Students of physiology may develop research skills and learn how to answer complex questions through observation and experiments. Research in physiology can contribute to the understanding of living systems and may help develop medical treatment approaches to be used in a wide range of health fields.

Students who pursue pre-med coursework are training for their further education in the medical field. In addition to a focus on scientific studies such as biology and organic chemistry, this area of study generally lays the groundwork for many different careers in medicine.