Introduction

Physiology is the study of living matter in action. It explains body organ function in terms of physical and chemical principles. It is an integrating discipline dealing with controls, compensations, and interrelationships. Interaction with the environment is a major factor in Physiology. In addition, Physiology serves as a bridge between cellular biology, systems analysis, and behaviour.

Physiology provides a necessary background for the study of Pharmacology; a preparation for graduate work in Physiology and related areas; for the teaching of Biological Science in secondary schools; or for subsequent training in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and the Health Sciences in general. Physiologists are needed also in hospitals and departments of medicine as teachers and research personnel. Other outlets would be in agriculture and veterinary schools, in military research establishments and in life science-based industry. The development of air and space travel, the exploration of the continental shelf, the development of Northern regions, and increased emphasis on exercise and fitness, all provide business and research opportunities for the person trained in Physiology.

Physiology at the research level covers a variety of specialties (e.g. Endocrinology, Cardiovascular Physiology, Neurophysiology, Respiratory Physiology, Reproductive Physiology, Sensory Physiology), each with very different technical and analytical methods. In fourth year, Specialist students are encouraged to select PSL courses within one of three thematic streams: 1) Cell and Molecular, 2) Systems and Networks, 3) Theoretical. These streams are described in detail in an Undergraduate Brochure (available in MSB 3209), and serve as a guide to planning a cohesive individual program.

Undergraduate Secretary: Professor W.A. MacKay, Medical Sciences Building, Room 3226 (416-978-2675)

Enquiries and Counselling: Medical Sciences Building, Room 3209 (416-978-2601)

Physiology Programs

Biophysics: see Physics

Neuroscience: see Neuroscience

Physiology (Science program)

Enrolment in this Program is limited. Selection is based on GPA in first year required courses.

Specialist program:
(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least two 400-series course)

First Year:
BIO150Y1; CHM138H1, CHM139H1; MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1; PHY110Y1/PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1 (PHY138Y1 recommended)

Second Year:
BCH210H1; BIO250Y1; CHM247H1/ CHM220H1; MAT235Y1/PHY238Y1; PSL302Y1

Third Year:
1. BCH370H1; BIO349H1/PSL350H1; PSL303Y1, PSL372H1, PSL374H1
2. One full-course equivalent from: ANA300Y1; BCH304H1, BCH305H1; IMM334Y1; JZP326H1; PCL201H1, PCL302H1; STA250H1; ZOO325H1, ZOO332H1, ZOO346H1, ZOO347H1

Fourth Year:
Two full-course equivalents from: PSL 400-series

Major program:
(8 full courses or their equivalent)

Enrolment in this Program is limited. Students may apply after completing 4 courses including all the First Year requirements with a minimum GPA required of 2.5.

First Year:
BIO150Y1; CHM138H1, CHM139H1; MAT135Y1/PHY110Y1/PHY138Y1

Second Year:
BCH210H1; BIO250Y1; PSL302Y1

Higher Years:
1. PSL372H1
2. One full-course equivalent from: ANA300Y1; BCH304H1, BCH305H1; IMM334Y1; BIO349H1; JZP326H1; PCL201H1, PCL302H1; ZOO 330H1, ZOO325H1, ZOO332H1, ZOO346H1, ZOO347H1
3. One full-course equivalent from: PSL303Y1, PSL374H1, PSL350H1, 400-level courses

Minor program:
(4 full courses or their equivalent)

Enrolment in this Program requires the completion of 4 courses; no minimum GPA required. One 300-series course must be included in the program.
1. BIO150Y1; PSL201Y1/PSL302Y1
2. Two full-course equivalents from: BIO328H1; BOT251Y1; JZP326H1; PSL303Y1, PSL350H1, 400-series; PSY290H1, PSY391H1; ZOO252Y1, ZOO325H1, ZOO332H1, ZOO346H1, ZOO347H1