Progression Through the Graduate Program
Year One
A major objective of the first year is the selection of a laboratory to conduct dissertation research. The process for selection of a laboratory for research studies begins either the summer before or during year one of actual formal course work. During this time, the student will register for the course Physiological Concepts (PHYSIO. 702) and will rotate through the laboratories of the physiology faculty, spending one week in each laboratory. The course will consist of reading and hands-on research relevant to the research activities of the laboratory. Faculty members will serve as tutors for the reading material during the laboratory rotations and the reading material will be chosen to emphasize particular areas of research. The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for each student to become familiar with the research activities of the physiology graduate faculty. After this rotation, the student, in consultation with the Graduate Program Director, will select at least 3-4 potential advisors whose research goals are of interest to the student. The student will spend approximately two months in research activities in the laboratory of interest (PHYSIO. 707). These rotations will last approximately 9 to 12 months and normally will be completed prior to beginning the second year. After completing the laboratory rotations, the student will chose an advisor from the graduate faculty who will be responsible, along with other members of the Graduate Advisory Committee, for designing the rest of the student's curriculum.
Within one month after selecting a major advisor, a Graduate Advisory Committee will be formed. This committee is composed of graduate faculty from the department of physiology, one member from outside the department, and is chaired by the major advisor. This committee participates in all departmental examinations and plays a major role in planning the student's research, curriculum, and dissertation. Prior to forming the Graduate Advisory Committee, the Graduate Program Director will assume the major responsibility for the student's academic program.
A second major goal in the first year is the attainment of basic knowledge in biomedical sciences. The exact curriculum of each student will be designed according to his/her background and specific interests. However, during year one, students seeking either a M.S. or Ph.D. degree will take course work that will include a core curriculum (interdisciplinary courses) required of all students entering graduate programs in Biomedical Science at the medical center (see Course Descriptions).
All graduate students in physiology are required to attend weekly departmental seminars. These seminars provide the latest update on physiological research conducted within and outside the department. After year one, students will be expected to present at least one seminar/year in the weekly departmental seminar program. An important objective of the seminars is to provide the student with the opportunity to develop skills in public speaking and in presenting scientific papers.
Year Two
In general, during the second year of the graduate program, all course work is completed and an increasing amount of time is spent in the laboratory. Students are encouraged to work on one or more research projects before selecting a final subject for dissertation research. Most course work during year two will include advanced courses in different areas of physiology, particularly in the areas of cardiovascular and renal physiology (see Course Descriptions).
Usually at the end of year 2 or the beginning of year 3 students will be expected to pass a preliminary examination to evaluate the preparedness of the doctoral candidate. This examination may be oral and/or written and will be administered by the members of the graduate advisory committee. This examination will cover, in depth, all areas of physiology including systems physiology, cellular and molecular biology, and other areas related to physiological research such as pharmacology, biochemistry, statistics, neurobiology, etc. Satisfactory performance on this examination is required before the candidate is permitted to schedule the qualifying examination.
Within one month after completion of the preliminary examination, the qualifying examination will be scheduled to determine the acceptability of a candidate for a doctoral degree. The examination will cover all areas of physiology as well as other biomedical science courses. The examination may be oral and/or written.
Year Three and Beyond
During most of the remainder of the graduate program, students will focus on completing research studies for their dissertation. After selecting a dissertation topic, the student will be expected to give a written proposal and oral presentation to his/her advisory committee. This will permit the committee to evaluate the feasibility and scientific validity of the project. Subsequently, the research advisory committee will meet semi-annually to evaluate student progress. The committee will present a written report of their evaluation to the graduate program director.
Upon completion of the dissertation, a final oral dissertation defense is required. Another requirement for the PhD in physiology is to have the results of research conducted during the graduate program accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Most students complete all requirements for the PhD degree within 4-5 years.
In addition to research studies, students will continue to participate in the departmental seminar series. These seminars will reflect the progress they have made in their research studies and will help the student develop skills in presenting scientific papers in a clear and cogent manner.