Master of Science in Mammalian Physiology
The Master of Science in Mammalian Physiology provides advanced training in mammalian physiology, comparative physiology, organ systems, and physiological research. Students learn mammalian physiology, comparative physiology, endocrinology, neurophysiology, and physiological research methods. The programme is designed for veterinary, medical, and zoology graduates seeking advanced physiology qualifications.
Students develop advanced competencies in mammalian physiology, comparative physiology, physiological research, endocrinology, neurophysiology, and organ system physiology. The curriculum covers mammalian physiology, comparative physiology, research methods, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through laboratory work and physiological experiments.
Physiology expertise is important for Kenya's health and veterinary sectors. Medical schools, veterinary institutions, research organisations, and pharmaceutical companies require trained physiologists. Kenya's health sector development and veterinary research needs create demand for physiology expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced mammalian physiology training.
The programme combines classroom lectures with laboratory work, physiological experiments, and research. Students study physiological concepts, conduct physiological experiments, analyse physiological data, and perform research. Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, and research supervision. The programme is offered in full-time mode.
Graduates find employment as physiology lecturers, research scientists, or physiology consultants in universities, medical schools, veterinary institutions, and research organisations. The master's degree supports careers in physiology research, teaching, and biomedical science.
This programme is ideal for veterinary, medical, and zoology graduates seeking advanced mammalian physiology qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for physiological research, comparative physiology, and biomedical science.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 192,000
- Job market
- Low
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Attachment
- 0 months
- Average class
- 10 students
- Award
- Master
What you study
10 subjects- Mammalian Physiology
- Comparative Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Neurophysiology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Respiratory Physiology
- Reproductive Physiology
- Research Methods
- Physiological Techniques
- Thesis Research
Modules
8 in the programmeMammalian Physiology and Organ Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Mammalian physiology covering organ system physiology including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and nervous system function in mammals.
Comparative Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Comparative physiology covering physiological adaptations across mammalian species, comparative organ function, and evolutionary physiology.
Endocrinology and Neurophysiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Endocrinology covering hormone systems, endocrine regulation, and neurophysiology covering neural function, synaptic transmission, and sensory physiology.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, statistical analysis, physiological research methods, and research ethics.
Reproductive and Cardiovascular Physiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Reproductive physiology covering mammalian reproduction, reproductive endocrinology, and cardiovascular physiology covering cardiac function and circulation.
Physiological Techniques and Laboratory Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Physiological techniques covering laboratory methods, physiological measurement, animal handling, and experimental techniques in physiology.
Environmental and Exercise Physiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Environmental physiology covering physiological responses to environmental stress, and exercise physiology covering metabolic and cardiovascular responses to exercise.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on a mammalian physiology topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to physiological knowledge.
Specialisations
Comparative Physiology
Focus on physiological adaptations and comparisons across mammalian species.
Endocrinology
Focus on hormone systems, endocrine regulation, and hormonal disorders in mammals.
Neurophysiology
Focus on neural function, synaptic transmission, and sensory and motor physiology.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on mammalian physiology or comparative physiology with afternoon laboratory sessions and physiological experiments. Students study physiological concepts, conduct physiological experiments, analyse physiological data, and perform research. Laboratory work provides hands-on experience with physiological techniques, animal handling, and data collection. Research projects connect students with real physiological research questions. The programme emphasises physiological competence, research skills, and scientific analysis.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Physiology is fundamental to medical, veterinary, and biomedical sciences, providing versatile career options.
- The programme accepts graduates from diverse backgrounds including veterinary, medical, pharmacy, and zoology.
- Comparative physiology provides unique insights across mammalian species, relevant to both human and animal health.
Against it
- The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility.
- Career opportunities are primarily in academia and research, which may be limited in Kenya.
- Specific fee data is not publicly available; estimate based on comparable programmes.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 349 health sciences coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
SEKU MSc Comparative Mammalian Physiology ~152.5K/yr; UoN 105-192K/yr. Private unverified. Src: Tuko, UoN booklet
HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Research grants may be available from medical and veterinary research organisations.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- Alternative entry
- BSc in Veterinary Sciences, Medicine, or Pharmacy with at least a Credit in Physiology, or BSc in Zoology with at least a Credit in Vertebrate Physiology from a recognised university.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of mammalian physiology concepts.
Laboratory Work and Experiments
Practical30% of the mark
Laboratory assessments, physiological experiment evaluations, and practical assignments evaluating physiology skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in mammalian physiology, defended before an examination panel.
Accreditation
SEKU is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
SEKU is chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
3 rolesPhysiology Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 300,000
Teaches physiology in universities, medical schools, or veterinary institutions, training future health and veterinary professionals.
Research Scientist
Moderate demand
Conducts physiological research in research institutions, universities, or pharmaceutical companies, studying mammalian physiology and disease.
Physiology Consultant
Low demand
Provides consulting on physiological aspects for pharmaceutical companies, veterinary institutions, or health organisations.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as physiology lecturers and research scientists in universities, medical schools, veterinary institutions, and research organisations, with opportunities for physiological research and biomedical science.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist Assistant (Junior)Health Sciences3Low exposure
- PsychologyHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Dental ProsthetistHealth Sciences4Low exposure
- Dental Laboratory TechnicianHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- General DentistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Veterinary PathologistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Community Health NurseHealth Sciences6Low exposure
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Mammalian physiology is only about human physiology.
Mammalian physiology covers comparative physiology across mammalian species, including veterinary and wildlife physiology, not just human physiology.
Physiology has limited career opportunities.
Physiology graduates work in universities, medical schools, veterinary institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and research organisations.
Mammalian physiology is the same as anatomy.
Physiology studies how bodies function, while anatomy studies body structure. Both are complementary but distinct disciplines.
You need to be a doctor to study mammalian physiology.
The programme accepts graduates from veterinary science, pharmacy, zoology, and other biological sciences, not just medicine.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Master of Science in Mammalian Physiology are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.