Skip to Main Content

Contents

Introduction to Specialisations

A specialisation is a focused collection of courses within a programme that allows you to gain deep, targeted knowledge in a specific sub-field. Normally these courses make up more than 50 percent of a qualification, some of which lead to registration within a certain field. They may be interdisciplinary, professionally oriented, or designed to meet accreditation requirements. Specialisations often restrict elective choice in favour of a clearly defined study plan.

Completed specialisations will appear on your academic transcript.

Please see the main programme link below for further details.

Subject Overview

Physiology explores how the body works. It provides a rational scientific basis for the treatment of disease.
At the core of Physiology is the acquisition of knowledge by observation, experiment and interpretation.
Physiology is highly quantitative and has close links with biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, mathematical modelling and pharmacology, as well as zoology and plant biology. A large part of medical research is centred on Physiology. It is an active and developing science that promises to be one of the most exciting disciplines for the foreseeable future.

Knowledge and Skills

Through advanced courses in Physiology, you will study topics such as experimental design and data analysis in physiological research. You will also explore the theoretical basis underpinning electrophysiological and live-cell imaging techniques used to investigate cellular function.
Research topics open to exploration include:
- Auditory neurobiology
- Cardiac structure and function
- Circulatory control
- Developmental brain injury and glial cell biology
- Fetal physiology and neuroscience
- Molecular neuroendocrinology
- Molecular physiology of the eye

Potential Careers

Physiology provides a great foundation to find employment in research or in the rapidly growing healthcare sector in New Zealand and overseas. Graduates with a Physiology background are employed in a range of professions, in areas that include:
- Biomedical science
- Clinical research science
- Exercise physiology
- Healthcare science
- Pharmacology
- Audiology
- Medicine
- Optometry
- Veterinary medicine

Physiology provides a great foundation to find employment in the rapidly growing healthcare sector in areas such as audiology, medicine, optometry and veterinary medicine, or research in New Zealand and overseas.
Jobs related to Physiology include clinical positions such as:
- Biomedical scientist
- Clinical research associate
- Exercise physiologist
- Healthcare scientist
- Pharmacologist

Plan Schedule / Plan Rules

Disclaimer

Please note that while regulations and programme rules for future academic years may be displayed or made available in advance, they remain subject to change. Official, final approved programme regulations for the upcoming academic year will be available when the University Calendar is published in late October of the preceding year. Any information available prior to Calendar publication should be treated as provisional.