Physiology
Physiology
Summary
‘Life Sciences’ is the broad field under which there are many detailed and complex fields of study. One of them being
‘Physiology’, When dealing with micro, nano or macro interactions between organisms it is very important to know how
these individual organisms’ function and how the mechanisms within their bodies keep them alive and altogether allow for
the existence of a living system.
Especially during this time of the pandemic, the understanding of the human physiology is of utmost importance as the
interaction between the virus and the bodies ability to fight have ultimately led us to a stage where we can correctly
identify the stage of a person’s illness and give medication or treatment depending on the situation.
Physiology studies organisms from an external, visible point of view, the organ systems within the body, functioning of
individual organs within the body, individual cells and the chemical and physical functions carried our in a living
system by biomolecules.
Physiology is not just limited to the human body but divided by the different classes of organisms. The broad
disciplines are –
- Medical Physiology – or Clinical Physiology is characterized by understanding the pathophysiology of a disease by using a functional approach. This has been very important during the pandemic as all methods were exhausted trying to find the method of attack of the virus as soon as possible. In Clinical Physiology patients are made to undergo specialized tests of functions to the heart, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract and other organs.
- Animal Physiology – includes that of humans. It studies the mechanical, physical, and biochemical processes of living organisms of larger size than cells.
- Plant Physiology – involves the study of plant functioning which include fundamental processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, plant nutrition, plant hormone function, tropisms, nastic movements, photoperiodism etc.
- Cell Physiology – is the biological study of the activities that keep a cell active and living. Processes such as passive transport and active transport of substances across the cell membrane, Movement of proteins, transport of ions, phagocytosis are studied in this branch of physiology.
- Comparative Physiology – involves the study of functional characteristics of various kinds of organisms and as the name suggests compares them to draw up similarities and eventually moves into more advanced branches of physiology such as evolutionary physiology and environmental physiology.
Career Opportunities in Physiology
Here students have to understand that the study phase of a career is very different from the
job phase of that career. Because the practical job is very different from what you study.
Studying that subject will give you only theoretical knowledge but, in the field, you have to
apply the knowledge which you have gathered but the situations will not be ideal.
Therefore, practical jobs are very tough as conditions are real and not ideal. So, you have to
compromise with your situation and need to apply your learnings. So, in this section, we will
see the actual job prospects that Physiologists will have.
Working in tandem with allied health professionals and clinicians. Follow up and study of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other chronic
illnesses (Long term). Case by case expert advice on exercise and physical fitness regimens for people with chronic diseases who require
specialized treatment that involves specialized exercises or movements.
Execution of a multitude of laboratory tests/examinations on patient’s fluid and tissue samples, within a healthcare
setting. Results of which are meant to aid doctors and/or clinicians in the diagnosis of diseases. Evaluation of prior treatment effectiveness pertaining to movements and physical state of the patient’s body is also
done with alteration to treatment regimen if needed.
Optimization of fitness and physical function/ability of athletes and sports teams. Surveillance/Monitoring of athletes during competitive sports as well as training. Support staff at various levels of sports management. Assessment of fitness levels of athletes periodically. Development of unique, individual fitness-training regimens, which involves an in-depth study into an individual
athlete’s body type, food consumption, metabolism and many intricacies of body functions.
Development of individual treatment plans and execution of treatment to assist patients suffering from physical
injuries, difficulties or disabilities. Rehabilitation of athletes, soldiers, workers or regular sufferers of chronic mobility ailments, to regain or improve
their mobility or physical function.
This is the most exciting and interesting career prospect, as it involves experimentation and research into the unknown. Deep and critical understanding of mechanisms in the human body with the sole purpose of developing solutions to various
physiological problems. Study and Research into the latest scientific tools and techniques to study various intricate, detailed functions of the
human body. Research is done in laboratory or controlled conditions as well as in a contained, natural environment.
Full-time or Part-time (Guest) lecturers at universities or colleges. If you have a PhD in Physiology you might even be a senior professor or head your own University research laboratory or
team. Teaching Biology and similar electives to physiology in schools to higher secondary class students.
