Through the emphasis on 3 core areas (Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Neuroscience), the department houses several faculty with complementary interests and successful collaborations.
We emphasize an integrative approach to physiology, with expertise in molecular, cellular, and organismal research methods. Our students attain a solid education in the facts, concepts and trends of their field, acquire excellent training in state-of-the-art scientific methods and learn to use sophisticated scientific instrumentation. Students participate in an active journal club and seminar program
featuring prominent guest speakers. Students are encouraged to attend regional and national meetings where they present their research and interact with leading scientists in their field. In addition, students are encouraged to apply for extramural funding, and Physiology students have a high success rate in securing predoctoral grants.
Coursework includes Biomedical Core Curriculum in the first year. Fall courses are Biochemistry and Gene Regulation, Molecular Cell Biology, Responsible Conduct of Research, Scientific Communication, and Introduction to Faculty Research. Spring courses are Integrative Systems Biology and a choice of Courses in Oncology, Neuroscience, Genomic Medicine, or Mechanism of Disease. Statistics is taken in the Summer. In the Second year, students
develop an individualized curriculum with their mentor and committee. They may take upper level courses in Neuroscience, Cardiovascular Biology, Endocrinology or in other areas of interest within the School of Graduate Studies (Course Listings). The Department of physiology also offers its own upper level courses (Second Year Upper Level Courses). In addition, students must complete a course in Grant Writing and attend the Physiology Seminar Series and Course.
Research
Students in the Biomedical Science Program perform three 3-week mini-rotations in laboratories of their choice during the fall semester. In the spring semester students perform two 7-week rotations (in the same or different labs) culminating in presentation of a research project. Students joining laboratories of Physiology Faculty are admitted into the Physiology program.
