PhysiologicalSciencesBSc Honours

UCAS code B1003 Years

www.ncl.ac.uk/ug/B100Printed from the web page above on 13/06/2018

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PhysiologicalSciencesBSc HonoursUCAS code B1003 Years

Physiology is the study of the organ systems ofthe human body and how they control andmaintain body function in both normal (health)and pathophysiological (disease) states.

This degree provides you with a thorough understanding ofhow the human body functions in health and disease, fromindividual molecules and cells up to the whole organism.Physiology underpins many of the biomedical, clinical andhealthcare sciences.   We focus on organs such as theheart, lungs, kidneys, brain and gastrointestinal tract toprovide you with a broad and integrated understanding ofhuman body function.   Topics covered include:

• neuroscience• cardiovascular physiology• respiratory physiology• renal physiology• gastrointestinal physiology• reproductive and developmental physiology• human anatomy

Highlights of this degreeQuality and rankingWe are a National Centre of Excellence in biomedicalresearch.

Physiological Sciences at Newcastle is highly regarded:

• 3rd in the UK - The Times/Sunday Times GoodUniversity Guide 2018 (Anatomy and Physiologycategory)

• 94% for overall student satisfaction - NationalStudent Survey 2017 (subject area Anatomy, Physiologyand Pathology)

• top 100 – Anatomy and Physiology category – QS WorldUniversity Rankings by Subject 2018

Professional accreditation*This degree has been accredited by the Royal Society ofBiology (RSB).

Accreditation by the RSB recognises academic excellencein the biosciences that educates the researchand development leaders and innovators of the future.

*All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly bytheir professional body.

Study at the cutting edgeScientists working in biomedicine at Newcastle are at theforefront of medical developments that can save lives.

We'll make sure you get the best start by providing expertteaching at the cutting edge of the subject. Ourworld-leading expert staff teach at all levels on our degreeprogrammes. This means you graduate with the latestknowledge in human health and disease.

By studying one of our degrees, you're taking your first steptowards a rewarding career in science.

Boost your employability with a work placementApply to spend 9 to 12 months on anoptional work placement between Stages 2 and 3. Youcan apply to spend your placement year with anyorganisation and will receive University support to do so.

You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector,putting your learning into practice and developing yourprofessional expertise.

It will extend your degree by a year and is subject toavailability, however it isn't available if you're spending ayear studying abroad.

Find out more about Work Placements.

Get work experience whilst you studyWe provide lots of work experience opportunities here atthe University, to help you boost your employabilityalongside your studies.

Options include:

• vacation studentship opportunities in one of theUniversity's research laboratories

• paid part-time work in one of our research institutesthrough our Laboratory Assistant scheme

• employability ambassador scheme• student mentoring scheme

The University has an award-winning Careers Service. Theycan help you find suitable work, provide interview trainingand offer advice on your CV and application forms.

Develop advanced research skillsIn your final year you complete a research project on atopic that interests you. This gives you practical experienceof planning and conducting research, boosting your CV withdesirable research skills.

Most students do their project work in one of ourworld-leading research institutes. Here, you're workingalongside leading scientists. You'll develop advancedscientific skills and get an insight into a career as aresearcher.

Your project could cover topics such as:

• neuroscience• cardiovascular physiology• respiratory physiology• renal physiology• gastrointestinal physiology• reproductive and developmental physiology

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• human anatomy

Your project may be:

• a laboratory project in one of our internationally ratedresearch institutes

• a laboratory project in a research laboratory abroad• a clinical study under the supervision of one of the

medically qualified staff working within our Faculty• a project with a local school or college• an IT-based project

Study abroadUK and EU students have the opportunity to experience lifein another country - you can choose to work or studyabroad as part of your degree .

A year abroad boosts your CV, your confidence and yourcommunication skills. It shows employers you embrace newexperiences and gives you intercultural awareness.

We have partners across Europe and in NorthAmerica, Australia and Singapore. You can:

• study abroad at a partner university• take a summer placement in a research laboratory

overseas

Transfer to Medicine or DentistryThere is flexibility to transfer between our degreeprogrammes at the end of the first year if you find yourinterests change.

You can also apply to transfer to our Medicine orDentistry degree. This opportunity is open to UK, EU andinternational students. It is competitive, with a limitednumber of places available. Students are selected on thebasis of academic performance in the first year, a UKCATscore, a personal statement and, if shortlisted, an interview.

FacilitiesYou'll be based in the School of Biomedical Sciences. TheSchool is in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which is alsohome to Dentistry, Medicine and Psychology.

Situated next to Newcastle’s RVI hospital, we’re one ofthe largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in thecountry.

Our facilities include:

• a dedicated medical library with a wide range ofspecialist books and journals

• large teaching laboratories• hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces

Newcastle's vibrant city centre is just a few minutes' walkaway.

