Physiology: Inside the Body's Inner Workings
Physiology offers a window into how biological systems maintain balance, respond to challenges, and sustain life. By exploring respiration, circulation, fluid dynamics, acid–base balance, and more, you’ll develop a deep understanding of the body’s inner workings. For students preparing for medical school or post-baccalaureate pathways, this course bridges science and clinical insight — strengthening your foundation and sharpening your analytical approach to human biology.
Choose the course length that works for you: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 18 and up
Fees
$1,895
Discover How the Body Works — From Cells to Systems
Respiration and Gas Exchange
Examine how gas exchange between the lungs and blood delivers oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide, and understand how gas laws affect pulmonary function.
Circulation and Hemodynamics
Analyze how pressure, resistance, and vessel radius influence blood flow, and see how cardiovascular systems adapt to meet physiological demands.
Fluid Homeostasis and Pressure Regulation
Explore how the body balances fluid compartments, controls blood volume, and regulates pressures across vascular and interstitial spaces.
Acid–Base and Electrolyte Balance
Examine how the body maintains acid-base balance through buffering systems, respiratory regulation, and renal mechanisms—and explore what happens when these regulatory systems fail.
Integration of Organ Systems
Learn how respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, and other systems work in concert to maintain homeostasis under conditions of stress, exercise, or disease.
Physiology in Medicine and Pathology
Connect what you learn about normal physiology to pathology and treatment, preparing you to think critically about patient care in medical school.
Pre-Med Online Certificate Program Advantages
- Explore how organ systems interact to maintain balance and respond to physiological stress.
- Strengthen your understanding of how the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organ systems work together to maintain health.
- Apply physiological principles to examples that mirror real-world medical challenges.
- Learn from Harvard Medical School faculty with content grounded in both science and clinical insight.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Medical School, a valuable credential.
Three Benefits of the Program
Experience Medical School-Level Content
- You’ll have access to medical-school-level material, quizzes, and other engaging content designed by doctors, scientists, and faculty from Harvard Medical School.
- Courses lay a foundation for success in medical school, fostering the intellectual curiosity, empathy, and leadership qualities that define exceptional physicians.
Support from Mentors
- In addition to learning from Harvard Medical School faculty, you will have access to valuable mentors who will guide and support your learning experience.
- Here’s what to expect: You’ll receive guidance tailored to your course’s specific discipline, along with encouragement and direction throughout the program. Mentors are here to offer inspiration, motivation, and confidence — helping you stay on track and succeed every step of the way.
Maximum Flexibility
- Our format is entirely online, allowing you to pursue the rigorous curriculum on your schedule; anytime, anywhere.
- Experience flexible, immersive video content.
- Take multiple courses to deepen your learning experience and further prepare you for medical school.
- Academic enrichment courses include videos, quizzes, and a final exam.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Taught by HMS Faculty
Richard M. Schwartzstein, MD
Ellen and Melvin Gordon Professor of Medicine and Medical Education, Harvard Medical School
Schwartzstein is also the Director of the Academy at Harvard Medical School. At the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, he serves as the Director of the Center and the Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine for Education. As a pulmonary and critical care doctor, he focuses primarily on caring for patients with lung disease and those in the ICU.
Your Mentorship Experience
Throughout your program experience, you’ll be guided by mentors — including physicians, researchers, and health care experts — who provide support and insight as you navigate your coursework. These mentors bring expertise in your course’s specific discipline and are dedicated to helping you stay engaged and on track as you progress. They’ll offer encouragement, direction, and motivation while helping you build the confidence needed to succeed in the program and beyond.
Jaymar
Holds a Precision Medicine Certificate as well as a doctorate in pharmacy. Jaymar is currently working towards becoming a licensed pharmacist in the state of Massachusetts and aspires to be a practicing clinical pharmacist. Jaymar is passionate about utilizing his medical science expertise to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes, and students pursue their own careers in medicine.
Quinn
Holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nursing and is an active Family Practice Nurse Practitioner. She also has specific advanced practice nursing experience in surgery, clinical research, public health, and primary care. Quinn is passionate about sharing knowledge, fostering critical thinking skills, and instilling values of empathy and compassion in pre-health students.
How To Apply:
Our application process is straightforward. Tell us why you are interested in medicine and how this program can help you on your medical journey. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Admissions
Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're accepted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
