Degrees Awarded
Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics
The Department of Physiology and Biophysics, in the Health Sciences Center, offers a program of study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The department's principal areas of teaching and research specialization are 1) hormonal regulation of cell function and metabolism, with special emphasis on intercellular and intracellular signaling mechanisms; 2) biophysical studies of membranes; and 3) cellular physiology and electrophysiology. Studies are conducted at the molecular, subcellular, cellular, organ, and intact animal levels.
Faculty members collaborate in both teaching and research with scientists in the Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Pharmacology, and Neurobiology departments, and students are encouraged to do likewise. In addition to advanced courses in biophysics and physical chemistry of biomembranes, and physiology and pharmacology of excitable membranes, the program involves tutorials, seminars, and independent research. During their first two years students generally rotate through three laboratories to gain research experience. After successful completion of the preliminary examinations, students choose their own independent area of research under the supervision of the faculty. The requirements are flexible and can be adapted to the individual's preference and needs. Close tutorial contact between the individual student and the faculty is regarded as the most important feature of the educational program. Additional information about department requirements and programs can be obtained by writing to the Graduate Program Administrator.
Master's Degree Program Available
The overall goals of the Master of Science degree program in Biomedical Sciences (Physiology and Biophysics Track) are to provide students with a biomedical foundation towards their higher professional education or career goals in medicine and research. We seek to ready our students for entry and success into medical and dental programs, as well as positions of research staff scientist in laboratories and industry, a teaching career at the undergraduate college level, or further graduate study leading to the Ph.D. degree. To accomplish these goals, the program of study provides training in cellular and systems-level physiology, membrane biophysics, experimental design, data analysis, and commonly used laboratory techniques in integrative physiology. We provide a heavy emphasis on pathophysiology and clinical case-based learning. Elective coursework in Physiology and Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Pharmacological Sciences are then selected to complement and expand on the above core training, and meet the individual needs of each student.
Master of Science Degree in Physiology and Biophysics
