The department has a particularly strong focus in biophysics, cellular and molecular physiology, comparative physiology, computational biology, neurophysiology, and reproductive physiology. Courses and lab research are supplemented by a weekly seminar series. Toward the end of the second year, students must submit a report describing their initial research and pass an oral qualifying examination in order to continue in the Ph.D. program. One year after their qualifying examinations, and no later than the end of their eighth semester in the program, students are expected to take their preliminary examinations in which they present their thesis topic and preliminary research to a faculty committee. Finally, a thesis, which is based on original work in one area of physiology and which demonstrates a thorough knowledge of underlying theories and experimental approaches, must be defended at the final examination.
Most students complete their Ph.D. training in four to five years.
The Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Biophysics offers an area of specialization in genetics. The program is flexible and provides the student with proficiency in several areas of genetics, including molecular genetics, developmental genetics, and evolutionary and population genetics. Students electing this area should have completed course work in calculus, computer science, basic genetics, and biochemistry. The program of study for each student in the specialization is decided individually. Interested students should direct inquiries and applications to the department.