Physiology, PhD

Patricia E. Molina, MD, PhD
Professor and Head
Department of Physiology

The graduate program leading to the PhD in Physiology is designed to provide advanced education and training for a career in biomedical research and/or teaching in a university, research institution, government, or industry setting. The program is flexible and designed to meet the needs and interests of the individual student. The program leading to a PhD generally requires 4 to 5 years to complete. In the first year, the student’s time is largely devoted to course work designated as Basic Biomedical Sciences. Students will be exposed to current departmental research programs through hands-on laboratory experiences leading to the selection of an area in which they will conduct research. Dissertation research under the mentorship of a faculty advisor should be under way during the summer after the first year and before the student has completed formal course requirements. Beginning in the second year, students will complete the Other Core Requirements and take advanced course work tailored to the student’s needs. Students start participating in the teaching programs of the department to gain communication skills important for career development. As students proceed through the program, research will occupy an increasing amount of time.

The Department also has a program for the PhD component of the combined MD/PhD program. These students complete the first 2 years of curriculum in the School of Medicine before entering the PhD component. Students enrolled in the combined MD/PhD program satisfy requirements designated as Basic Biomedical Sciences by completing the first 2 years of medical school. During the summer between the first and second year of medical school, students in this program will conduct research and are expected to identify a faculty advisor before starting the PhD component of the combined program. From the start of the PhD component, students will spend most of their time conducting dissertation research under the mentorship of a faculty advisor In addition, these students will take courses designated as Other Core Requirements and advanced course work tailored to their needs. They will also participate in the teaching programs of the department to gain communication skills important for career development.

Qualified students will be accepted for graduate courses in physiology only after consultation with and approval by the Graduate Faculty of the Department.