How to Pursue a Career in Physiology
| Stream | Graduation | After Graduation | After Post Graduation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | Pass 12th standard with minimum 50% aggregate marks from a recognized school board or its equivalent, in PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) | Work on completing a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc./B. Sc. Hons) Physiology or (B. Sc./B. Sc. Hons) Life Sciences (3 Year Course) | Work on completing a Masters in Science (M. Sc.) Physiology or Masters in Science (M. Sc.) Life Sciences (2 Year Course) | If your passion is for further research and study, and if you have a good portfolio of projects, research papers and internships then you can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physiology |
| Path 2 | Pass 10th standard with minimum 50% aggregate marks from a recognized school board or its equivalent, in PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology). Qualifying Exam for attempting a Diploma Course | Work on completing a Polytechnic Diploma in Physiology (3-year course) + Lateral Entry in 2nd year of Bachelor of Science (B. Sc./B. Sc. Hons) Physiology or (B. Sc./B. Sc. Hons) Life Sciences (3 Year Course) (Total 5 Year Course) | Work on completing a Masters in Science (M. Sc.) Physiology or Masters in Science (M. Sc.) Life Sciences (2 Year Course) | If your passion is for further research and study, and if you have a good portfolio of projects, research papers and internships then you can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physiology |
Important Courses Covered
Year 1
- Biochemistry
- Biochemical Tests
- Biophysical and Biochemical Principles involved in Human System
- Biostatistics
- Blood and Body Fluids
- Cardiovascular System
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Conservation of Matter
- Energy in Human Systems
- Endocrine System
- Histology
- Environmental Physiology
- Hematological Tests
- Immunology and Immunization Programs
- Microbiology
- Nervous System
- Nerve Muscle Physiology
- Renal Physiology
- Human Experiments
- Reproductive Physiology
- Sensory Physiology
Leading Institutes
Top Institutes in India
| College | Location | Website | Entrance-Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola College | Chennai | http://www.loyolacollege.edu | 10+2 Marks Only |
| Indian Institute of Science | Rai Banglore | https://www.iisc.ac.in/ | 10+2 Marks Only |
| Christ University | Banglore | http://www.christuniversity.in/ | 10+2 Marks Only |
| Baba Farid University of Health Sciences | Punjab | https://bfuhs.ac.in/ | 10+2 Marks Only |
| IGovernment Medical College, Amritsar | Punjab | http://gmc.edu.in/ | 10+2 Marks Only |
| Government Medical College, Patiala | Punjab | https://gmcpatiala.com/ | 10+2 Marks Only |
| Siliguri College | West Bengal | http://siliguricollege.org.in/index.html | 10+2 Marks Only |
| Hansraj College | Delhi | https://www.hansrajcollege.ac.in/ | 10+2 Marks Only |
| Adesh University, Bhatinda | Punjab | https://adeshuniversity.ac.in/Default.aspx | 10+2 Marks Only |
| Miranda house | Delhi | http://www.mirandahouse.ac.in | 10+2 Marks Only |
| Gargi College | Delhi | http://www.gargi.du.ac.in/ | 10+2 Marks Only |
| Vidyasagar College | Kolkata | https://www.vidyasagarcollege.edu.in/ | 10+2 Marks Only |
- All B. Sc courses in Physiology have merit-based admission, which means the qualifying examinations are 10+2 examinations or their equivalent.
- M. Sc and Ph. D have merit-based admissions as well, however, some colleges have their own entrance exams for admission. Please check the website of your college of interest to view eligibility requirements.
Top Institutes in the World
| College | Location | Website | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Los Angeles | United States of America | https://www.ucla.edu/ | 10+2 Marks, TOEFL/IELTS |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | https://www.cam.ac.uk | Pre-Interview Written Assessment, 10+2 Marks & IELTS/TOEFL |
| University of Oxford | United Kingdom | http://www.ox.ac.uk/ | CBSE (All-India SSC) or CISCE (ISC) board 10+2 Exams |
| McGill University | Canada | https://www.mcgill.ca/ | 10+2 Marks IELTS/TOEFL |
| University of Glasgow | Scotland | https://www.gla.ac.uk/ | 10+2 Marks IELTS/TOEFL |
| University of California, Davis | United States of America | https://www.ucdavis.edu/ | 10+2 Marks IELTS/TOEFL |
| Michigan State University | United States of America | https://msu.edu/ | 10+2 Marks ACT/SAT and TOEFL/IELTS |
| University of Auckland | New Zealand | https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en.htm | 10+2 Marks IELTS |
| Massey University | New Zealand | http://www.massey.ac.nz/ | 10+2 Marks IELTS |
| University of Southern Queensland | Australia | https://www.usq.edu.au/ | 10+2 Marks IELTS |
| University of Arizona | United States of America | http://www.arizona.edu/ | 10+2 Marks ACT/SAT and TOEFL/IELTS |
| University College London | United Kingdom | https://www.ucl.ac.uk | 10+2 Marks IELTS/TOEFL |
For a wholesome preparation to achieving a successful career in Physiology and for tips/tricks on cracking 10+2 as qualifying examinations, please visit Physiology and ClearExam.
