Physiological Science at UCLA: A Comprehensive Overview
The Physiological Science major at UCLA is a popular choice for pre-health students, offering a broad understanding of the human body and preparing them for future studies in medicine and related fields. This article delves into the specifics of the major, drawing on insights from UCLA students and faculty, as well as course descriptions and program details.
Why Choose Physiological Science?
Several factors contribute to the appeal of Physiological Science at UCLA. According to students, the major provides a comprehensive understanding of the entire body. One student mentioned that a mentor described the major as broad and beneficial for medical school preparation, with the first two years of Physiological Science being almost like the first two years of medical school. It spans levels of biological organization from genes and gene networks, to molecular mechanisms of cell function, to cell and tissue organization and function, and to whole system level physiology.
For those interested in health professions such as physical therapy, optometry, pharmacology, or dentistry, Physiological Science provides a solid foundation. It also opens doors to careers in industrial biotechnology, biomedical research, public health, and health science teaching.
Curriculum and Core Courses
The Physiological Science curriculum at UCLA is designed to provide a strong foundation in the biological sciences. The first two years consist of lower-division coursework similar to other life science majors, including:
- Four quarters of life science courses (LS course series). Most PhySci majors will have enjoyed LIFESCI 2 the most, which corresponds to material in basic physiology (under the newly restructured LS core series, LS2 is now LS7A/C).
- Six quarters of general and organic chemistry (CHEM 14 series).
- Three quarters of physics (PHYS 6 series, now the PHYS 5 series).
It’s important to note that the lower-division coursework required for PhySci correlates to the coursework required to apply to medical school: one year of physics, one year of biology, and two years of chemistry.
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The core series includes four courses: systems anatomy (107), physiology I and II (111A and 111B), and physiology lab (111L), worth a total of 20 quarter units. These four courses are notorious for their difficulty, which is due not necessarily to the complexity of the material, but instead the sheer volume of material to be memorized for the exams. Exams tend to test small details that require knowing the material forwards and backwards-otherwise, you’ll walk out of each exam with the feeling that only those who “happened to study the right thing right before the exam” were the only ones who passed the class.
Beyond the stipulated required courses, five upper-division PhySci electives are required for graduation.
Featured Courses
Several courses within the Physiological Science major stand out for their unique content and learning experiences.
- Phy Sci 107 (Systems Anatomy): This course offers an integrated lab component where students can observe and work on cadavers under the supervision of teaching assistants. This hands-on experience allows students to see how concepts learned in the classroom come together in the human body.
- Comparative Animal Physiology: This course explores human physiological systems in comparison to those of different animals, highlighting adaptations to diverse environments.
- Sleep Neurobiology: This upper-division course delves into the often-overlooked aspects of physiology, examining the biological mechanisms underlying sleep.
- Phy Sci M106 Neurobiology of Bias and Discrimination (4)
- Phy Sci 108 Head and Neck Anatomy (4)
- Phy Sci 120 Kidney: Development (4)
- Phy Sci 121 Disease Mechanisms and Therapies (5)
- Phy Sci 122 Biomed Tech and Physiology (4)
- Phy Sci CM123 Neurobiology of Sleep (4)
- Phy Sci 124 Molecular Biology of Aging (4)
- Phy Sci 125 Molecular Systems Biology (5)
- Phy Sci C126 Biological Clocks (4)
- Phy Sci C127 Neuroendocrin. of Reproduction (4)
- Phy Sci 128 Me, Myself & Microbes: The Microbiome in Health & Disease (5)
- Phy Sci C130 Sex Differences in Physiology and Disease (4)
- Phy Sci 135 Systems Modeling of Physio. Proc (5)
- Phy Sci 136 Exercise & Cardiovascular Function (5)
- Phy Sci 138 Neuromuscular Phys. & Adaptation (4)
- Phy Sci M140 Hormones & Behavior (4)
- Phy Sci C144 Neural Control of Phys. Systems (4)
- Phy Sci M145 Neural Mech. Control. Movement (5)
- Phy Sci 146 Prin. Of Nervous System Dev. (5)
- Phy Sci 147 Neurobio of Learning & Memory (5)
- Phy Sci 149 Human Metabolic Diseases (4)
- Phy Sci C152 Musc. Anat., Phys., Biomech (5)
- Phy Sci 153 Dissection Anatomy (5)
- Phy Sci 155 Dev., Structure of Musc. Sys. (4)
- Phy Sci 156 Mol Mech & Ther Musc Dystrophy (4)
- Phy Sci 165 Comparative Animal Physiology (5)
- Phy Sci 167 Physiology of Nutrition (4)
- Phy Sci 173 Anat., Phys.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
The Physiological Science major at UCLA is known for being demanding. The sheer volume of information in the core classes can be overwhelming, requiring significant memorization. As one student noted, the classes are really jam-packed with information. In the third core class, there are four different sections and three different professors, highlighting the breadth of material covered.
