The Department of Physiology and Biophysics offers a program of study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The broad interests of our faculty provide diverse research opportunities ranging from systems physiology, to translational cancer research and single molecule biophysics. Our goal is to instruct students in the use of quantitative methods to study complex physiological problems of relevance to human health and disease.
The Department's principal areas of research specialization are 1) Ion channel and gap junction biophysics, with emphasis on cardiology and vision; 2) Intracellular and intercellular signaling mechanisms in cancer and neurobiology; 3). Physiology at the cellular, organ, and intact animal levels with emphasis on transgenic models of disease; and 4) Fluorescence microscopy with the largest concentrations of microscopy equipment at Stony Brook University.
Our curriculum is based on a foundation in human physiology with additional advanced courses in statistical methods, biochemistry, and the physical chemistry of biomembranes. Through elective coursework in applied mathematics, genetics, neurobiology or journalism students can tailor their training to their career goals. Students from our program have gone on to careers in academic and industrial research, government service, and law.
