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20260412890The Master of Physiology program, offered by the Faculty of Medicine at King Abdulaziz University, is an advanced academic program aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the healthcare and research sectors in the Kingdom. The program focuses on preparing distinguished scientific competencies capable of contributing effectively to the advancement of medical research and addressing health issues to serve the community. The curriculum includes an integrated set of advanced courses and a master's thesis, providing students with deep knowledge of human body systems, practical laboratory expertise, statistical analysis, and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, the program opens broad career prospects for graduates in academia, clinical research, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology, in alignment with the Kingdom's future vision.
To establish the Master of Physiology program as the benchmark for academic excellence in medical sciences in the Middle East.
To equip students with advanced knowledge and research skills in human physiology and contribute to societal well-being.
Last Modified Date: 29/07/2026 - 8:03 PM Saudi Arabia Time
| Course Code | Course | Credits | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYM701 | General physiology and autonomic nervous system | 2 | - |
| Description | MSc program in Clinical Physiology at King Abdulaziz University. It aims to deepen students' understanding of basic human physiology and homeostasis. The course covers cell physiology, plasma membrane dynamics, membrane potential, and the genetic control of protein synthesis and cell reproduction. It highlights excitable tissues (nerves and muscles) and the functional structure of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), comparing organ responses to the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions and their neurotransmitters. Furthermore, it enhances students' independent learning, scientific writing, presentation skills, and teamwork. | ||
| PHYM 702 | Cardiovascular physiology | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Cardiovascular System" course (PHYM 702) provides MSc students in Physiology with the opportunity to study the normal and abnormal structure and function of the human cardiovascular system. It enables students to assess cardiovascular functionality and understand how it is altered in common disease states. Key topics include the cardiac cycle, cardiac output regulation, arterial blood pressure, microcirculation, electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and interpretation, as well as heart failure and circulatory shock. Additionally, the course enhances research skills, critical thinking, literature review writing, and teamwork. | ||
| PHYM 706 | Central nervous system and special sense | 3 | General Physiology & Autonomic Nervous System - PHYM 701 |
| Description | The "Central Nervous System and Special Senses" course (PHYM 706) provides MSc students in Clinical Physiology with comprehensive knowledge regarding the systemic physiological aspects of the central nervous system. It aims to clarify the primary mechanisms involved in sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. Furthermore, it enables students to utilize basic physiological concepts to interpret clinical manifestations of various neurological conditions, such as sensory lesions, spinal cord injuries, and cerebellar or basal ganglia disorders. Additionally, the course enhances students' literature review and presentation skills. | ||
| PHYM 707 | Renal physiology | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Renal Physiology" course (PHYM 707) for MSc students in Clinical Physiology offers in-depth knowledge of kidney and nephron structure and function. It covers glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal hemodynamics, and the transport mechanisms across different nephron segments. Additionally, the course addresses fluid, electrolyte (Na+, K+, Ca++), and acid-base balance, mechanisms of urine concentration and dilution, and the endocrine functions of the kidney. It also covers the pathophysiological aspects of renal failure and the analysis of relevant laboratory data, while developing students' skills in scientific writing, critical literature analysis, and oral presentation. | ||
| PHYM 801 | Seminar | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Research Seminar in Clinical Physiology" course (PHYM 801) offers an essential hands-on research experience for second-year Master’s students. It guides students through the key steps of research design, including identifying research problems, formulating questions and hypotheses, reviewing literature, and selecting appropriate methodologies, statistical analyses, and reference managers. Through weekly assignments, group discussions, and continuous feedback, students develop their research skills, culminating in the critical analysis of a chosen scientific paper and the submission of a formal research proposal. | ||
| PHYM 703 | Gastrointestinal physiology | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Advanced Physiology of the Digestive System" course (PHYM 703) is an elective course for MSc students in Clinical Physiology. It is designed to teach the functions of each part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the pathophysiology of related common diseases. Topics include the neural and hormonal regulation of digestion, nutrient absorption and transport, and the role of the gut microbiome in health. The course combines lectures, interactive discussions, and problem-solving exercises to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios. | ||
| PHYM 704 | Respiratory physiology | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Advanced Physiology of the Respiratory System" course (PHYM 704) for postgraduate students provides an in-depth understanding of the function of each part of the respiratory system and the pathophysiology of related diseases. It covers key concepts of homeostasis, control mechanisms, breathing mechanics, and gas exchange and transport in blood. The curriculum also addresses the chemical and nervous regulation of respiration, physiological adaptations to hypoxia (such as exercise and high altitudes), and practical measurements of lung volumes and capacities. Additionally, the course develops students' scientific writing, oral presentation, and teamwork skills. | ||
| PHYM 705 | Blood and immunity | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Physiology of Blood and Immunity" course (PHYM 705) provides MSc students in Clinical Physiology with the opportunity to study the normal and abnormal functions of the human immune and blood systems. It enables students to assess these systems and understand how their functions alter in common disease states. Key topics include the functions of blood cells, plasma proteins, blood grouping, transfusions, as well as disorders of red and white blood cells. Additionally, students gain practical training in conducting laboratory blood tests (e.g., hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, coagulation) while developing research writing and teamwork skills. | ||