Visit the School's website to watch videos byundergraduates who have recorded their experiencesworking in our labs and find out what former students havedone since graduating.

Support and settling inWe provide plenty of support to help you successfully movefrom school to university study. We’ll help you settle inquickly and are here if you have any issues.

We support you through:

• a personal tutor – a member of academic staff who canhelp with academic and personal issues

• a peer mentor – a fellow student who can help yousettle in and answer any questions you have

• specialised course advisers and tutors - who operatean open door policy for all students

• our student-run society – to help you make friends withyour course mates through social events

Students enjoying a coffee on campus.

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Course Details

Modules for 2018 entry

Please noteThe module and/or programme information below isfor 2018 entry. Our teaching is informed by research andmodules change periodically to reflect developments inthe discipline, the requirements of external bodies andpartners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers ofstudents interested (in an optional module). To find outmore read our terms and conditions.Module/programme information for 2019 entry will bepublished here as soon as it is available (end of May2019).Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts foran academic year and you need to complete modulestotalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Furtherinformation, including the credit value of the module, isavailable in each of the module descriptions below.

What you will study

Flexible degree structureAll of our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degreesare divided into two phases:

• Phase 1 is shared by all of our degrees and provides abroad introduction to biomolecular sciences

• Phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to yourindividual degree choice

This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broadrange of topics, helping you to see where your interests inbiomedical sciences lie before you specialise.

You can change between our degrees at the end of Phase1 if you wish.

Phase 1All of your first year, and the first half of your second year.

We introduce you to biomolecular sciences through a seriesof modules covering:

• cell biology• biochemistry• microbiology and immunology• genetics• pharmacology• physiology• practical skills in biomedical and biomolecular science

Phase 2The second half of your second year, and the remainder ofyour degree.

This phase is specific to the individual degree that youchoose. On our Physiological Sciences degree, you studytopics such as:

• membrane transport and cell signalling in health anddisease

• human anatomy for physiologists• molecular physiology and pathophysiology• cardiovascular pharmacology• renal and respiratory physiology• physiology of the nervous system• physiology of gastrointestinal tract• integrated physiology

You also complete a research project in an area linked toyour degree that interests you.

In third year, you'll select one of the following modules,designed to boost your professional skills in an employmentarea that we know many of our graduates progress to:

• Business Enterprise for the Bioscientist• Healthcare Organisation and Practice• Science Communication• Research in Physiological Sciences• Bioethics• Bioinformatics

Modules

Stage 1

Compulsory modules• BGM1002 Biochemistry• BGM1004 Genetics• CMB1003 Microbiology and Immunology• CMB1004 Cell Biology• CMB1005 Practical Skills in Biomedical & Biomolecular

Sciences 1• CMB1006 Practical Skills in Biomedical & Biomolecular

Sciences 2• PED1003 Pharmacology• PSC1002 Physiology

Stage 2

Compulsory modules• CMB2000 Essential Biomedical Research Skills• CMB2001 Control of Eukaryotic Gene Expression• CMB2004 Cell and Molecular Biology of the Immune

System• PSC2002 Membrane Transport and Cell Signalling in

Health and Disease• PSC2016 Molecular Physiology and Pathophysiology• PSC2018 Human Anatomy for Physiologists• PSC2019 Renal and Respiratory Physiology• PSC2020 Cardiovascular System Physiology

Work Placement (optional)You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional workplacement between Stages 2 and 3. You can apply tospend your placement year with any organisation and willreceive University support to do so. It will extend yourdegree by a year and is subject to availability. It isn'tavailable if you're spending a year studying abroad. Find outmore about Work Placements.

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Stage 3

Compulsory modules• PSC3008 Physiology of the Nervous System• PSC3011 Physiology of Gastrointestinal Tract 1• PSC3013 Physiology of Gastrointestinal Tract 2• PSC3012 Integrated Physiology

You will take one of the following modules. The relevantmodule will be determined by the School.

• CMB3000 Research Project• CMB3001 Research Design Project• CMB3002 Research Project for Exchange Students

Optional modulesYou take one of the following optional modules:

• BMS3003 Business Enterprise for the Bioscientist• BMS3015 Healthcare Organisation and Practice• BMS3016 Science Communication• BMS3022 Bioethics• BMS3025 Bioinformatics• PSC3010 Research in Physiological Sciences

Guide to Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences atNewcastleNot sure which degree is right for you? Find out a bit moreabout our different subject areas below.

Remember, all our degrees share the same Phase 1, so youcan transfer to a different degree if you find your interestschange (up until the end of Phase 1).

Biomedical SciencesModern medicine depends on the advances made byscientists working in the biomedical sciences. You'll studyanatomy, biochemistry, genetics, immunology,microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology.This multidisciplinary approach helps us understand diseaseprocesses and find new treatments for diseases such ascancer, Alzheimer’s disease and TB.

• Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours (B940)• Biomedical Sciences (Integrated Master's) MSci Honours

(B900)

BiochemistryBiochemistry is the study of life at the molecular level. You'llstudy how genes and proteins regulate cells, tissues andwhole organisms like you. Have you wondered what causesdiseases such as cancer and diabetes? Would you like tohelp develop new drug treatments? Biochemistry providesthe key to understanding how diseases arise and can betreated.

• Biochemistry BSc Honours (C700)• Biochemistry (Integrated Master's) MSci Honours (C701)

Biomedical GeneticsDNA is the genetic ‘blueprint’ that ensures the continuity oflife from parent to offspring. Genetics is the study of howDNA is transmitted between generations. And how it'sdecoded to determine our individual characteristics. Wehave a strong research and teaching reputation in this field.The Institute of Genetic Medicine plays a major role in ourdegree programme.

• Biomedical Genetics BSc Honours (B901)• Biomedical Genetics (Integrated Master's) MSci Honours

(B903)

Medical ScienceDo you enjoy biology? Are you interested in the biomedicalor biomolecular aspects of the subject? Want to study thesefurther at university? If you are not quite sure which area willsuit you best, the Medical Science (Deferred Choice)programme could be ideal for you. It allows you to study thecommon first year before deciding which subject area tospecialise in at later stages.

• Medical Science (Deferred Choice) BSc Honours (B902)

PharmacologyPharmacology involves the study of the action of drugs onthe body and vice-versa. An understanding of drugs andtheir actions allows us to use them safely and effectively. Itis thanks to pharmacologists that you can take an aspirinwhen you get a headache or have an anaesthetic when thedentist gives you a filling.

• Pharmacology BSc Honours (B210)

Physiological SciencesPhysiology is the study of how the body functions.Physiologists study the processes essential to human lifesuch as breathing, digesting food and sensing the worldaround us. You'll focus on human physiology, whichunderpins our understanding of how the body works inhealth and disease.

• Physiological Sciences BSc Honours (B100)

Teaching and assessmentYou'll learn through a combination of lectures, practicallaboratory classes and small group seminars.

You also have the chance to attend optional researchtalks, aimed especially at first-year students, as part of ourbiomedicine+ programme.

Assessment is by examinations and courseworkassignments. These include:

• practical assessments• seminar tasks• written work

Teaching and assessment methods may vary from moduleto module.

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Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis.

If your qualifications are not listed here, please see ouradditional entry requirements web pages to find out whichother qualifications are considered.

The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.

A LevelsAAA-AAB including Biology or Chemistry, plus at least onefrom: Mathematics or Further Mathematics; Physics;Psychology; Biology; or Chemistry. General Studies, Use ofMathematics, World Development, Communication andCulture and Critical Thinking not accepted. GCSE Chemistryand Biology (minimum grade A or 7) and GCSEMathematics and English Language (minimum grade B or 6)required if not offered at A or AS level.  GCSE CombinedScience (minimum grade A or 7) may be accepted.

Scottish QualificationsAAAAA-AAABB at Higher Grade including Biology andChemistry. Mathematics and English required at National 5,minimum grade B (or grade 2 Standard Grade orIntermediate 2 equivalent) if not offered at Higher Grade.Where a candidate bypasses the assessment for National 5qualifications, a minimum of grade C in the Higher inMathematics and English is required. Combinations ofHighers and Advanced Highers accepted.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

International Baccalaureate34-35 points with Biology or Chemistry and another scienceat Higher Level grade 5 or above. We regard Mathematics,Physics, Psychology, Biology and Chemistry as acceptablescience subjects. Standard Level Chemistry and Biologyrequired at grade 5 and Standard Level Mathematics orMathematical Studies and English language required atgrade 4 if not offered at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving CertificateH1H1H1H1H2 at Higher Level, including Biology andChemistry.

Access Qualifications45 level 3 credits at Distinction including 15 credits inbiology and 15 credits in chemistry.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National ExtendedDiploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3Extended DiplomaNot acceptable for entry to this subject.

Cambridge Pre-UD3, D3, D3 - D3, D3, M2 in Principal Subjects includingBiology or Chemistry plus at least one from: Mathematics orFurther Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; Biology; orChemistry. GCSE Chemistry and Biology (minimum grade Aor 7) and GCSE Mathematics and English Language(minimum grade B or 6) required if not offered at a higherlevel.

Extended Project QualificationIf you offer the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification, wewill vary our offer to recognise this. Your project can be inany topic.

