PHYS20008 Human Physiology
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- Final exam 40%: mostly coursework
- 15% group work
Is PHYS20008 hard?
PHYS20008: Harder. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it takes a lot of time.
What you learn
How the body's systems work and are controlled: nerves, heart, muscles, lungs, kidneys and gut.
After it you can
- Explain how body systems work together
- Apply physiology to new scenarios
- Explain physiology clearly to others
What you need first
“A minimum of 12.5 credit points of a level-1 quantitative science subject (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Statistics)” and ((BIOL10004 and BIOL10005) or (BIOL10004 and (BIOL10010 or BIOL10011)) or (BIOL10005 and (BIOL10008 or BIOL10009)) or ((BIOL10008 or BIOL10009) and (BIOL10010 or BIOL10011)))
- BIOL10010 Foundational Biology: Life's Complexity
- BIOL10011 Biology: Life's Complexity
- BIOL10008 Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery
What it leads to
- ANSC30003 Applied Animal Behaviour
- ANSC30005 Animal Welfare and Ethics
- BIOL30001 Reproductive Physiology
- BIOL30002 Experimental Animal Biology
- BMEN30010 Mechanics for Bioengineering
- BMEN30011 Introduction to MedTech Innovation
- PHYS30009 Experimental Physiology
- PHYS30010 Advanced Human Physiology
- PHYS30012 Physiology: Adapting to Challenges
Can’t be taken together with
Careers
Helps toward: Dietitian, Laboratory scientist, Biochemist, Microbiologist, Zoologist, Psychologist, Veterinarian, Biomedical Engineer, Biotechnologist
How it’s assessed
Quizzes 15%, Tests 30%, Projects 15%, Final exam 40%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 10 students on StudentVIP (2025–2026)
- Semester 1 2026 reviews were strongly negative: disorganised, lectures often left unfinished, and an exam testing material barely taught.
- Assessments are now closed book and in person, not open book. Keep up weekly, as there is a lot of content and questions test application.
- Several advise checking who coordinates that semester; reviewers of the semester 2 offering were more positive.
- The online modules, practice tests and the creative group resource task were seen as helpful, and H1s are still achievable.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate PHYS20008
Quick answers
- When is PHYS20008 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking PHYS20008?
- Needs “A minimum of 12.5 credit points of a level-1 quantitative science subject (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Statistics)” and ((BIOL10004 and BIOL10005) or (BIOL10004 and (BIOL10010 or BIOL10011)) or (BIOL10005 and (BIOL10008 or BIOL10009)) or ((BIOL10008 or BIOL10009) and (BIOL10010 or BIOL10011))).
- Does PHYS20008 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 40% of the mark. Assessment: Quizzes 15%, Tests 30%, Projects 15%, Final exam 40%.
- Is PHYS20008 hard?
- From 10 student reviews on StudentVIP: Semester 1 2026 reviews were strongly negative: disorganised, lectures often left unfinished, and an exam testing material barely taught.
- What do students say about PHYS20008?
- Semester 1 2026 reviews were strongly negative: disorganised, lectures often left unfinished, and an exam testing material barely taught. Assessments are now closed book and in person, not open book. Keep up weekly, as there is a lot of content and questions test application. Several advise checking who coordinates that semester; reviewers of the semester 2 offering were more positive.
- Can I take PHYS20008 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after PHYS20008?
- 9 subjects need it first, for example ANSC30003, ANSC30005, BIOL30001, BIOL30002.
- Can I rate PHYS20008?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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