| PHYM 896 | Special topic I | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Special Topic 1" course (PHYM 896 / PHYM 710) for MSc students in Clinical Physiology covers the fundamental principles and techniques of molecular biology alongside essential laboratory skills. It provides core knowledge on nucleic acid structure, molecular genetics, and the biochemistry of transcription and protein synthesis. Furthermore, students explore key research techniques, including tissue culture, Western blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. The course emphasizes data interpretation, analysis, and the critical evaluation of experimental results. | ||
| PHYM 708 | Body fluids and acid/ base regulation | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Body Fluids and Acid Base Balance" course (PHYM 708) is an elective course in the Master of Science in Human Physiology program. It covers the homeostatic mechanisms regulating various body water compartments, fluid volume, and electrolyte distribution. Additionally, it details the buffering systems and renal/respiratory compensatory mechanisms responsible for maintaining blood $pH$ balance. The course enables students to analyze, interpret, and solve clinical case problems related to fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances. | ||
| PHYM 709 | Higher functions of the central nervous system | 2 | Central Nervous System & Special Senses - PHYM 706 |
| Description | The "Higher Functions of the Central Nervous System" course (PHYM 709) is an elective designed to enhance Master's students' understanding of brain-behavior relationships within a clinical context. It focuses on evaluating cognitive and behavioral manifestations resulting from neurological disorders. Core physiological topics include brain function localization via functional neuroimaging and the cellular dynamics of synaptic transmission. Students learn the neurophysiological basis of cognitive testing and imaging modalities (e.g., EEG, fMRI). Furthermore, the course refines essential academic skills, such as scientific writing, critical article analysis, and oral presentations. | ||
| PHYM 711 | Metabolism and temperature regulation | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Metabolism and Regulation of Body Temperature" course (PHYM 711) is an elective course offered in the Master's program in Human Physiology. It explores the homeostatic mechanisms involved in temperature regulation and metabolic processes. Key topics include normal temperature ranges across body sites, thermal control mechanisms, and the clinical implications of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and fever. Additionally, it covers hormonal and non-hormonal metabolic regulators, mitochondrial energetics, and weight homeostasis. The course also aims to enhance scientific research skills, systematic review writing, oral and written communication, and academic integrity. | ||
| PHYM 712 | Endocrine and reproduction physiology | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Physiology of the Endocrine System" course (PHYM 712) provides first-year Master's students with a rigorous education in the theoretical and clinical aspects of endocrinology. The course aims to expand students' medical knowledge and problem-solving skills to foster future careers in research or academia. It covers hormonal interactions regulating metabolism, growth, and reproduction, alongside the pathophysiology of major endocrine disorders and the interpretation of relevant laboratory data. Additionally, students complete an independent literature review as part of their academic evaluation during the semester. | ||
| PHYM 798-720 | Special topic II | 2 | - |
| Description | The "Special Topics II" course (PHYM 897 / PHYM 720) provides Master’s students in Clinical Physiology with the opportunity to enhance their literature search and academic writing skills. Students learn to formulate clear objectives and navigate valid literature databases to produce a comprehensive review article. The review incorporates relevant, updated, and well-interpreted information on a physiology-related topic agreed upon by the assigned supervisor and student. Additionally, the course emphasizes synthesizing skills, self-directed evaluation, and maintaining scientific integrity with acceptable plagiarism standards. | ||
| PHYM 899 | Master degree thesis | 8 | – |
| Description | Students will conduct partial fulfillment scientific research that either addresses a specific research question in the field of clinical biochemistry or involves the development and evaluation of new or exciting analytical technologies. Students will be expected to complete the laboratory project in around 2-4 full-time terms in the laboratory undertaking research and then producing a thesis. Students will be required to conduct a literature review relevant to the project, which will be written up to form the introduction to the thesis. The thesis will also contain a clear and informed description of the methodologies employed and presentation and analysis of the data generated along with a logical, scientifically valid, and robust discussion of the findings and finally submitting the thesis. Students are required to make overall presentation for their project and undergo project viva discussion and defense for the examination committee to be award the master’s degree in clinical biochemistry. | ||
University Life
University life at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah offers a vibrant environment that contributes to building the student's personality and enhancing their academic and professional skills. Its importance lies in developing leadership and social skills through various clubs, departments, and student and athletic activities, which fosters a spirit of innovation and responsibility, preparing students confidently for the labor market and community service.
Student Rights and Duties Guide for Students of King Abdulaziz University
The Student Rights and Duties Guide at King Abdulaziz University serves as an advisory reference aimed at informing students of their university rights and duties and enhancing their awareness of relevant laws and regulations, thereby contributing to a fair and equitable educational environment. The guide addresses students’ academic, service-related, and behavioral rights, as well as their duties and responsibilities within the University and the mechanisms for handling complaints and grievances, thereby promoting the principles of justice, integrity, and discipline and supporting a balanced relationship between students and the University within the approved regulatory frameworks.
King Abdulaziz University Student Values Guide
The University Student Values Guide is a King Abdulaziz University initiative promoting positive behavior, ethics, and institutional belonging among students. It instills core values, such as Taqwa, responsibility, tolerance, and respect, while providing practical guidelines for campus and digital environments. Ultimately, the guide fosters a culture of excellence and mutual respect, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 to build human potential.
