Physiology

The Honours degree in Physiology is a unique course in modern physiology, introducing students to the niche of physiologists among medical and biological scientists, and preparing students for future careers in biomedical research.

Overview

The Honours course has two components, coursework and research, and its purpose is to introduce students to physiological research.The course teaches many other generic skills, for example, computing, written and oral communication, and data analysis techniques. As a student in the course, you will be encouraged to employ critical thinking, to challenge scientific dogma and to ask and solve problems on your own. On completion of the course, you will find that you are well prepared to tackle an MSc or PhD, enter a medical programme, the business environment or the health industry.

Career Opportunities

Previous graduates of the Honours programme have pursued many interesting and diverse careers, including:

  • dietetics and nutrition science
  • sports science and training
  • research, marketing and management in the pharmaceutical industry
  • medical writing and advertising
  • research at private laboratories
  • computer and IT industry
  • environmental management and conservation
  • academic careers at universities and technikons
  • medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy and other health sciences careers

Many of these career paths may require further studying beyond the BHSc Honours.

Curriculum

Research:

Each student will undertake a research project in a field of expertise of staff in the School, under close supervision by members of staff. You may choose to do a research project with humans or animals, working in the laboratory setting or out inthe field. The School also offers research opportunities in biochemistry and molecular biology. The research activities of the School are broad, covering many different aspects of physiology and biochemistry. Principal areas of current research include cardiovascular disease, movement physiology, fever and thermal physiology, pain, sleep, nutrition, and comparative animal physiology.

Coursework:

Students undertake short formal courses in research methodology, microcomputing, biostatistics and data handling. Lectures or tutorials on aspects of modern physiology are presented by lecturers in the School and also by experts from other institutions. You also will be expected to keep abreast of new biomedical developments by reading selected articles, journals or books and attending School seminars.

Entry Requirements

You may apply for admission if you have:

  • passed a full 3rd year course in Physiology at a recognised University
  • passed a full 3rd year course in a cognate discipline e.g. Zoology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Psychology, at a recognised University
  • completed two years of physiology, and the 3rd year of study, in courses offered by a health sciences, medical or veterinary faculty, at a recognised University

Note: Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the programme does not guarantee students a place in this programme.

The class is confined to a maximum of 18 students, selected on academic merit. As far as eligibility criteria are concerned, minimum would be 60% in major (3rd year) of Physiology or cognate discipline.

Please contact us for more information.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.