If you want to understand how the human body functions—from the way cells communicate, to how organs work, to how the body responds to stress, exercise, disease, and the environment—the Bachelor of Science in Physiology offers you a comprehensive scientific foundation. This programme trains you to explore body systems such as the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, and reproductive systems, helping you understand how they operate individually and in harmony to sustain life.
You will learn how physiological processes change during illness, how drugs affect organ systems, how the body adapts to physical activity, and how laboratory investigations contribute to diagnosing health conditions. Through practical sessions, laboratory demonstrations, SIWES experience, and a research project, you will develop strong analytical, observational, and experimental skills. At OOU, the Physiology programme equips you to contribute to healthcare, research, biomedical innovation, sports science, and health education.
Course Overview
The B.Sc. Physiology programme provides you with the scientific knowledge and laboratory competence needed to understand, investigate, and apply principles of human function. You will study mechanisms that maintain homeostasis, explore physiological responses to internal and external changes, and gain hands-on research and laboratory skills.
The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students. Throughout your studies, you will take courses in general physiology, systems physiology, experimental physiology, neurophysiology, endocrinology, environmental physiology, and applied physiology. You will also develop skills in research methods, scientific reporting, data analysis, and laboratory instrumentation.
Course Curriculum
The curriculum follows the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Basic Medical Sciences. It integrates foundational sciences with core physiology courses, ensuring you develop both theoretical understanding and laboratory precision.
Your first year introduces you to the basic sciences that form the foundation of physiological practice.
- Communication in English
- Nigerian Peoples and Culture
- General Biology I & II
- Biology Practicals
- General Chemistry I & II
- Chemistry Practicals
- General Physics I & II
- Physics Practicals
- Elementary Mathematics
- Introduction to Computer Studies
These courses prepare you for more advanced biomedical courses.
You begin core physiology alongside supporting biomedical sciences.
- General Physiology I & II
- Blood Physiology
- Muscle and Nerve Physiology
- Excitable Tissues
- Digestive System Physiology
- Introductory Laboratory Physiology
- General Biochemistry I & II
- Basic Statistics
- Introductory Anatomy (Bones, Limbs, Thorax, Abdomen & Pelvis)
This level introduces you to the major body systems and basic laboratory techniques.
You move into advanced and applied physiology while completing your SIWES attachment.
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
- Endocrine Physiology
- Renal Physiology
- Nervous System Physiology
- Special Senses
- Reproductive Physiology
- Metabolism and Nutrition
- Experimental Physiology / Laboratory Techniques
- Research Methodology
- SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme)
This stage strengthens your competence in systems physiology and practical experimentation.
Your final year focuses on integration, research, and professional preparation.
- Environmental Physiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Pathophysiological Mechanisms
- Comparative Physiology
- Medical Instrumentation and Electrophysiology
- Seminar in Physiology
- Project Work / Dissertation
These courses prepare you for advanced study, laboratory work, and professional roles in health and biomedical fields.
Entry Requirements
1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)
- You must have five credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects obtained in not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Sit for the UTME with English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Obtain a competitive UTME score and meet the departmental cut-off
- Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise
- Show interest in biomedical sciences and human body function
2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)
- Five O’Level credit passes including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- A-Level passes in Biology and Chemistry OR an ND, NCE, or related qualification in biomedical or science fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit
You must also complete all University screening and submit academic transcripts where applicable.
Why study at OOU?
Studying Physiology at Olabisi Onabanjo University gives you in-depth scientific knowledge and practical experience that prepare you for careers across healthcare, research, sports science, and biomedical industries. You will benefit from:
- A CCMAS-compliant curriculum covering systems physiology, neurophysiology, endocrinology, environmental physiology, and applied physiology
- Well-equipped laboratories for experimental physiology, instrumentation, and electrophysiology
- Experienced lecturers and researchers in cardiovascular physiology, neurophysiology, cellular physiology, exercise physiology, and more
- Hands-on laboratory training, physiological measurements, and experimental techniques
- Practical exposure through SIWES, demonstrations, seminars, and supervised laboratory sessions
- Opportunities to develop strong skills in data analysis, research design, scientific writing, and problem-solving
- A learning environment that emphasises professionalism, teamwork, inquiry, and innovation
- A strong foundation for postgraduate study in Physiology, Medicine (via postgraduate entry pathways), Neuroscience, Public Health, or Biomedical Sciences
At OOU, the programme trains you to understand the body in action and to contribute meaningfully to the health and scientific community.
Research Project
In your final year, you will carry out a supervised research project that allows you to investigate physiological mechanisms or applied physiological problems using scientific methods. Your project may focus on areas such as:
- Cardiovascular responses to exercise or stress
- Respiratory function and environmental adaptation
- Hormonal regulation and endocrine disorders
- Renal physiology and fluid balance
- Neural transmission and sensory processing
- Effects of diet, drugs, or environmental factors on body systems
- Reproductive physiology
- Cellular and molecular physiology
- Electrophysiological measurements
During the project, you will:
- Select a relevant topic in human or comparative physiology
- Conduct a literature review and develop your research proposal
- Collect data using laboratory instruments, physiological measurements, or controlled experiments
- Analyse, interpret, and present your findings
- Defend your dissertation before an academic panel
The research project strengthens your scientific inquiry skills and prepares you for advanced study and professional practice.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Physiology, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Academic Requirements
- Complete and pass all compulsory, required, and elective courses
- Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry
- Maintain a minimum CGPA of 1.00
- Complete and defend your final-year research project
Grading and Degree Classification
Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:
Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Hons) Physiology, a qualification recognised for its relevance to healthcare, biomedical research, sports science, wellness industries, and postgraduate scientific training.
Career Opportunities
With a B.Sc. Physiology degree, you can work across healthcare, research, sports, wellness, biotechnology, and education sectors. Your training prepares you to analyse body functions, conduct laboratory investigations, support clinical research, and promote health performance.
Possible Job Roles Include:
- Physiologist
- Research Assistant
- Clinical or Laboratory Technologist
- Biomedical Scientist Assistant
- Exercise and Fitness Physiologist
- Health and Safety Officer
- Pharmaceutical Sales/Medical Representative
- Nutrition and Wellness Consultant
- Physiological Data Analyst
- Public Health Field Assistant
- Scientific Product Specialist
Where You May Work:
- Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories
- Research institutes and biomedical laboratories
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Sports, fitness, and wellness centres
- Public health agencies
- Universities and health science training institutions
- NGOs and development organisations focused on health
- Food and nutrition-related industries
The programme also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Physiology, Public Health, Neuroscience, Medicine (via postgraduate routes), Biomedical Science, and related fields.
How to Apply?
UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)
- Select Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as your first-choice institution.
- Choose Physiology as your preferred programme.
- Sit for the UTME with English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Possess five O’Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the required cut-off.
Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)
- Possess A-Level passes in Biology and Chemistry OR have an ND/NCE in related science fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit.
- Present five O’Level credits in core science subjects.
- Upload your transcripts and relevant documents via the OOU Admissions Portal.
- Complete the University’s screening procedures.
Course Coordinator
The B.Sc. Physiology programme is led by a team of experienced physiologists and biomedical scientists within the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences.
Contact Information:
Course Overview
- Next Admission Process
- Current Academic Year
- Associated programmes = Undergraduate
- Course Duration = 4 Years
- Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Department = Physiology
- Course Type = Full Time
- Course Delivery = On campus
- Location = Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Sagamu Campus
- Scholarship opportunities