Minor in Human Physiology

A minor in Human Physiology is offered to undergraduate students at Boston University wishing to enhance their knowledge of physiology, anatomy, neuroscience, exercise science, and/or nutrition. This program is of particular interest to students who are considering graduate programs in clinical studies (e.g., medicine, dentistry) or basic science research (e.g., physiology, neuroscience). Students are required to have a GPA of 2.0 or higher to qualify for a minor in Human Physiology.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a robust understanding of human anatomy and human physiology.
  • Students will demonstrate a diverse understanding of human anatomy and human physiology by:
    • Discerning anatomical features/structures
    • Differentiating function and dysfunction of various body systems
    • Recognizing the interrelatedness of body systems
    • Applying this knowledge to real-world scenarios
• Demonstrate practical skills for research, health, and the healthcare industry.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate practical skills by:
    • Developing a variety of diagnostic and research techniques
    • Making informed decisions based on individual evaluations
    • Understanding “best practices” of patient care in real-world, clinical settings
• Exhibit social and cultural awareness.
  • Students will demonstrate cultural and social acumen via:
    • Developing effective interpersonal communication skills
    • Displaying the ability to collaborate and contribute to a team
    • Identifying instances of exclusion and marginalization in health, research, and medicine

Course Requirements

Any five of the 4-unit courses listed below are required to complete the minor, with a minimum grade of C in each course.

*According to BU policy, 12 units must be unique to the minor and may not count toward the fulfillment of majors or additional minors.

• SAR HS 369 Gross Human Anatomy (Prereq: CAS BI 105, BI 210, and BI 211 or CAS BI 107, BI 108, and BI 315)
• SAR HS 370 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology (Prereq: CAS BI 211 or CAS BI 315, SAR HS 369 recommended)
• SAR HS 375 Cardiovascular Pathophysiology (Prereq: CAS BI 211 or CAS BI 315)
• SAR HP 252 Health and Disability Across the Lifespan (Prereq: CAS WR 100 or CAS WR 120)
• SAR HP 565 Biomechanics of Human Movement (Prereq: CAS BI 106, CAS PY 105, or CAS PY 104, or consent of instructor)
• SAR HS 331 Physiology of Sex and Reproduction (Prereq: CAS BI 315 or BI 211, or similar physiology course)
• SAR HS 341 Physiology Across the Lifespan
• SAR HS 342 Exercise Physiology (Prereq: CAS BI 211 OR CAS BI 315)
• SAR HS 362 Muscle Physiology (Prereq: college-level physiology)
• SAR HS 371 Pulmonary Pathophysiology
• SAR HS 375 Cardiovascular Pathophysiology (Prereq: CAS BI 211 OR CAS BI 315)
• SAR HS 438 Pathophysiology in Marginalized Populations
• SAR HS 452 Advanced Exercise Physiology (Prereq: SAR HS 342, and consent of instructor)
• SAR HS 465 Historical and Physiological Perspectives on Organ Transplantation
• SAR HS 469 Advanced Regional Anatomy (2 units) (Prereq: SAR HS 369)
• SAR HS 476 Human Illness and Disease
• SAR HS 549 Mechanisms of Disruption in Brain Disorders
• SAR HS 576 Clinical Measurements in Cardiology (Prereq: SAR HS 575 w/ grade of A– or better)