Most courses for the physiology major are required also for all undergraduates in the university and in the College of Natural Science. These include courses in the arts and humanities, social, behavioral and economic sciences, and also transcollegiate and writing classes. In addition, courses are required in mathematics (through calculus), physics (with laboratories), inorganic and organic chemistry (with laboratories), the biological sciences, zoology and first year competency in a foreign language.
Additional departmental course requirements include classes in biochemistry, physical chemistry, zoology, anatomy, developmental biology, human physiology, computer science, scientific writing, and a minimum of twelve semester credits in non-science electives. Some university, college-level and departmental course requirements can be met by approved transfer credits from other institutions or by waiver/placement examination.
A high quality of faculty advising is an important feature of the department's undergraduate program. Each student is assigned, or chooses, a faculty person with whom he/she meets as frequently as necessary to plan academic programs, design course sequences, and outline options for postgraduate training and placement. Although there are many common course requirements, there is no stereotyped program for any student. Academic plans are constructed with the needs, background, interests and plans of the individual in mind. These are important tasks for both the student and the advisor to complete.