M.S. Program Curriculum
The M.S. Program in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics has two approved academic tracks for students to choose from in accordance with their educational and career plans.
Standard Track (30 credits + general thesis)
HBY 501 – Systems Physiology
HBY 530 – Cellular Physiology and Biophysics
HBY 561 – Statistical Analysis of Physiological Data
HBY 562 – Model-based Analysis of Physiological Data
HBY 564 – Experimental Techniques in Systems Physiology
HBY 570 – M.S. Student Journal Club
HBY 590 – Seminar in Physiology and Biophysics
GRD 500 – Integrity in Science
+ 4 elective courses including up to 6 credits total of HBY 591 (Physiology and Biophysics Research)
Research Track (36 credits + research thesis)
HBY 501 – Systems Physiology
HBY 530 – Cellular Physiology and Biophysics
HBY 561 – Statistical Analysis of Physiological Data
HBY 562 – Model-based Analysis of Physiological Data
HBY 564 – Experimental Techniques in Systems Physiology
HBY 570 – M.S. Student Journal Club
HBY 590 – Seminar in Physiology and Biophysics
GRD 500 – Integrity in Science
HBY 599 – M.S. Thesis Research
+ 4 elective courses including up to 6 credits total of HBY 591 (Physiology and Biophysics Research)
Program Requirements
Each student within the M.S. program must meet the following requirements in order to be cleared for graduation:
- Two consecutive semesters of full-time (<12 credits) study
- At least 30 graduate credits
- A grade point average of at least 3.0 in graduate courses taken towards your M.S. degree
- A grade of B (or better) in each of the required courses
- At least 4 elective courses in Physiology and Biophysics (or related departments; subject to program approval)
- Completion of a standard or research-based thesis
Thesis Project
The M.S. Program currently requires students to complete a thesis project in order to meet the requirements set forth by the New York State Department of Education. The completion of this task will require students to complete a 2-credit mandatory laboratory course (HBY 564), followed by the submission of an individual laboratory research report that outlines experimental background, methods, and results obtained in the classroom experimental setting. This thesis project must also include interpretation of the experimental findings in light of the currently available literature, demonstrating students to have a solid grasp of the cardiorespiratory sciences. All thesis projects will be submitted to the Graduate School at SUNY Stony Brook to meet this requirement. Students who do not submit an acceptable thesis project (i.e. receive a grade of B or better) will be restricted from graduating.
Students pursuing the 36 credit research track curriculum are required to submit a thesis based on the work completed under HBY591 and HBY599 (Research in Physiology and Biophysics) coursework. This thesis should represent a cohesive and complete project, with a number of experimental aims addressed. Students will write under the guidance of their principal investigator and defend their thesis project with an oral presentation to the department upon the completion of the M.S. program.
Program Timeline
The M.S. curriculum is designed to be completed over the course of two to four semesters of study. All students are required to complete the program within 3 years of matriculation, as regulated by the Graduate School. The length of the program is dependent on the academic intensity a student wishes to take on. Most students taking standard curriculum choose the three semester option, allowing them to focus on coursework, complete research experience in laboratories, and take on extracurricular scholarly and personal activities. Generally, it takes four full-time semesters (including summer laboratory work) to complete the M.S. degree with thesis option.
