Human Physiology

What is Human Physiology?

Human Physiology is the science of the how the human body functions and serves as the foundation of modern medicine. As a discipline, it connects science, medicine, performance, and health to create a framework for understanding how the human body adapts to challenges including stress, physical activity, changes in the environment, and disease.

What can I do with a degree in Human Physiology?

Students interested in physical or occupational therapy (PT, OT), medicine (MD, DO), Physician Assistant (PA) or accelerated nursing degrees, and many other health career options are perfect candidates for this degree! This degree also equips you to enter directly into the workforce; our graduates have secured jobs at a range of companies that look to enhance the quality of life or human performance, including Nike and Boeing.

For more information, visit our Physiology as a Career page.

What are some of the classes I will take as a Human Physiology major?

Our students take foundational science courses (introductory chemistry & biology, math) in their first year. During their second year, students take anatomy & physiology, physics, statistics, and more. Advanced courses, including exercise physiology, biomechanics and research, are taken in the third year while the fourth-year students take a variety of human physiology elective courses to focus their interests.

Visit our Courses and Degree Requirements page for more details.

What will I learn?

How the Human Body Works: students will be exposed to a wide range of courses to help understand basic and advanced function of the human body.
How to Write and Communicate Effectively: students will receive instruction on composing lab reports, abstracts, and scientific literature so they can engage with scientific and health professionals after graduation.
How to Think Critically to Solve Problems: students will work with peers and faculty to ask questions, design experiments, and conduct research to improve our understanding of human health and function.

Why should I choose Gonzaga Human Physiology?

We want to empower students to make a positive impact on their community through their professional and personal pursuits after graduation. Together can we make a healthier world for everyone.
We are committed to the pursuit of knowledge and value the Jesuits' emphasis for academic excellence. Our mission is to provide innovative and transformative human physiology education and research experiences for all students, faculty, and staff in our program.