Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Physiology |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences / College of Medicine |
| Professional body | Physiological Society of Nigeria |
| Note | A basic medical science degree — not a clinical licence to practise |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Competitiveness | Moderately competitive |
On this page
- What Physiology is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Physiology & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Physiology is about
Physiology is the study of how the body and its systems function — how the heart, lungs, kidneys, nerves, hormones and cells work together to keep us alive and healthy. It is one of the core sciences underpinning medicine and the health professions.
A brief history of the discipline
Physiology is a foundational medical science, developed through centuries of experiment into how living systems work. It remains essential to understanding health, disease and how treatments act on the body.
What you will study
Core areas include systemic physiology (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, nervous, endocrine, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems), cell physiology and biochemistry, along with research methods and a final-year project, with substantial laboratory work.
Why study Physiology & who it suits
Physiology suits students curious about how the body works and comfortable with detailed science, especially those aiming for research or further study in the health professions. Strong Biology helps.
Careers & where graduates work
As a science degree rather than a clinical licence, Physiology leads to teaching and research, medical and biomedical research, the pharmaceutical and health industries, and further study toward Medicine or allied health fields.
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Physiology (4 years) → NYSC → employment or postgraduate study; some graduates use it as a route toward Medicine.
How to get in: Physiology UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, with five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Physiology, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Physiology in Nigeria?
4 years for the B.Sc, plus the one-year NYSC.
Is Physiology the same as Medicine?
No. It is a basic medical science degree, not a licence to practise, though it is a common route toward Medicine or allied fields.
What are the JAMB subjects for Physiology?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with O'Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
What can I do with a Physiology degree?
Teaching and research, biomedical and pharmaceutical research, health industry, or further study toward Medicine and other health professions.
What is the difference between Anatomy and Physiology?
Anatomy studies the body's structure; Physiology studies how that structure functions. They are closely related foundational sciences.
Sources: Summarised from Nigerian faculties of basic medical sciences; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.