Physiology

In the final year, learning Physiology takes on a new dimension as you will get the opportunity to work in the lab with a member of staff and a research team.

Students currently work for at least eight weeks on projects as diverse as kidney function in anaesthetised rats, cardiovascular function in human volunteers, cellular calcium signalling, sensory function and the development of gene therapies for inherited diseases.

Student projects are regularly selected each year for presentation at the summer meeting of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland and some have been presented at international scientific meetings such as the Physiological Society.

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

A degree in Physiology is an ideal entry qualification for UCC’s Graduate Entry Medicine course, giving a strong grounding in normal human body function, which is an excellent basis for understanding disease and ultimately treating patients.

Physiology graduates are also well-placed to enter biomedical research – demand is currently increasing from the pharmaceutical industry for scientists with an understanding of whole-body function and the relevant research skills to apply that understanding.

Physiology is a particularly strong degree for teachers (via the Postgraduate Diploma in Education), as it integrates knowledge of Biology and the basic sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics) into an understanding of the complexity of life.

A number of Physiology graduates have also embarked on training and careers in the clinical therapies and in pharmaceutical sales and management.