Explore Physiology: Student Resources, Careers and Tools
Physiology is the science of life. It is the study of how the body functions in health and disease. From cells and organs to complex biological systems, physiology explains how life works and how it responds to changing conditions. It is foundational to advancing medicine, improving health outcomes and driving biomedical discovery.
What is Physiology?
Physiology is a core life sciences discipline. Scientists study how the body maintains balance, fights disease and adapts to environmental and biological challenges—knowledge that drives health care innovation and shapes modern medicine.
Physiology is foundational to advancing medicine, improving health outcomes, and driving biomedical discovery. It is the science life depends on.
Why Does Physiology Matter?
Understanding physiology is essential to nearly every field in biomedical science. It underpins research in cardiology, neuroscience, endocrinology, exercise science and more. Whether you are pursuing medicine, research or biotechnology, physiology is the foundation.
Interested in a Career in Physiology?
Physiologists work in academia, health care, biotechnology, government research and pharmaceutical development. The skills built through physiology training transfer broadly across scientific and professional settings.
Where do physiologists work? Explore physiology career paths.
Build Your Science Career
The American Physiological Society (APS) offers resources to help students and early-career scientists move forward.
Explore Your Options
- Explore career paths for physiologists.
- Browse listings of more than 40 master’s and doctorate programs in physiology.
- Search open fellow and research scientist positions on the physiology job board.
- Discover student awards to help launch your research journey.
Get Started
- Access tips, tools and guidance in our Career Gateway.
- Grow your network and unlock new opportunities with APS student membership—starting at $25.
