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PIBS Curriculum Guide | Time Schedule

Curriculum: Overview

The Graduate Program in Physiology is very flexible and each student's experience is individually tailored. In the first two years the program is designed to provide students with a broad background in the basics of biomedical research and physiology, including exposure to molecular, cellular and integrative approaches. Students select courses from a wide array offered at the Medical School and throughout the University. In addition, students learn about the breadth of research opportunities available and embark on individually arranged research rotation projects. These research experiences coupled with course work and informal interaction with other students and faculty serve to guide each student to a thesis advisor and focus of study.

Independent research is the focal point of each student's training and often launches students on a career path. Initially the student chooses a thesis advisor and together they agree on a thesis topic. The student forms a doctoral dissertation committee of faculty from within and outside the Department with expertise in the proposed area of study. The thesis research provides the basis for a scholarly doctoral dissertation.