Examine the anatomy or physiology of humans for a wide range of practical applications.
As an anatomist or physiologist you will:
- study the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination
- apply statistical and mathematical techniques to the measurement of anatomical structures and relate structural patterns to functions of the body
- study glands and their relationship to body functions
- investigate the function and chemical composition of organs and tissues
- perform experiments and study anatomical reactions such as the ability of the body to regenerate damaged or destroyed parts
- investigate the possibility of transplanting organs and tissue
- study respiration, circulation, excretion, movement, reproduction, nervous activity and other functions of humans under normal and abnormal conditions
- perform experiments to determine the effects of internal and external environmental factors on life processes and functions of organisms
- apply scientific knowledge to problems of physical fitness, nutrition, human endurance and similar matters
- prepare and supervise the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, including physiological studies for use by other scientists
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Disclaimer: This page provides study pathway and career options as a guide only. You should contact the Admissions Centre, International Centre or relevant Faculties for full details.
Study pathways
The following study pathway shows the most common and direct route for a UWA student to pursue this career.
Undergraduate
- Anatomy and Human Biology
- Biomedical Science (double major)
- Exercise and Health
- Physiology
- Sport Science
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Postgraduate
Postgraduate study is required for this occupation.
Relevant courses include:
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Research
Research study is not necessarily required for this occupation, but may be helpful for career advancement.
Relevant research courses include:
Relevant courses include:
Graduate profile
- Debra Turner
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BSc (Physiology Honours), PhD, UWA
Senior Policy and Planning Officer; Vaccines, Prevention and Control Program, Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, WA Department of Health
My career was influenced by taking up an Asthma Foundation Summer Vacation Scholarship at the end of my BSc. I worked at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for Children in the Department of Respiratory Medicine for ten weeks, which led to doing my Honours year at PMH as a joint project between Physiology and the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, UWA.
I stayed on a further two years as a research assistant before commencing my PhD, which involved developing a new technique for measuring lung function in infants.
I remained in the asthma and lung disease research field for 20 years before moving to a policy and planning role in the public service.
I am currently the Senior Policy and Planning Officer for vaccines in the WA Department of Health. This role involves co-ordinating the procurement and distribution of vaccines throughout WA, monitoring and minimising vaccine wastage and leakage, overseeing contract management, producing forward estimates for vaccine usage, and meeting Commonwealth reporting requirements.
My early Physiology days at UWA have been invaluable to me. The ability to think analytically, follow a logical process, investigate and explore have formed the basis of my research career and held me in good stead for subsequent government policy and planning roles.