Entrance Exams
It is worth mentioning that majority B. Sc. Courses have no entrance exams in India and are merit based. However, to
pursue M. Sc. Courses or Ph. D courses there are merit based + entrance exams held.
Some noteworthy entrance exams for pursuing B. Sc in India as well as abroad and M. Sc. In India are mentioned below.
Some noteworthy entrance exams for pursuing B. Sc in India as well as abroad and M. Sc. In India are mentioned below.
| Exams | Eligible Colleges | Tentative Date | Important Subjects Covered | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) | All India admission into medical courses | August | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | https://ntaneet.nic.in/Ntaneet/Welcome.aspx |
| GSAT | Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management | May | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology | https://gsat.gitam.edu/ |
| NIMS Entrance Exam (NIMSEE) | NIMS University | July | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | https://nimsuniversity.org/ |
| Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission (BITSAT) | All BIT’s, NIIT University, Swami Rama Himalayan University | May | Mathematics/Biology Physics, Chemistry, Logical Reasoning English | http://bitsadmission.com/bitsatmain.aspx |
| Manipal University Online Entrance Exam (MU-OEE) | All Manipal Institutes of Technology | March/April | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology | http://manipal.edu/ |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Almost all Universities abroad | Anytime within the year | Speaking, Listening, Structure and Written Expression, Reading Comprehension and Writing | https://www.ets.org/toefl |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Almost all Universities abroad | Anytime within the year (48 dates available per year) | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking (Candidates need to take Academic module of this test) | https://www.ielts.org/ |
| Joint Admission Test for M. Sc. (IIT JAM) | All IIT’s, IISc and NITs | February | Seven Subjects including Biotechnology (Biology), Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Economics and Physics | https://jam.iisc.ac.in/ |
| National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) | NISER and MU DAE CEBS | June | General Section (Science Aptitude), Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics | https://www.nestexam.in/ |
| National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) | All India admission into medical courses | April | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic medicine | https://nbe.edu.in/ |
| All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS PG) | AIIMS | June | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic medicine | https://www.aiimsexams.ac.in/index.html |
Work Description
The job description of a Physiologist will vary depending on their area of specialization. A physiologist who works in
healthcare will be focused on working with patients and understanding issues case by case, which will mostly be chronic
diseases causing mobility issues. However, a physiologist working with a sports team will focus solely on monitoring and
keeping all athletes fit by a predetermined training regimen.
However, no matter what post you hold, the knowledge required is all the same and every candidate who pursues a career in Physiology will require to do the following tasks:
However, no matter what post you hold, the knowledge required is all the same and every candidate who pursues a career in Physiology will require to do the following tasks:
- Systematic Surveillance of a patients/Athletes work out plans, with further reassessment if needed.
- Coordination with training staff of athletes or at rehabilitation centers to maximize recovery from mobility problems.
- Advising, and commanding athletes and coaches on the need for constant monitoring, recovery techniques, hydration strategies and the issues of overtraining etc.
- Fitness training of athletes or patients to form an accurate and extensive physiological profile.
- Raising awareness by planning programs or seminars on severe and sometimes common health and fitness issues. Also, raising awareness on common misconceptions of fitness and health issues.
- Promotion of sports and exercise for the benefit of the common man by showcasing the skills and abilities of athletes who perform daily exercise regimes.
- The study and permitted showcase of benchmark physiological information for the common man to work with as a reference for exercise.
- The detailed planning and documentation of fitness training regimes for athletes or patients and innovative methods of ensuring adherence to them.
- Working in tandem with health professionals such as physiotherapists, dieticians, strength and conditioning coaches and sports psychologist to provide a holistic and more effective way of recovery for patients suffering from chronic illness and hampered mobility as well as top athletes to keep them at peak physical condition.
- Handling of specialist equipment and resources such as aqua-pacers, osmometers and electronic timing systems.