PARTNERS - A LevelsBBB including Biology or Chemistry, plus at least one from:Mathematics or Further Mathematics; Physics; Psychology;Biology; or Chemistry. General Studies, Use ofMathematics, World Development, Communication andCulture and Critical Thinking not accepted. GCSE Chemistryand Biology (minimum grade A or 7) and GCSEMathematics and English Language (minimum grade B or 6)required if not offered at A or AS level.  GCSE CombinedScience (minimum grade A or 7) may be accepted.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

PARTNERS - BTEC Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalExtended Diploma/OCR Cambridge TechnicalLevel 3 Extended DiplomaNot acceptable for entry to this subject.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

English Language RequirementsApplicants whose first language is not English require aminimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent including 6.0in each of the four elements of the test.

If you need help to meet our English Languagerequirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

Other International QualificationsABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry toan undergraduate course. You can check the equivalentgrades for qualifications offered in your country.

We will also consider your application if you have lower ornon-standard qualifications.

International Foundation ProgrammesIf you are an international student and you do not meet theacademic and English language requirementsspecified above, you should consider a pre-sessionalcourse at INTO Newcastle University, which will help toprepare you for study on this degree course.

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INTO Newcastle University is based on the Universitycampus and offers a range of courses including theInternational Foundation in Biological and BiomedicalSciences.

Undergraduate Admissions Policy

See our 2018 Admissions Policy (PDF: 185 KB).

See further policies related to admission.

Careers

Physiological Sciences careersThere is a great demand for graduates in the biomedicaland biomolecular sciences within the health services andindustry, particularly leading or working as part of researchteams, and many of our students choose this career path.

Industries employing bioscientists for research anddevelopment include:

• pharmaceuticals• biotechnology• chemical• cosmetics and toiletries• food and drink

In addition, with a biosciences-related degree you couldundertake medical, veterinary and agricultural research inuniversities and research institutes. Hospital and publichealth laboratories also employ a large number ofbioscientists.

A large proportion of our graduates choose to take a furtherdegree (either an MSc or PhD qualification) beforeembarking on permanent employment. This is a step in acareer path which can lead to senior, decision-making roles.Each year some students use our degrees as a route forgraduate entry into medicine, dentistry and PGCEs.

Apart from laboratory work, there are many other ways touse your degree. Some of our graduates choose to enterthe legal side of the subject, using their scientific knowledgeto advise on patenting, and others opt for careers such asscientific journalism.

Our graduates also embark on careers unrelated to thebiomedical sciences, for example in management,accountancy and IT. Whichever career you choose, you canbe sure that you will receive our advice and whole-heartedsupport.

Find out more about the career options for Biomedical andBiomolecular Sciences from Prospects: The UK's OfficialCareers Website.

What our graduates go on to do:employment and further studychoicesSee what our recent graduates went on to do and viewgraduate destinations statistics. These statistics are basedon what graduates were doing on a specific date,approximately six months after graduation. Take a look atthe most recent data available for our graduates.

The destination data is available in varying levels, beginningwith the University and moving through Faculty and Schooldown to individual course reports. This final level may giveyou some useful ideas about possible options after yourcourse or a course you are considering.

Careers and employability atNewcastleNewcastle University consistently has one of the bestrecords for graduate employment in the UK.

95% of our 2016 UK-domiciled graduates progressedto employment or further study within six months ofgraduating.

Of our graduates who entered employment more than threequarters (78%) achieved a professional or managerialposition.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to allstudents through an initiative called ncl+. This enables youto develop personal, employability and enterprise skills andto give you the edge in the employment market after yougraduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest andbest in the country, and we have strong links withemployers.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees (UK students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£9,250For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UKstudents is set by the UK government.

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Tuition Fees (UK students)

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (EU students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£9,250 in 2018-19For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (International students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£21,000 per year*Please note:You will be charged tuition fees for each year of yourdegree programme (unless you are on a shorterexchange programme).If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad aspart of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for thatyear.The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightlyyear on year as a result of inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Scholarships and Financial Support (UKstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support(International students)

We offer our Vice-Chancellor's InternationalScholarships and Vice-Chancellor's ExcellenceScholarships to eligible international students.We also offer International Family Discounts which areavailable for all international students with a close familymember who has graduated from or is now studying atNewcastle University.Some of our subject scholarships and sportsscholarships are also available for international students.

Apply

Applying to Newcastle Universitythrough UCASTo apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you mustuse the online application system managed by theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

• institution name - NEWC• institution code - N21

UCAS buzzwordAsk your teacher or adviser from your school or college forthe UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when youregister on the Apply system. This makes it clear whichschool or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU andinternational establishments are registered with UCAS.

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If you are applying independently, or are applying from aschool or college which is not registered to manageapplications, you will still use the Apply system. You will notneed a buzzword.

Making your applicationOn the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates• offers and tracking your application

Application decisions and enquiriesFind out more about our admissions process and who tocontact if you need help with your application.

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