Medical Physiology | Study at King’s | King’s College London

Overview

Our Medical Physiology BSc degree provides an advanced course of study on how cells, tissues and organ systems function, and how together they carry out the activities needed for life. The course, delivered in central London, focuses on understanding normal human physiology; how and why it might be impaired, and the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to disease, all of which are essential for developing diagnostics and treatments. The course also features options to study abroad or to transfer to other Biomedical Science courses.

Studying a Biomedical Science degree with us means that you will be able to enjoy the flexibility to choose your degree after your first year with our Common Year One curriculum. All Biomedical Science disciplines are covered in the first year, making the decision for your future an informed one.

You will be able to choose from the following Biomedical science degrees; Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology BSc, Biochemistry BSc, Biochemistry MSci, Biomedical Science BSc, Medical Physiology BSc, Molecular Genetics BSc, Molecular Genetics MSci, Neuroscience BSc, Neuroscience MSci, Pharmacology BSc, and Pharmacology & Molecular Genetics BSc.

Key benefits:

Europe's largest centre for medical and professional healthcare education
Teaching by internationally renowned scientists and researchers
One of the UK's best graduate employment rates
Career opportunities through international exchanges
Contemporary approach based on our history of pioneering discoveries – including our part in finding the structure of DNA
Flexible options to tailor your degree

Key information

UCAS code B120

Duration Three years

Study mode Full-time

Course type Single honours

Further details

Awarding institution BSc From King's College London

Faculty Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine

Department Department of Physiology School of Basic & Medical Biosciences School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences School of Life Course Sciences School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences

Locations

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Physiology at King's

In the heart of London

The Medical Physiology degree at King's is focused on human and medical physiology, and features the pathophysiology of disease and adaptation to extreme conditions as examples to help understand the processes that keep us alive, and how they may go wrong. It provides students with the skills required for research and other careers concerning human health and disease, exercise and sport, and development and ageing.

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Course detail

Description

The Medical Physiology BSc course will give you a sound introduction to the mechanisms that underlie the function of the body in health and disease, at the cellular, tissue, organ and whole human levels.

This course forms part of the suite of ‘Common Year 1’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; Pharmacology; Pharmacology & Molecular Genetics. Once you have successfully completed year 1, you can choose to switch to any other course within this suite.

Your second year allows greater flexibility, but retains a core of Physiology modules that cover endocrinology and physiological control systems, and with at least one module chosen from options in neuroscience, cell biology and a physiology library project.

Your final year modules reflect the research interests of the academic staff. In particular you will benefit from the wide range of expertise at King's in neuroscience, developmental biology, physiology of extreme environments, cardiovascular and muscle physiology, endocrinology and reproduction.

Alternatively, after the ‘Common Year 1’ course, you can apply to transfer to one of our four-year MSci courses: Biochemistry MSci; Molecular Genetics MSci; Neuroscience MSci; In year three you can apply to transfer to the four-year Integrated Pharmacology & Physiology for Research MSci.

Teaching

Teaching on this course takes place in lectures, seminars and tutorials and through practical laboratory work. The rest of your time will be spent on self-study, including reading, research and writing assignments.

Course stage	Percentage of time in scheduled learning & teaching activities	Percentage of time in guided independent study	Percentage of time on placements
Year 1	25%	75%	-
Year 2	21%	79%	-
Year 3	30%	70%	-

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, examinations and practical observation.

Course stage	Percentage of assessment by written exams	Percentage of assessment by practical exams	Percentage of assessment by coursework
Year 1	78%	5%	17%
Year 2	66%	6%	28%
Year 3	58%	13%	34%

Studying abroad

You also have the opportunity to study abroad for your full second year. Partner universities currently include:

The Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden
University of Skövde, Sweden
The University of Melbourne, Australia
National University of Singapore
The University of California
The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Integrated Pharmacology & Physiology for Research MSci

During Year 3 you can apply to transfer to the four-year MSci Integrated Pharmacology & Physiology for Research, on which you will be required to take a 90-credit research project, usually at an external industrial provider within the UK, during your fourth year. A contribution by the university is given to cover additional living costs during the project up to a maximum of £2,000.

Regulating body

King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.

Location

This course is primarily taught at our Guy’s and Waterloo Campuses, both on the South Bank of the Thames, putting you at the heart of everything London has to offer in terms of academic resources and also close to its social and entertainment attractions.

Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. You will take modules totalling 360 credits.

This is a three-year course based on a combination of required and optional modules. There are options to switch to any other course in the Bioscience suite or to a four-year MSci after Year 1. You can also choose to study abroad during Year 2.