To succeed in the major, students recommend:
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- Staying on top of lectures: Avoid falling behind, as the information builds up quickly.
- Collaborating with peers: Comparing notes and studying together can help catch information that might have been missed.
- Utilizing resources: Take advantage of learning assistants and the Undergraduate Writing Center.
- Building relationships with TAs: Teaching assistants often grade assignments and can provide valuable guidance.
- Prioritizing personal well-being: Don't get absorbed in the competitive atmosphere and focus on personal happiness and passion for the subject matter.
Admission to the Major
To enter the Physiological Science major, students must complete specific preparatory coursework with a minimum grade of C in each course and a grade point average of 2.5 or better in all before fall quarter of their third year. These courses include:
- Chemistry 14A, 14B, and 14C or 20A, 20B, and 30A
- Life Sciences 7A, 7B, 7C
- Mathematics 3A, 3B, and 3C or 31A, 31B, and 32A or Life Sciences 30A, 30B
- Physics 1A or 5A
Repetition of more than one of these nine preparation courses results in denial of admission to the major.
Advice from Current and Former Students
UCLA students and alumni offer valuable advice for those considering or currently pursuing a Physiological Science degree:
- Choose the major because you love the information: The coursework is demanding, so passion for the subject matter is essential.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help: Form study groups and seek assistance from TAs and professors.
- Focus on understanding the material, not just memorization: While memorization is important, a deeper understanding will lead to greater success.
- Take care of your well-being: Don't let the competitive environment detract from your personal happiness.
- Make connections: Build relationships with TAs and classmates for support and future opportunities.
- Use available tools: Utilize apps like Otter to transcribe lectures and aid in note-taking.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
The Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology at UCLA offers a two-year Master’s Program with three main components:
- Rigorous training as research scientists in laboratories of the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.
- Coursework designed to deepen knowledge of the scientific method and analytical tools of research in physiology and biology and equip students with effective science communication skills.
- Training as science educators, which includes course-based and practical teaching exercises.
Graduates of the M.S. program are well-prepared for careers in research, education, and related fields.
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Recent News and Developments
The Department of Physiology at UCLA is actively involved in cutting-edge research and welcomes new faculty members. Recent news includes:
- Dr. Vanessa Casha Awarded 2025 Nancy S. Wexler Young Investigator Prize!
- Welcome to our newest faculty Dr. Navid Bavi to UCLA.
- Welcome to our new faculty member Dr. Chuchu Zhang to the Department of Physiology and UCLA.
- UCLA’s “Science Fair for Suspended Research,” protesting the suspension of more than $500 million in federal research grants.
- Assistant Professor Val Tornini featured in the Los Angeles Times discussing her study on the impact of urban heat and noise exposure on brain health and behavior.
- Professor Grace Xiao's recent publication "Genetic variants affecting RNA stability influence complex traits and disease risk", is featured in the UCLA Newsroom, "How fast mRNA degrades linked to autoimmune disease risk".
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