This course also provides a mechanism by which students learn about current research topics from their peers. Since teaching and effective presentations of research are vital components of a career in Physiology, all students are given instruction in methods of teaching. Graduate students run weekly conference sections for departmental physiology courses by answering questions, explaining challenging concepts and developing and reviewing practice exams. This experience not only prepares the graduate students for future teaching, but also serves as an excellent review for the qualifying exams. An undergraduate course in biochemistry is required prior to entering the Graduate Program in Physiology.
Electives are relevant courses chosen from a wide selection.
Common electives include Pharmacology, Molecular Endocrinology, Signal Transduction, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology and Statistics. Directed Readings cannot exceed 3 credits. This course is designed for dental and pharmacy students, but is open to other graduate and advanced undergraduate students. The flexibility in the Physiology Graduate Program also allows students to select from a diverse set of exciting courses in other departments throughout the Medical School and University to broaden their training. In addition to a variety of choices in biochemistry, which is required, many students take courses such as molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or pharmacology, as relevant to their individual training programs.