Prepare for a career in medicine and biomedical sciences with a physiology degree

Do you dream of working in the medical field? The University of Wyoming’s physiology program is here to help you achieve that goal.

Through advanced coursework and hands-on experience, physiology students graduate with a deep understanding of the human body and its function in disease.

Learn More About the Physiology Major

The University of Wyoming’s physiology major prepares students for graduate studies and careers in the healthcare industry — including the medical, dental, physician’s assistant, nursing, biomedical and optometry fields.

Physiology students have the opportunity to take exciting electives of their choice, alongside core courses. This allows students to tailor their degree to their personal interests and ideal career paths.

Students in a science lab wearing gloves and dispensing liquid from a pipette onto a petri dish

The physiology major is a well-rounded program, consisting of core courses, foundational physiology courses and electives.

University Required Courses:

  • First Year - Seminar
  • Communication 1
  • Communication 2
  • Communication 3
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Physical and Natural World 1
  • Physical and Natural World 2
  • U.S. & WY Constitution
  • Human Culture 1
  • Human Culture 2

Required Foundation Courses:

  • U.S. Diversity
  • Global Awareness
  • College Algebra
  • Trigonometry
  • Calculus I
  • Fundamentals of Statistics or Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences
  • General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II
  • General Physics I
  • General Physics II;
  • General Biology
  • Animal Biology or General Microbiology
  • Genetics

Chemistry Course Options (Choose Two):

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Introductory Organic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Organic Chemistry II
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences
  • Solar Energy Conversion
  • Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis
  • Biological Chemistry
  • Principles of Biochemistry

Required Physiology Courses:

  • Human Systems Physiology
  • Integrative Physiology
  • Scientific Communication
  • Scientific Communication Lab

Additional Requirements:

  • All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

View the full bachelor of science in physiology degree program curriculum.

Researcher in a science lab documenting data

Elective Course Options:

  • Principles of Mammalian Reproduction
  • Mammalian Endocrinology
  • Human Osteology
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Physiology of Exercise
  • Exercise Psychology
  • Biomechanics of Human Movement
  • Advanced Biomechanics
  • Cell Biology
  • Epidemiology (Diseases in Population)
  • Principles of Biochemistry
  • Advanced Molecular Cell Biology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Neurodevelopment
  • Structure and Function of the Nervous System
  • Neurophysiology
  • Molecular Neuropharmacology
  • Mammaliam Pathobiology
  • Principles of Toxicology
  • Medical Virology
  • Foundational Pathophysiology
  • Health Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Psychological Aspects of Chronic Illness
  • Medical Sociology
  • Sociology of Aging
  • Vertebrate Anatomy, Embryology, and Histology
  • HIV/AIDS: The Disease and the Dilemma
  • Introduction to Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology and Embryology
  • Advanced Topics in Physiology
  • Structure and Function of the Nervous System
  • Anatomy and Physiology of Speech, Swallowing and Hearing
  • Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences

Additional Requirements:

  • All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

View the full bachelor of science in physiology degree program curriculum.

Student attaching electrodes to monitor physiological reactions of another student

What Can You Do With a Physiology Bachelor’s Degree?

Physiology majors graduate with analytical skills, problem-solving skills and a thorough knowledge of physiology — all of which prepare them for graduate programs and careers in health sciences.

Physiology Careers

Physiology majors can build careers as the following:

  • Doctors (after completing medical school requirements)
  • Nurses
  • Dentists
  • Veterinarians
  • Scientists
  • College professors
  • Physician Assistant
  • Nurse Anesthetist 
  • Pharmacist (after completing pharmacy school requirements)
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Optometry
  • Chiropractic Medicine
  • Physical Therapy
  • Genetic Counseling

 

Researcher in a lab looking through a microscope

Here are some of the places UW physiology graduates have made an impact:

  • Mayo Clinic
  • University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
  • Cheyenne Women’s Clinic
  • University of Washington School of Medicine
  • Ivinson Memorial Hospital
  • Westward Heights Care Center
  • Laramie County Community College
  • Mountain Gateway Community College
  • Medpace
  • Infinitus Medical Technologies
  • Corvallis Sport and Spine
  • University of Cincinnati Medical Scientist Training Program
  • University of Nebraska Medical Scientist Training Program
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Physiology Bachelor’s Degree Program Highlights

In the physiology program, students learn about the human body's cells, organs and systems in order to understand their function and implications in diseases. In addition to coursework, students may pursue research, hands-on learning experiences and study abroad programs.

Here are some reasons to choose physiology at UW:

Experiential Learning

Physiology students are encouraged to put their knowledge to the test with hands-on experience. Students can apply experiential learning experiences as elective credits.

Examples of experiential learning opportunities include:

  • Research Projects in a biomedical laboratory: Research experience enhances technical laboratory skills.
  • Healthcare jobs: Students learn how to elevate clinical and patient interaction experience.
  • "The Art and History of Medicine" study abroad course: Study abroad programs expose students to international experiences. In this course, students learn about the lives of important practitioners, researchers and philosophers of medicine.

Student Organizations

The University of Wyoming is home to many student-led organizations. As a physiology major, there are many ways to get involved, network and meet like-minded students.

Here are some of the organizations that may interest you:

Notable Faculty

UW's physiology degree program is led by experienced, dedicated faculty members, including:

 

Special Facilities & Programs

Students pursuing a physiology degree have access to the following state-of-the-art facilities and programs:

Preparation for Careers in Health Sciences

UW’s physiology degree program works closely with the professional health programs on campus and utilizes campus-wide post-grad and career services to ensure our degree is effectively preparing students for careers in health care and biomedical research. Additionally, students can also take advantage of the peer-mentoring program to learn how to better navigate college with their Cowboy Coach.

Pre-Health Advising Office

Interested in a career in healthcare? In our Physiology B.S. program, we've got your back every step of the way. Connect with our Pre-Health Advising Office—they're here to kickstart your healthcare dreams!

 

 


Contact Us

We're Eager to Help!

College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources

Department of Zoology and Physiology

1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-4207

Email: zprequest@uwyo.edu