The program places a strong emphasis on research associated with medical physiology, so that graduates are prepared for academic positions as well as positions in industry and government. A high ratio of faculty members to students contributes to close interactions both in the laboratories and in the advanced classes. Researchers from clinical departments, holding joint appointments in the Department of Physiology, provide students with firsthand exposure to the potential clinical relevance of their research in physiology. Course offerings and research expertise of faculty members in other basic science and clinical departments further broadens the training available to doctoral candidates. Required course work is completed within the first two years, while the student also receives an introduction to hands-on research training in different laboratories.
Students attend weekly seminars, which regularly feature distinguished visiting scientists.
Students acquire teaching experience by making presentations in journal clubs and by participating in laboratory exercises for the medical students. Upon completing doctoral qualifying exams near the end of the second year, candidates present their proposal for thesis research to a faculty committee for approval. Under the guidance of a thesis adviser, students concentrate on carrying out their doctoral research project and preparing a dissertation, which is defended at the conclusion of the program. The department also offers a program leading to the Master of Science degree in physiology. There are two tracks leading to the master's degree involving either a research or literature review thesis.