Physiology PhD

The program emphasizes both extensive training in molecular, cellular, and systems physiology and intensive training in current topics in physiological research. Students can pursue research in neurobiology, cardiovascular, cellular, gastrointestinal, and renal physiology. The program offers training in the laboratories of an exceptional departmental research faculty. Students also have the opportunity to pursue collaborative research in other related departments or areas of the university.

Graduate students typically come directly from a four-year college program having majored in biology, chemistry, physics or engineering, although some matriculate after having worked in industry or had other non-academic experiences. Many enter the program to train for a career in research and teaching at a college, university, or professional school, but graduates also find employment in government or industrial laboratories.

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: 1-5
PGY 508TUT - Lab Exer in Physiology Credits: 1-5
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

SED Statement

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

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Show and familiarizes students with the fundamentals of biomedical research, scientific investigation, responsible and ethical conduct, and critical analysis of scientific literature. In addition, students will be exposed to laboratory research.

2) Students must gain command of the basic principles and their applications to human health, with emphasis on cell and molecular physiology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular physiology, respiratory physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, renal physiology as well as endocrinology.

3) The program is research oriented. Students are expected to develop expertise in laboratory skills and scientific methods, and relate these skills to a thesis topic in which they become an expert.

4) A high priority is given to critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate ideas, both in writing and in oral presentations.

5) Students will be skilled in classroom teaching methods.