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
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- 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.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Physiology is a science degree, so pay depends on the path taken — research, teaching, industry, or further study toward Medicine.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Mid-level (labs / teaching) | ₦250,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Senior / research / academia | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Physiology is offered at most Nigerian universities that have a college of medicine, including the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Benin, among others.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Physiology admission guide.
Is Physiology a good course to study in Nigeria?
Physiology is a strong foundational medical science for research, teaching and further study toward Medicine and allied fields.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- A foundation for Medicine and allied health via further study.
- Demand in research and teaching.
- A clear understanding of how the body works.
- Relevant to the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors.
Challenges to weigh:
- It is not a clinical licence.
- The best careers usually need postgraduate study.
- Entry pay is modest.
- Competitive.
It suits students curious about how the body works who aim at research or a route into Medicine.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Physiology builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Physiological knowledge
- Laboratory and experimental skills
- Data analysis
- Scientific reasoning
- Attention to detail
- Research
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.
Is Physiology a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes as a science foundation — it leads into research, teaching and the pharma/biomedical sectors, and is a common route toward Medicine, though it is not a clinical licence.
Can I study Medicine after Physiology?
Yes — many physiology graduates use it as a route to apply for Medicine or allied health courses.
Physiology vs Anatomy?
Physiology studies how the body functions; Anatomy studies its structure. Both are foundational medical sciences.
What jobs can I get with a Physiology degree?
Teaching and research, biomedical and pharmaceutical research, health-industry roles, or further study toward Medicine.
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.