Top Hiring Companies
Physiology is a field in constant flux and requires very extensive attention to details as each case is different as
with the body type and mannerisms of each person. With the onset of the Covid 19 Pandemic, there is a massive push for
health conscious behaviour and exercises which can be done at home or in tight spaces. Physiologists not only guide in
studying and forming new exercise regimes but also in what cannot be done or warnings against working on certain
exercises without the proper equipment or trainer present.
There are various companies who require physiologists right from a single person requiring a full-time physiologist to
big companies or sports teams with a team of sports physiologists.
Please find below a list of sectors into which physiologists can be employed –
- Hospitals
- Healthcare centers
- Corporate Houses
- Private Clinics
- Universities
- Rehab Centers
- Defence Settings
- Orthopedic Clinics
- Sports and Fitness Centers
- Defence Ministry of India
- First Physio Clinic
- Fortis Healthcare Company
- Apollo Hospital
- Sarthak Health Care
- DRS Physio & Wellness
- Spectrum Physio Centre
- Pain-Free Physiotherapy Clinic
FAQs
- The journey to becoming a Physiologist begins when a candidate makes up his mind during the end of his high school when he is completing his 10th year of study or 10th standard. It is here when he chooses the stream of subjects he will take for his 12th standard exams. From the time the candidate chooses Physics, Chemistry and Biology in 10th till his participation in the 12th standard board exams he will have to prepare well. Most top universities in India and abroad don’t have an entrance exam but have high cut off’s or expectations from students who they admit into their Physiology course. After the candidate gets a seat, it will take him 3 years minimum to get qualified as a Physiologist. Therefore, it takes 3+2, a total of 5 years before a 10th standard student can safely say he is a qualified Physiologist. However, this is assuming that the candidate doesn’t fail or repeat any year.
- The most prestigious institutions in India for Physiology are Loyola College in Chennai, Christ University in Bangalore
and Miranda House in New Delhi. To gain entrance into them you have to pass your 12th standard board exams with a good
score, mostly above 70%. Some colleges have their own entrance exams with varying syllabus which is very tricky. They
don’t just test your knowledge but your aptitude for abstract and critical thinking. These exams along with your need to
score well in your 12th standard board means that you need very good decision-making skills.
Decision making isn’t something you can learn from books. You either learn from or you listen and learn from someone who has experience it themselves. ClearExam is an institute with reputed faculty who have cracked tough entrance examinations and gone on to study in the top universities in India. They have courses designed to cater to the needs and wanted of any aspirant. But more importantly they give a student the right focus and goals to achieve a good result.
Shared below is the link for Online coaching. The Online coaching link gives an extensive explanation of the course and its benefits such as Missed Class replays, Telegram Groups for discussions and doubts, Daily Assignments & Practice Sheets, 150 Hrs of Online Live Classes, Daily E-Newspaper & Vocabulary
Online Coaching Classes for One Year
Comprehensive Online Coaching Classes - As more and more people work from home due to the pandemic and there is an increase of robots working in factory with limited staff. The physical wellbeing of people working from home will suffer as well as those who are working with specialist machinery can be at risk from suffering very painful and long-term physical injuries. The need for Physiologists are required to study new activities which develop due to jobs or due to new sports. Any activity which involves movement or extensive bodily activity and has never been performed before, will require the study of a physiologist. Hence, the requirement for a Physiologist will always be there. For a comprehensive and powerful push to be the best among the rest vying for a title of Physiologist, please visit Physiology and ClearExam.
- B.Sc. Physiology serves as a basis for further higher studies in the field such as pursuing am M. Sc, Ph. D and/or
M.Phil. degree in Physiology. On successful completion of these degrees a candidate is able to apply for the post of a
lecturer in any university/college as well as a scientist.
A student also has the options of pursuing a career in specializations such as Regulatory Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics etc.
How long does it take to become a Physiologist?
Which is the best coaching for entering into a physiology course in India?
Preferably online coaching as offline is not an option during this pandemic.
Is Physiology amongst other Life Sciences, a good career choice?
How is B.Sc. Physiology Course beneficial?
Similar Careers
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Fishery Science
Biology
Biophysics
Botany
Environmental Science
Epidemology
Genetics
Life Science Environment
Marine Biology
Microbiology
Oceanography Science
Wildlife Conservation
Zoology
4.9 of 5