Curriculum

The B.S. in physiology is a lean, 120-credit major that provides a strong foundation in physiology while offering the flexibility for the student to tailor his/her degree to suit a variety of specializations. Our curriculum excellently prepares students for traditional professional programs, including medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and physical therapy. All course requirements for these programs can be met within our 120 credit curriculum. It also prepares students to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in areas like human & ecological physiology, exercise science, pharmacy and pharmacology, environmental adaptation, and the physiological effects of gender, aging and healthful lifestyle practices. Integrated into the major are both the broad elements of the biological sciences and the foundations of anatomy and physiology. The curriculum includes an advanced Cellular and Integrative Physiology lecture and laboratory course and a new seminar-style course highlighting cutting edge investigative techniques in physiology. Finally, with a broad selection of upper-level courses spanning the breadth of physiology, the curriculum prepares the student for a vast array of continuing and emerging career paths in the biomedical arena and the physiological sciences.

All physiology majors begin with a full year of General Biology lecture and laboratory, which provides an introduction to fundamental concepts in molecular and cellular biology, genetics and organismal form and functions.

In the sophomore through junior years, students take 21 additional physiology credits from a diverse menu of choices including Advanced Human Anatomy, Cellular & Integrative Physiology and Experimental Approaches in Physiology.

Two years of chemistry, a year of physics and mathematics through calculus are also required.

Click here to see the curriculum. 

Research Projects

There are numerous opportunities to help faculty with their research as part of the Faculty/Student Research Program. Learn more about research opportunities in the Biology Department.

Loyola Science Center

Imagine learning in one of the most innovative science buildings in the country. Our Loyola Science Center has 22 classrooms and 34 glass-walled laboratories as part of a 200,000 square-foot facility. You’ll find dedicated spaces for informal gatherings, student group work, student research, mediated classrooms and labs with state-of-the-art equipment.

Wondering what you can do to tackle some of the biggest health challenges of our times? Too many of us know a loved one or friend battling chronic disease or cancer. Meanwhile, the rates of autism and attention-disorders are increasing. Maybe you just have a desire to cure the common cold after missing out on a favorite extracurricular activity last winter.

Perhaps a favorite pet has inspired you to become a veterinarian or childhood memories of collecting shells on the beach has made you want to research marine life. Wherever your career compass points, biology can put you on the path to making your vocation your avocation - and making the world a better place in the process.  

At Scranton, we offer significant service learning opportunities in our local community to put your knowledge to good use and improve the lives of others. As a Jesuit institution, we encourage students to develop a sense of responsibility for themselves and their community.