular Medicine
Master of Science in Physiology	Master of Science in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine	Master of Science in Kinesiology – Exercise Physiology
Master of Science in Exercise Physiology	Master of Science in Biology – Physiology	Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences – Physiology and Developmental Biology

Doctoral Courses 

Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Science – Pathology and Laboratory Medicine	Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology	Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology and Pathophysiology
Doctor of Philosophy in Pathology and Molecular Medicine	Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology and Pharmacology	Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Agriculture – Physiology and Biochemistry
Doctor of Philosophy in Biological and Physiological Studies	Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology – Chemical Biology	Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Molecular Biology – Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism

Top Universities for Physiology

There are prestigious universities around the globe that will surely enrich your career in Physiology. Majorly by amid excellent mentorship, amiable atmosphere and state of the art infrastructure. Glance through the top globally prestigious universities :

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University College London
• University of California, San Diego
• University of Glasgow
• University of California, Davis
• Michigan State University
• University of Melbourne
• University of Auckland
• McGill University
• The University of Iowa
• Oregon State University
• University of Oregon
• Massey University
• University of Southern Queensland
• The University of Arizona

Undoubtedly, the field of medical sciences has revolutionised the world with its massive contribution and innovations. The field is so diverse with endless possibilities. Are you still apprehensive about how to go ahead with Physiology? Leave your worries apart and let the experts at Leverage Edu take care of your academic journey. Book your free 30 minutes of counselling now.