Physiology/Pharmacology
Investigate the functions and mechanisms of major systems of the human body. Study the effects and mode of action of drugs which modify major body systems. Prepare for further health sciences education and careers in professional health care or biomedical research. These opportunities and more are available to you when you choose physiology/pharmacology at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Physiology/Pharmacology?
Physiology and pharmacology are key life sciences essential to the progress of medicine and biomedical sciences. Physiology plays a crucial role in integrating environmental influences and new molecular discoveries with the function of tissues and organs, and ultimately the whole body. Pharmacology is concerned with the properties of chemical compounds in relation to their interactions with living organisms. It provides the basis for the discovery and study of drug actions either as therapeutic agents or as tools in physiological research.
The faculty from these two interrelated scientific disciplines got together to offer a unique undergraduate program, that started in September 2010. This program provides the strongest possible scientific basis for further training in biomedical research medicine and in a variety of health care fields. Students will develop practical and critical thinking skills to analyze and integrate the ever growing amount of information in the health sciences.
The U of S Advantage
The Physiology/Pharmacology Program at the University of Saskatchewan will be unique in Western North America; there is only one other similar program offered in Canada. Students will receive a comprehensive view of both physiology and pharmacology along with hands-on experience in experimental techniques. In addition to a solid scientific foundation, students will acquire relevant and marketable skills such as data analysis, report writing, database mining and the communication of scientific knowledge.
Career Opportunities
An undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Physiology/Pharmacology provides career opportunities in a variety of health science domains. Employment prospects upon graduation include work in academia and in industry as research technicians, clinical or medical service coordinators, and as representatives from pharmaceutical or scientific equipment companies.
A Stepping Stone ...
A degree in physiology/pharmacology positions students favourably for application to a variety of professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, naturopathic medicine, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, nutrition, speech language pathology, nursing and education. Students may also choose to continue on to graduate work leading to Ph.D. degrees and a career as a research scientist.
A Major in Physiology/Pharmacology
The Physiology/Pharmacology Program integrates the knowledge within and between two biomedical science disciplines, utilizing the strengths of two departments. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Physiology and the Department of Pharmacology, allowing students to receive quality instruction from over 17 faculty members with expertise in a variety of sub-disciplines.
Students majoring in Physiology/Pharmacology can choose from one of the following degrees:
- B.Sc. Three-year
- B.Sc. Four-year
- B.Sc. Honours
Get Involved
Join the Physiology/Pharmacology Student Society, an organization that will help you establish contacts and become fully acquainted with events, issues and opportunities in the departments. The society hosts a number of events including the “Meet the Faculty” dinner, where students and professors meet and interact in a fun and casual atmosphere.
Student participation in seminars and journal clubs provides further opportunity to enhance critical thinking, analytic and communication skills through interactions with scientists and professionals working in related fields.
Outstanding Research & Facilities
Faculty members have a variety of research interests, mostly in the neurosciences and in cardiovascular and respiratory physiology and pharmacology. For further information, please consult the
Division of Biomedical Sciences website and follow the links of interest.
How to Apply
To pursue a Bachelor of Science in Physiology/Pharmacology, students must first apply and be admitted to the College of Arts and Science. Students entering directly from high school must have completed the following Grade 12 level courses or their equivalents:
- English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics
The
Application for Admission to the College of Arts and Science is online.
Once admitted, students register in the
Biomedical Sciences (BMSC) Common Core Platform of courses. During the first two years of study, students will complete the six core BMSC courses along with other required courses prior to choosing physiology/pharmacology as their major. After completing the two year Biomedical Sciences Common Core Platform, students can earn a three-year degree in one additional year, or a four-year or honours degree with two additional years of study.
Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Physiology/Pharmacology are encouraged to speak to an academic advisor about registering in the Biomedical Sciences Common Core Platform.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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Relevant Links
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