BSc Physiological Science (B120)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

You will explore all the major mammalian body systems from a molecular level up to whole body responses.

In the first year you will learn the physiology of how the body works, system by system, including in-depth exploration of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.

This equips you to undertake an integrated approach to physiology in your second year, such as understanding the demands of exercise and how we form memories. Alongside physiology, you will have the opportunity to study complementary subjects, including pharmacology, anatomy and psychology, broadening your knowledge base of the biomedical sciences.

By the third year you will be getting to grips with the latest cutting-edge research, taught by staff who are internationally recognised in their research area on topics such as neurological and psychiatric disorders and the heart in health and disease. You will also have the opportunity to explore physiological topics of interest in greater depth by engaging in one of a wide variety of research projects.

Graduates in BSc Physiological Science have wide-ranging skills and go on to take up a variety of careers, including roles within biomedical and healthcare research, graduate medicine, teaching and management.

This course is available for intercalation.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAB including two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.
BBB including two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics), Psychology.

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Psychology
31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher Level in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Psychology

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80% overall, with 8.5, 8.0 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics
Advanced Higher: AB in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematics of Mechanics or Psychology, and Standard Higher: AAABB
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) each in two of: Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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