BSc Physiology
About this course
BSc in Physiology, a physiology degree examining how human body systems function from the cellular level to whole organ integration. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Clinical Skills, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students have the option to undertake an optional year abroad. The first year covers fundamental scientific concepts through compulsory modules including Introduction to Medical Sciences, Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1, The Cell, Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2, and Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen. The second year builds core competencies with Physiology of Human Cells, Molecular Biology of the Gene, Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences, Physiology of Human Organ Systems, Energy for Life, and Research Skills for Medical Sciences. Advanced study in the third year includes Integrative Physiology, Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology, Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, Epithelial Physiology, Neuroscience Research Topics, Frontiers of Biomedical Sciences, and the optional Working Out? Placement & Career Skills. The final year involves advanced core modules such as Staying Alive - Adaptation in Physiological Systems, Medical Science Data Analysis Paper, Medical Science General Essay Paper, and the Medical Sciences Honours Research Project, alongside optional choices like Developmental Neuroscience and The Science of Aging - from Cradle to Grave.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with two Mathematics/Science subjects required. SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM. Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. (Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B). GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
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What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 95%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 100%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Medical Practitioners: 20%
- Caring personal services: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- London: 10%
- Scotland: 75%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Modules
- Introduction to Medical Sciences
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1
- The Cell
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2)
- Molecular Biology of the Gene (BI20M3)
- Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences
- Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2)
- Energy for Life (BI25M7)
- Research Skills for Medical Sciences
- Integrative Physiology
- Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology
- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology
- Epithelial Physiology
- Neuroscience Research Topics
- Frontiers of Biomedical Sciences
- Working Out? Placement & Career Skills
- Staying Alive - Adaptation in Physiological Systems
- Medical Science Data Analysis Paper
- Medical Science General Essay Paper
- Medical Sciences Honours Research Project
- Developmental Neuroscience
- The Science of Aging - from Cradle to Grave
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physiology at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £36,000 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £52,000. The £34,500 median after five years is £3,500 less than the UK median for Anatomy, physiology and pathology.
What do graduates of BSc Physiology at University of Aberdeen do next?
70% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physiology at University of Aberdeen?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Physiology at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 192 UCAS points.
Does BSc Physiology at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Physiology at University of Aberdeen?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.