PHYS20009 Research-Based Physiology
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- No final exam: all coursework
- 45% group work
Is PHYS20009 hard?
PHYS20009: Harder. Makes it easier: No final exam. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it takes a lot of time, 3 other hurdle tasks, 8 assessment tasks.
What you learn
How to design physiology experiments, plus a research project over several weeks.
After it you can
- Design an experiment to test a hypothesis
- Run physiology experiments and analyse data
- Write a scientific report
What you need first
“One of Level 1 quantitative science subject (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology)”
Take in the same semester or earlier
PHYS20008
What it leads to
- BIOL30001 Reproductive Physiology
- BIOL30002 Experimental Animal Biology
- PHYS30009 Experimental 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
Assignments 55%, Quizzes 5%, Projects 40%, Participation 0%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 10 students on StudentVIP (2020–2026)
- The workload is very heavy, with many reports. Several call it the most stressful subject they took and suggest underloading.
- Your experience depends a lot on your randomly assigned group. Weekly 3-hour labs build close bonds.
- Marking is strict and detail-focused. Follow the rubric closely and note the hints demonstrators give in class.
- Submit full drafts for feedback on the final report; reviewers say this lifts marks. Taking it alongside PHYS20008 helps.
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 PHYS20009
Quick answers
- When is PHYS20009 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking PHYS20009?
- Needs “One of Level 1 quantitative science subject (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology)”. Must be taken before or alongside it: PHYS20008.
- Does PHYS20009 have a final exam?
- No, there is no final exam. Assessment: Assignments 55%, Quizzes 5%, Projects 40%, Participation 0%.
- Is PHYS20009 hard?
- From 10 student reviews on StudentVIP: The workload is very heavy, with many reports. Several call it the most stressful subject they took and suggest underloading.
- What do students say about PHYS20009?
- The workload is very heavy, with many reports. Several call it the most stressful subject they took and suggest underloading. Your experience depends a lot on your randomly assigned group. Weekly 3-hour labs build close bonds. Marking is strict and detail-focused. Follow the rubric closely and note the hints demonstrators give in class.
- Can I take PHYS20009 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 PHYS20009?
- 4 subjects need it first, for example BIOL30001, BIOL30002, PHYS30009, PHYS30012.
- Can I rate PHYS20009?
- 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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