What is involved in a human physiology course?

Human anatomy is essentially the study of how the body works – on a mechanical, biochemical, bioelectrical and physical level.

In order to understand the mechanics of the human body we also need to know what the body is made up of and so the sciences of anatomy and physiology are inevitably entwined. Anatomy is the study of what the body consists of i.e. the actually physical elements that make it up e.g. organs, skin, tissue and cells.

Because human physiology involves looking at the functioning and working human body, much of the practical study involves examining and experimenting with live subjects. Sometimes however, this is not feasible as the research may involve looking inside the working body and/or brain and so, unsurprisingly, there is often a shortage of people willing to take part in such studies. Fortunately animals often have a similar bodily make up to humans and so it is possible for human physiology students to learn a lot about how the human body works from looking at animal subjects.

A human anatomy course essentially, therefore, is the study of the body’s 10 systems and how they work in synergy with each other to keep the body balanced and working healthily.

Who should take a human anatomy course?

There are many different professions where knowledge of human physiology is absolutely essential.

These include:

Doctors, general practitioners and surgeons

Nurses

Radiologists and anesthetists

Chiropractors and osteopaths

Pharmacists

Dentists

Vets

Athletes

Teachers of physical education and Sport

Sports doctors and physiotherapists

Sports coaches

Fitness professional

Nutritionists and dieticians

Types of human physiology course

Degree

People who have a medical vocation in mind, such as becoming a doctor or a dentist, will study human physiology as part of their training.

Firstly when in school, they will study the basic sciences such as biology and chemistry which gives them a basic grounding in science. Then, depending on where they are in the world as the examinations differ, they will go onto more advanced study of these sciences, usually for about 2 years. Once they have passed these exams, they enter onto a degree course for their particular profession of choice. The degree course largely then consists of human physiology which is split up into the 10 systems of the body as modules for study.

Online course

In these times where everyone has access to the internet, an online course is often a great and convenient option. These may be credited to a centre of learning or unaccredited.

Correspondence course

The traditional method of studying and doing assignments at home, then sending off your work to be marked and assessed has decreased in popularity somewhat with the advent of the internet but still can prove useful and effective.

Textbook study

Teach yourself human physiology via a textbook. Of course, however, this type of learning does not result in an accreditation afterwards.