Physiology deals with overall functioning of the different systems of human body to understand the entire life process as a whole based on physico-chemical principles from which its different branches have been emerged in a truncated way as biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, immunology, bioengineering, bioenergetics, neurobiology, nutrition and dietetics, sports physiology and medicine, genetics, even today’s biotechnology – wherein physiology remains as mother. This has been further evidenced by emergence of the pass out scholars of physiology as eminent biochemist, biophysicist, microbiologist, molecular biologist, neurobiologist, immunologist, biotechnologist in national and international scenario indicating their equal rather more proficiency in different fields than the scholars of any other branches of biological sciences.
Physiology as basic science is taught at undergraduate level (B.Sc Hons.) where in the duration of the course is for a period of complete three years while physiology under medical science is taught at preclinical level in the first year (MBBS) as preclinical subject for a period of one year in two semesters. Now the three year degree course is replaced by semester system (6semesters in 3 years) in all universities.
The syllabus in both the course are almost similar in content however the topics taught under basic science is in more detailed with the structural and functional aspects of the different systems along with mechanism of action to create an opportunity to know its different fields and generates an interest in research. The syllabus further facilitate to perform experiments designed either primarily for the study of physiological phenomena or for the assessment of function, analyze and interpret experimental data critically, distinguish between normal and abnormal data derived as results and observations in the laboratory. Different topics viz. biostatistics, work physiology & ergonomics, sports physiology, social physiology, nutrition and dietetics etc. are additionally included in basic physiology syllabus.
In postgraduate level the duration of course are quite different - two years (in basic physiology) and three years (in medical physiology) respectively; in basic physiology all the advanced aspects of physiology are taught with any of the special papers as microbiology & immunology, endocrinology & reproductive physiology, biochemistry, nutrition & dietetics, environmental physiology, work physiology & ergonomics, sports physiology etc. The students have to prepare a project paper based on the topic of opted special paper. However under medical sciences, it is a self studied course, to develop self teaching skill the post-graduate students have to teach their under graduates peers and also submit a thesis paper.
In overall the tenure of the entire course in basic physiology is for 5 years and in medical physiology it is for 4 years only, the exposure of the students of basic physiology is more towards classical and advances aspects with hands on training in hard core practical physiology to generate research interest but in medical physiology to develop ability in para clinical and clinical subjects. Graduates of this course from basic physiology department of Calcutta University contributed to elevate the standard of other allied Departments in research as well as teaching in the country at large.
Relevance of the subject in global arena:
Considering the inherent strength of physiology as natural science ‘Nobel Prize’ is awarded every year since the inception Nobel Award Committee in 1900 in Physiology or Medicine giving both the subjects equal emphasis. Accordingly in Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) ‘Physiology’ has been introduced as independent Section since 1936 in addition to Medical and Veterinary Science Section. However just a decade ago Physiology Section has been merged with Medical Science and renamed as ‘Medical Science (including Physiology) Section’ in spite of the strong opposition from physiology community of the country. Reconsideration in this important aspect needs attention of the Executive and General Council members of ISCA as well as the Government.