Graduate Program

Graduate Program

The Department of Physiology trains graduate students under the auspices of the Medical College of Georgia College of Graduate Studies leading to a PhD degree in Biomedical Science. Through the emphasis on 3 core areas (Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Neuroscience), the department houses several faculty with complementary interests and successful collaborations.

We emphasize an integrative approach to physiology, with expertise in molecular, cellular, and organismal research methods. Our students attain a solid education in the facts, concepts and trends of their field, acquire excellent training in state-of-the-art scientific methods and learn to use sophisticated scientific instrumentation. Students participate in an active journal club and seminar program featuring prominent guest speakers. Students are encouraged to attend regional and national meetings where they present their research and interact with leading scientists in their field. In addition, students are encouraged to apply for extramural funding, and Physiology students have a high success rate in securing predoctoral grants.

Coursework includes Biomedical Core Curriculum in the first year and upper level courses subsequently. Courses include: Current Trends in Endocrinology I and II, Teaching Practicum in Medical Physiology I and II, Advanced Study of Physiology, Current Trends in Physiology, Advanced Renal Physiology, Medical Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology, Medical Cardiovascular Physiology, Medical Renal Physiology, and Investigation of a Problem and Research (this course culminates in the preparation of a PhD dissertation or MS thesis). Students may take upper level courses in Neuroscience, Cardiovascular Biology, Endocrinology or in other areas of interest within the School of Graduate Studies. The Department of Physiology also offers its own upper level courses. In addition, students must complete a course in Grant Writing, Research Misconduct, and attend the Physiology Seminar Series and Course.

Research

Students in the Biomedical Science Program perform three 3-week mini-rotations in laboratories of their choice during the fall semester. In the spring semester students perform two 7-week rotations (in the same or different labs) culminating in presentation of a research project. Students joining laboratories of Physiology Faculty are admitted into the Physiology program.