BS in Human Physiology
The Human Physiology program provides a comprehensive foundation in science and health. In the first two years, students engage in core science courses and fulfill BU Hub requirements. This early phase ensures that our graduates meet the admission criteria for various graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, and other health professions, as well as for pursuits in basic science research.
The Human Physiology program’s distinctive approach in the third and fourth years of the curriculum is designed to resemble a more approachable and inclusive version of coursework encountered in the inaugural year of medical school or other schools of health professions. Human Physiology majors delve into advanced subjects—such as gross human anatomy and exercise physiology—and can take a selection of health-focused electives like Pulmonary Pathophysiology or Pathophysiology in Marginalized Populations.
In the senior year, students conclude their education with an internship at a healthcare site in the vibrant Boston area. This practical exposure complements the theoretical knowledge acquired throughout the program, fostering a holistic understanding of human physiology in both research and clinical settings.
Our commitment to excellence extends to accelerated programs, including the five-year Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (BS/MS) in Human Physiology and the Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health (BS/MPH) (in collaboration with Boston University’s School of Public Health). Additionally, students in this major are eligible to apply for the Sargent College Thesis for Distinction, further showcasing the depth and breadth of their academic accomplishments. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey that not only fulfills premed requirements but also propels you into a distinctive and rewarding trajectory in the field of human physiology.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a robust understanding of human anatomy and human physiology.
- Students will demonstrate a diverse understanding of human anatomy and human physiology by:
- Discerning anatomical features/structures
- Differentiating function and dysfunction of various body systems
- Recognizing the interrelatedness of body systems
- Applying this knowledge to real-world scenarios
- Students will demonstrate a diverse understanding of human anatomy and human physiology by:
- Demonstrate practical skills for research, health, and the healthcare industry.
- Students will be able to demonstrate practical skills by:
- Developing a variety of diagnostic and research techniques
- Making informed decisions based on individual evaluations
- Understanding “best practices” of patient care in real-world, clinical settings
- Students will be able to demonstrate practical skills by:
- Exhibit social and cultural awareness.
- Students will demonstrate cultural and social acumen via:
- Developing effective interpersonal communication skills
- Displaying the ability to collaborate and contribute to a team
- Identifying instances of exclusion and marginalization in health, research, and medicine
- Students will demonstrate cultural and social acumen via:
Requirements
All BU undergraduate students, including both entering first-year and transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Human Physiology will ordinarily, through coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Quantitative Reasoning, Communication, Scientific and Social Inquiry, and some elements of the Intellectual Toolkit. Remaining BU Hub requirements will be satisfied by selecting from a wide range of available courses outside the major, or, in some cases, cocurricular experiences.
University Requirements
A minimum of 128 units is required for graduation. Each course (or transfer equivalent) specified in the curriculum below must be included in the 128 units. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be achieved for graduation. This GPA must represent a record that contains no more than 16 units of D grades. A course will not be accepted for external transfer if the grade is lower than a C. (A grade of C– is not acceptable.) For further information about the Human Physiology program, please visit the Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology page on the Sargent College website.
| Degree Requirements | Units |
| Sargent College Requirements | 6 units |
| Fundamental Course Requirements | 52 units |
| Human Physiology Requirements | 44 units |
| Human Physiology electives/Hub Electives | 8 units |
| General electives/Hub requirements | 18 units |
| Total | 128 units |
| Sargent College Requirements | Units |
| SAR HP 150 First-Year Experience Seminar | 0 units |
| SAR HP 151 Introduction to Health Professions | 2 units |
| SAR HP 252 Health and Disability Across the Lifespan or SAR HP 353 Organization and Delivery of Healthcare in the US |
4 units |
| Total | 6 units |
| Fundamental Courses | Units |
| First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 120) | 4 units |
| Writing, Research, and Inquiry (e.g., CAS WR 151/152/153) | 4 units |
| CAS BI 107 Biology I | 4 units |
| CAS BI 108 Biology II | 4 units |
| CAS CH 101 General Chemistry I | 4 units |
| CAS CH 102 General Chemistry II | 4 units |
| CAS CH 203 Organic Chemistry I | 4 units |
| CAS CH 204 Organic Chemistry II or CAS CH 214 | 4 units |
| CAS MA 116 Statistics II or CAS MA 214 Applied Statistics | 4 units |
| CAS MA 121 Calculus | 4 units |
| CAS MA 122 Calculus or CAS MA 115 Statistics I | 4 units |
| CAS PY 105 Elementary Physics I | 4 units |
| CAS PY 106 Elementary Physics II | 4 units |
| Total | 52 units |
| Human Physiology Requirements | Units |
| CAS BI 203 Cell Biology | 4 units |
| CAS BI 315 Systems Physiology | 4 units |
| CAS CH 373 Principles of Biochemistry or CAS CH 421 Biochemistry I | 4 units |
| SAR HS 251 Human Nutrition Science | 4 units |
| SAR HS 342 Exercise Physiology | 4 units |
| SAR HS 369 Gross Human Anatomy | 4 units |
| SAR HS 375 Cardiovascular Pathophysiology or SAR HS 371 Pulmonary Pathophysiology | 4 units |
| SAR HS 410 Internship: Human Physiology or SAR HP 495 Thesis for Distinction | 4 units |
| SAR HS Elective 1 (see list of human physiology electives below) | 4 units |
| SAR HS Elective 2 (see list of human physiology electives below) | 4 units |
| CAS PS 101 General Psychology | 4 units |
| Total | 44 units |
Human Physiology Electives
(minimum of 8 units required)
- SAR HS 331 Physiology of Sex and Human Reproduction (4 units) (Spring)
- SAR HS 341 Physiology Across the Lifespan (4 units) (Fall)
- SAR HS 362 Muscle Physiology (4 units) (Spring)
- SAR HS 370 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology (4 units) (Spring)
- SAR HS 371 Pulmonary Pathophysiology (4 units) (Spring)
- SAR HS 375 Cardiovascular Pathophysiology (4 units) (Fall)
- SAR HS 438 Pathophysiology in Marginalized Populations (4 units) (Fall)
- SAR HS 452 Advanced Exercise Physiology (4 units) (Fall)
- SAR HS 469 Advanced Regional Anatomy (2 units) (Fall/Spring)
- SAR HS 549 Mechanisms of Disruption in Brain Disorders (4 units) (Spring)
- SAR HS 576 Clinical Measurements in Cardiology (4 units) (Spring)