Required Modules

You are required to take:

Biochemistry (15 credits)
Chemistry for the Biosciences (15 credits)
Genetics and Molecular Biology (15 credits)
Cell Biology & Neuroscience (15 credits)
Fundamentals of Physiology & Anatomy (30 credits)
Fundamentals of Pharmacology (15 credits)
Skills for the Biosciences (15 credits)

Optional Modules

There are no optional modules for this course in Year 1.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Year 2

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for your second year at one of our partner universities. See the course description for more information.

Required Modules

You are required to take:

Endocrinology & Reproduction (15 credits)
Physiological Control Exercise & Environment (15 credits)

In addition, you will take at least one of the following modules (all four may be taken):

Cell Biology A (15 credits)
Report on a Physiological Topic (15 credits)
Neuroscience (30 credits)
Physiology & Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System (15 credits)

Optional Modules

Take sufficient credits to bring your total for the year to 120 from a range of optional modules which may typically include:

The modules listed above
Animal Models of Disease & Injury (15 credits)
Bioinformatics (15 credits)
Comparative Physiology (15 credits)
Drug Discovery & Development (15 credits)
Emergence of Vertebrate Form & Function (15 credits)
Essentials of Embryology (15 credits)
Gene Cloning & Expression (15 credits)
Human & Molecular Genetics (15 credits)
Immune System in Medical Microbiology (15 credits)
Introduction to Stem Cells (15 credits)
Protein Structure & Function (15 credits)
Psychology (15 credits)
Social Impact of the Biosciences (15 credits)
Tissue Pathology (15 credits)
A modern language (15 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Year 3

During Year 3 you can apply to transfer to the four-year MSci Integrated Pharmacology & Physiology for Research, on which you will be required to take a 90-credit research project, usually at an external industrial provider within the UK, during your fourth year. A contribution by the university is given to cover additional living costs during the project up to a maximum of £2,000.

Required Modules

You are required to take at least 75 credits of physiology related modules, including one of the following project modules:

Physiology Laboratory Project: based in a research laboratory – please note that allocation to a laboratory project will depend on academic performance in year 2. (45 credits)
Physiology Library Project: a supervised study in a physiological topic of your choice. (15 credits)
Project Design in Physiology: designing a research project, writing a research grant application. (30 credits)
Social Impact of the Biosciences – please note that this module is only available to students who take Social Impact of the Biosciences in year 2. (15 credits)

Optional Modules

Take sufficient credits to bring your total for the year to 120, from a range of optional modules which may typically include:

Cardiovascular & Respiratory Control (30 credits)
Cell Physiology (15 credits)
Endocrinology of Diabetes (15 credits)
Experimental Physiology (15 credits)
Extreme Physiology (30 credits)
Muscle (15 credits)
Neuroendocrinology (15 credits)
Biology of Lung Disease (15 credits)
Reproductive Physiology (15 credits)
Topics in Regenerative Medicine (15 credits)
Vascular Physiology (30 credits)
Advanced Biophysical Techniques (15 credits)
Molecular Genetics of Model Organisms (15 credits)
Biomedical Diagnostics (15 credits)
Cellular & Systems Neuroscience (30 credits)
Molecular Basis of Human Disease (15 credits)
Molecular Immunology (15 credits)
Forensic Genetics & Toxicology (15 credits)
Cardiovascular Pharmacology (15 credits)
Cell & Molecular Pharmacology (30 credits)
Pharmacology of Inflammation (15 credits)
Cellular Basis of Drug Dependence (30 credits)
Pharmacology of Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders (15 credits)
Biology of Cancer (30 credits)
Developmental Neurobiology (30 credits)
Cellular Basis of Disease (15 credits)
Mechanisms of Development (30 credits)
Behavioural Science (15 credits)

Please note that some modules with a high practical component are capped, which means that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who select that particular module.

During Year 3 you can apply to transfer to the four-year MSci Integrated Pharmacology & Physiology for Research, on which you will be required to take a 90-credit research project, usually at an external industrial provider within the UK, during your fourth year. A contribution by the university is given to cover additional living costs during the project up to a maximum of £2,000.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Entry requirements

Required grades

AAB

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A-levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer.

Required grades

35 points overall (including TOK/EE) with three Higher Level subjects at 665

Required grades

45 Level 3 credits: 33 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining Level 3 credits at Merit

Required grades

D3 D3 M2

Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels).

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

80% overall

Required grades

Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements and English language entry requirements.

