Facts can be taught in a classroom, but an appreciation for research on living systems can only be learned in a laboratory. The research may be at the bench, in the library, or both. The type of research is decided between the student and the professor. No two experiences are the same, nor should they be, since the ongoing work of research laboratories is never the same from day to day or week to week. Following is a brief outline of the research interests of specific groups of faculty in the department.
Endocrinologists study how the endocrine systems regulate growth and body functions.
Muscle and Cardiovascular Physiologists seek to understand how muscles of various types contract. Neurophysiologists investigate how the brain functions and how the nervous system integrates and conveys messages between all parts of the body. Renal Physiologists and Epitheliologists study how we salivate and how cells and tissues absorb and secrete salts, water, drugs and various chemical compounds. Comparative Physiologists examine the mechanisms by which animals are able to adapt to extreme environmental conditions. To address such questions physiologists employ a variety of experimental and theoretical approaches, from molecular biological techniques to system and integrative methods, including magnetic resonance and optical imaging techniques.