Course Requirements I Required Coursework I Optional Coursework I Qualifying Examination I Thesis I Examination

The graduate program leading to the MS in Physiology will require two to three years of study. The program is designed to prepare the candidate for biomedical research positions in academic, clinical or industry settings or to continue in graduate education. The program requires formal course work, a written and oral qualifying examination and a thesis. All MS candidates are required to register for and attend departmental seminars.

Course Requirements

The minimum requirement is 30 semester hours of graduate work, not over six hours of which is allowed for research and composition of a thesis, and not more than two credit hours of seminars. All students will be required to present a seminar at least once a year. At least 15 semester hours must be in graduate courses outside the medical or dental curriculum. Although concentration is required in the major field of interest, every program for a master’s degree should include at least six semester hours of credit in one or more related fields outside the Department of Physiology. All students must maintain at least a B average. During the first year, the student will begin required coursework. In the second year, the student will complete formal required and optional coursework, choose a mentor, form a research committee, and conduct the thesis research. If necessary the thesis research may continue into a third year.

Required Coursework

Phys 251 Molecular Structure and Function of the Cell, 3 cr
Bioc 201Biochemistry for Graduate Students, 5 cr
Phys 205 Basic Physiology, 6 cr
Phys 206 Basic Physiology, Laboratory, 3 cr
Phys 207 Basic Physiology Discussion, 1 cr
INT 220 Ethics in the Biomedical Sciences, 1 cr

Optional Coursework (2nd Year)

Fall

Phys 212 Cardiovascular Physiology, 3 cr
Phys 216 Endocrinology, 3 cr
Phys 215 Neurophysiology, 3 cr

Spring

Phys 250 Scientific Writing for Graduate Students, 2 cr
Phys 280 Special Topics, 4 cr

Thesis

The actual format of the thesis may follow either the type shown in the School of Graduate Studies instructions, or that of an appropriate journal in the field, but whichever format is used, it must be followed in every respect. Final approval rests with a committee of not less than three members (one of whom must be from another Department) nominated by the Head of the Department and appointed by the Dean. The Dean may serve as a member or may appoint members to any committee.

Examination

When the thesis is nearly complete each candidate will be required to pass a comprehensive examination which may be written, oral, or both. A written part is strongly recommended. The committee votes by secret ballot and there may be no more than one negative vote.