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Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-7482
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Bachelor of Science in Physiology
If you're fascinated by how the human body functions, from individual cells to complex systems, a degree in Physiology can help turn that curiosity into a career. This Bachelor of Science program blends biology, chemistry, and hands-on lab experience to give you a strong foundation in both physical and life sciences. You'll explore human and animal body systems in depth while developing the critical thinking and research skills that are essential in healthcare and science-focused fields.
Is This Program Right for You?
Whether you're planning to apply to medical, dental, or pharmacy school, or aiming for careers in physical therapy, nursing, or biomedical research, this program offers the academic preparation and lab experience to help you get there. Graduates are also well equipped for roles like clinical research associate, lab technician, or biomedical scientist.
Why Choose Physiology at SIU?
Solid science foundation: Our program builds strong competency in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, the essential underpinning of modern physiological knowledge.
Human body in focus: You’ll gain substantial knowledge of structure and function of the human body — in both lecture and lab courses so you understand how and why physiological systems operate.
Career-ready and versatile: Many of our graduates go on to professional schools (medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, physician-assistant programs) and others pursue advanced graduate study (M.S./Ph.D.) for careers in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and government labs.
Undergraduate research opportunities: As a physiology major, you are strongly encouraged to begin laboratory research early. You may enroll in courses like PHSL 491 (Independent Research) or PHSL 492 (Special Problems) and may even publish results or present at national meetings, giving you a genuine edge.
What You’ll Experience
A balanced mix of lecture and hands-on labs, where you’ll explore topics such as cellular function, organ systems, neurophysiology, cardiovascular physiology, and integrative biology.
Elective choices in upper-division (300-/400-level) physiology courses, giving you flexibility to tailor your major to your interests and career goals.
Mentored research: start early, build skills, work alongside faculty, contribute to real science, and stand out.
We offer a supportive academic environment with access to the SIU School of Medicine’s resources, labs, and faculty expertise.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
The Physiology degree program can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.
- Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
- University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
- Major Requirements: 67 credit hours
- Approved Electives: 14 credit hours
Check out the undergraduate Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years.
Contact Information
Judy Davie
Director
Neckers 211A
1245 Lincoln Dr.
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-5002
jdavie@siumed.edu
Jean McPherson,
Academic Advisor
AG 217A
1205 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-3080
jeanmcp@siu.edu