Required subjects

Chemistry and Biology

Preferred subjects

None

Further information and other requirements

A-Level	AAB including Chemistry and Biology	Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer. NOTE: If you are taking linear A levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all science subjects.
Access to HE Diploma	D: 33 credits (including 15 credits in Chemistry and 15 credits in Biology) M: 12 credits P: 0 credits	Access to Science (or similar subject) with 45 Level 3 credits: 33 must be from units awarded at Distinction (including 15 credits in Chemistry and 15 credits in Biology), with the remaining 12 Level 3 credits at Merit.
Cambridge Pre-U	D3 D3 M2 including Chemistry and Biology.	Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels) considered.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF from 2010)		DDD with twelve Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade B. Alternatively, DDM with eleven Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade A.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF from 2010)		DD with eight Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade B. Alternatively, DM with six Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade A. Note: The BTEC in Applied Sciences should cover topics not already covered by the A level. For example, if offering A level Chemistry, the BTEC in Applied Science should cover subjects other than Chemistry.
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF from 2010)		D with four modules at Distinction and two A levels at grades AB or M and two A levels at grades AA, including Chemistry or Biology. Note: BTEC science subjects considered include Applied Science, Applied Pharmaceutical Science, Applied Biology, Applied Chemistry and Applied Physics. Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry can be considered instead of an A Level in these subjects however if the same subject is studied at both A Level and BTEC they will not be considered as two separate qualifications. For example, BTEC Applied Chemistry and Chemistry A level will not be counted as two separate subjects, a further two A Levels/BTEC subjects would be required.
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers	AAB at Highers and AB in Chemistry and Biology at Advanced Highers	Must be a combination of three Scottish Highers and two Scottish Advanced Highers. We do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject.
International Baccalaureate	35 points	including 6,6,5 at Higher Level with HL Chemistry and HL Biology. Note the total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.
Other International Qualifications		Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements.
English Language requirements	Band D	Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements

Non academic requirements

Scholastic activities: We hope to attract applicants who participate in any scholastic activity, e.g. general reading, debating, theological interests etc.

Community activities: We hope to attract applicants who have participated in school, college or community life, making the most of the opportunities available to them and also demonstrated some experience of society beyond their immediate environment.

General: We hope to attract applicants who have varied extra-curricular interests and enjoy active participation in areas such as sport, music and the arts in general. Any participation is valued and any achievement in extra-curricula activities will be particularly recognised. King’s aspires to attract applicants who will continue with their personal interests and contribute to the vitality of the College community.

Interviewing

Are interviews offered? Yes.
Are all applicants interviewed? No. We only interview applicants if we feel the need to gather more information about their educational background and how it has prepared them for study at King’s.
Are all those made an offer interviewed? No. The majority of admissions decisions are made on the basis of information provided on the UCAS form.
What form does it take? Interviews last between 20 and 30 minutes and are Chaired by the Admissions Tutor and one other member of academic staff.
What is considered at interview? Your personal statement and academic performance to date will be explored.

Selection procedure

Application deadline: January 15th 2020

Help and support

View our English language entry requirements

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.

Preparation courses

Fees and funding

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap

Full time tuition fees EU:

Students starting their programme in 2020/21 (September 2020) who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2021/22.

The UK tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees International:

The International tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is £26,700 per year.

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 against their first year’s tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King’s.

Additional costs

If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). Please see the Study Abroad webpages for details of the relevant partner universities.
King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King’s tuition fees. At present these are as follows:

Home students studying or working for a full academic year abroad will receive an invoice for £1,350 for King’s tuition fees for the year.
Overseas students studying or working for a full academic year abroad will receive an invoice for one third of the King’s tuition fees for the year.

You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling.

In addition to the costs above, you can also expect to pay for:

Alternative venue examination fees
College approved calculator for exams (Casio fx83 or fx85)
Books if you choose to buy your own copies
Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
Library fees and fines
Personal photocopies
Printing course handouts
Society membership fees
Stationery
Graduation costs
Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Career prospects

Graduates from the School of Bioscience Education are equipped with a variety of transferable skills including data gathering, analysis and interpretation, presentation skills and teamwork. Our graduates are well-qualified to undertake a wide range of careers or training for a higher degree such as an MSc or PhD.

Career destinations

Recent graduates have found employment as:

Research Project Co-ordinators
Food Scientists
Company Managers
Business Analysts
Scientific Copy Editors

Others have continued to study in medicine, dentistry and other related fields including pharmaceutical sciences, cardiovascular pharmacology and biomedical research.

Testimonials

Christina

"The support I have received from King's makes me feel as though there are people who really do have an interest in whether I succeed. It has never been a struggle contacting tutors or lecturers in times of need."

Alisha

I loved my time on the Medical Physiology course. The best part of the degree was the many opportunities for getting involved in research projects. Aside from all the educational opportunities, the support I received from my tutors and professors was unparalleled. I am now studying an MBBS degree at the University of Manchester.

Medical Physiology BSc

Tamara

I really enjoyed my three years doing the BSc in Medical Physiology at King’s because of the support from the lecturers and my personal tutor. My physiology degree gave me a great foundation with some essential transferable skills to succeed in a very competitive working environment. I'm now a Diabetes Therapy Area Specialist at AstraZeneca.

BSc Medical Physiology