Physiology PhD

The physiology program prepares students for a career in original research, teaching, and applied physiology at a college, university, or professional school level. Graduates also find employment in government or industrial laboratories. The program emphasizes extensive training in molecular, cellular, and systems physiology in the areas of neurobiology, cardiovascular, cellular, gastrointestinal, and renal physiology. The physiology program offers training towards a master’s Degree or a PhD degree, in the laboratories of an exceptional research faculty. Entering students typically have majored in biology, chemistry, physics or engineering.

Required Courses (16 cr)

For students entering the Physiology program from the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS), the following courses are required:

PGY 505LEC - Cellular and Molecular Physiology Credits: 4
PGY 507TUT - Lab Exer in Physiology Credits: 4
PGY 508TUT - Lab Exer in Physiology Credits: 2 - 4
PGY 599TUT - Supervised Teaching Credits: 1 - 3
PGY 607LEC - Cellular Basis of Disease Credits: 3

Elective Courses (6-7 cr)

Elective courses provide opportunities for advanced education in specialized areas relevant to the student’s thesis research and advanced general education. Courses offered by the Department of Physiology and Biophysics include advanced topics in physiology or biophysics, research seminars, and colloquia. Courses in other disciplines may be elected by the student in consultation with the student’s major professor.

This is a sample elective list:

BE 520LEC - Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine Credits: 3
BE 555LEC - Biomechanics and Mechanobiology Credits: 3
BE 570LEC - Current Topics in Medical Nanotechnology Credits: 3
BCH 503LEC - Biochemical Principles Credits: 4
BCH 507LEC - Protein Structure/Function Credits: 2 - 3
BCH 508SEM - Gene Expression Credits: 2
BIO 502LEC - Adv Cell & Dev Biology 1 Credits: 4
BIO 608LEC - Topics in Macrmol Str. Credits: 1 - 3
MAE 578LEC - Cardiovascular Biomechans Credits: 3
NRS 520LEC - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Credits: 4
NRS 524SEM - Quantitative Neuroanatomy Credits: 4
PGY 555LEC - Neuroimmunology Credits: 3
PGY 551LEC - Human Physiology I Credits: 3
PGY 552LEC - Human Physiology Credits: 3

Additional Requirements (30-32 cr)

Additional electives will be approved on a case by case basis.

Culminating Experience (18-19 cr)

PGY 701TUT - Thesis Guidance Credits: 1 - 12
PGY 702TUT - Thesis Guidance Credits: 1 - 12

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

5 Years

Application Fee

$85

Admission Test **

GRE

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.

** At least one of the admissions tests are required for admission. Test and score requirements/exceptions vary by program. Contact the department for details.