Doctoral Program
Our Doctoral program is part of an integrated interdepartmental Ph.D. program offered by the College of Medicine known as Graduate Education in Medical Sciences (GEMS). This program offers students integrated training in the biomedical sciences. Anticipated length of this program is 4-5 years.
For more information contact our Graduate Program Coordinator, Edgar Solis.
The Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences Program Heading link
The objective of the Ph.D. program in GEMS is to provide students with a strong education that will allow them to identify critical questions in research and prepare them with the tools to address these questions. The goal is to graduate scholars who are capable of defining key areas of inquiry in their field and articulate a rationale for how these can be pursued. This goal is achieved by developing a course of study for each student that best meets their needs and interests.
Apply Heading link
Applicants interested in applying to the PhD program in Physiology and Biophysics must follow the instructions on the GEMS website.
Financial assistance
Admitted PhD students receive financial assistance in the form of a fellowship or a research assistantship. Both forms of financial aid provide a full tuition wavier and a living stipend per year. Financial support is provided throughout the course of study, as long as students are in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress towards the Ph.D. degree.
Curriculum Heading link
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Breakdown of first year
Semester 1, Fall
The students should take three electives out of these four courses (3 credits each).
- GCLS 500 – Physiology
- GCLS 501 – Biochemistry
- GCLS 502 – Molecular Biology
- GCLS 503 – Cell Biology
The student should take one or two modules of:
- GCLS 504 – Research Methods I (1-2 modules, 1-2 credits). This is a modular course that allows students to take the modules that seem most appropriate for their research interests.
One rotation should be done this semester:
- GCLS 506 – 1 research rotation in last half of semester (2 credits)
Semester 2, Spring
Two core courses from:
- GCLS 510 – Integrative Biology-Development, Cancer, and Immunology
- GCLS 511 – Molecular Genetics
- GCLS 515 – Receptor Pharmacology and Cell Signaling
- BCMG 513 – Structure of Biopolymers
- PHYB 552 – Advanced Physiology (5 credits)
- PATH 510 – General Pathology and other specialized courses
The student should take one or two modules of:
- GCLS 505 – Research Methods II (1-2 modules, 1-2 credits)
Two rotations should be done this semester.
- GCLS 506 – Two 8-week research rotations
Additionally, students must take:
- GCLS 401 – Scientific Integrity and Responsible Research
- GCLS 470 – Essentials for Animal Research if their research involves animals.
First-year students are also expected to attend departmental journal clubs and research seminars. Additionally, they should work full-time in a laboratory during the summer semester between the first and second years.
They should register for PHYB 599 with at least 8 credits hours.
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Breakdown of second year
All Physiology and Biophysics students are required to register for:
- PHYB 591 – Departmental Seminar
- PHYB 599 – Thesis Research (12 credits for the fall and winter semester and 8 credits for the summer semester)
Also, the following courses are required:
- PHYB 571 – Clinical Applications of Physiology I (2 credits, Fall)
- Either PHYB 572 – Clinical Applications of Physiology II (2 credits, Spring) or PHYB 586 – Cell Physiology (3 credits, Spring)
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Breakdown of third year and each year after
All Physiology and Biophysics students are required to register for:
- PHYB 591 – Departmental Seminar
- PHYB 599 – Thesis Research (12 credits for the fall and winter semester and 8 credits for the summer semester)
Qualifying Examination should be completed on/or before September 1st of the third year.
The Mid-Thesis Seminar must be presented before the end of year 4.
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More information
- Student’s qualifying exam must be taken before starting third year.
- Mid-thesis seminar is a presentation of a seminar on the topic of the student’s thesis work. This is presented when a student has completed approximately 50% of the laboratory work toward their thesis. Students must register for PHYB595.
- Annual seminar is a 20-minute progress seminar, presented once a year for the department unless the student has scheduled their mid-thesis or final defense that academic year.
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Keep the following in mind
M.D./Ph.D. students must successfully pass Boards Part I.
There is no requirement for core GEMS courses offered in the first semester. All other required courses for Physiology PhD students will be required for MD/PhD students.