The rapid growth of knowledge about the nature and function of biological mechanisms has made physiology a corner-stone of the biological and medical sciences. This program offers training in the study of physiological systems in animals (including humans) and plants.
A concentration in Physiology provides students with the necessary theoretical and practical background to be well prepared for careers in healthcare and research. The degree offers considerable flexibility in both the lower and upper division, designed specifically to incorporate common pre-health prerequisite courses (like an extended sequence of organic chemistry) into the progression of coursework while still preserving an on-time graduation. For this reason, Physiology is popular with pre-med and pre-health students.
The Physiology program at San Francisco State University is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the basic sciences, and an opportunity to obtain either a general overview of the field or to specialize. Emphases in Physiology include the neurosciences, reproductive and endocrine physiology, comparative and ecological physiology, and aging.
In all of our concentrations, research experiences in the labs of our world-class faculty and instructors are an integral part of student training. Hands-on experiences in research labs prepare our graduates for high-level jobs in industry or further training toward a higher degree.
Why choose a career in Physiology?
This degree is for you if you enjoy studying a wide variety of organisms at a systems level. Possible careers could include academic research, healthcare (including medical and nursing), biomedical science, biotechnology, clinical and medicinal research, conservation and environmental science, zoo and aquarium industries, veterinary medicine, and agricultural and food science.
