For this reason, physiology appeals to students with diverse backgrounds and goals. Courses in this field are given for medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and graduate students. The Department of Physiology and Biophysics offers advanced instruction and training leading to both the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Students aspiring only to the M.S. degree are rarely accepted. Students pursuing a Ph.D. degree in physiology and biophysics may emphasize molecular and cellular physiology, biophysics, neurobiology, respiratory physiology, or endocrinology.
Studies leading to the doctoral degree require five to six years to complete.
The first year is spent acquiring a broad knowledge of physiology via a sequence of courses and laboratory rotations. After selection of a special area of study, the second year is spent taking advanced seminars in the area of specialization and developing a thesis proposal. After admission to candidacy, the latter years are spent pursuing the area in depth and completing an original-research project. Individuals with graduate degrees in physiology and biophysics often pursue careers in teaching and research in colleges and universities and in biotech industries. With additional training, graduates have been successful in medicine, law, creative writing, and high-level computer programming.