Doctoral Program Curriculum & Guidelines - Current Students Only

  • PhD Program Code: 20FS1584PHD
  • Anticipated length of Program: 4-5 years

Application & Guidelines

GEMS Curriculum First Year

Semester 1 (Fall):

The students should take three electives out of these four courses (3 credits each).

  • GCLS 500 - Physiology
  • GCLS 501 - Biochemistry
  • GCLS 502 - Molecular Biology
  • GCLS 503 - Cell Biology

The student should take one or two modules of:

  • GCLS 504 - Research Methods I (1-2 modules, 1-2 credits). This is a modular course that allows students to take the modules that seem most appropriate for their research interests.

One rotation should be done this semester.

  • GCLS 506 - 1 research rotation in last half of semester (2 credits)

Semester 2 (Spring):

Two core courses from:

  • GCLS 510 - Integrative Biology-Development, Cancer, and Immunology
  • GCLS 511 - Molecular Genetics
  • GCLS 515 - Receptor Pharmacology and Cell Signaling
  • BCMG 513 - Structure of Biopolymers
  • PHYB 552 - Advanced Physiology (5 credits)
  • PATH 510 - General Pathology and other specialized courses

The student should take one or two modules of:

  • GCLS 505 - Research Methods II (1-2 modules, 1-2 credits)

Two rotations should be done this semester.

  • GCLS 506 - Two 8-week research rotations

First-year students are also expected to attend departmental journal clubs and research seminars.

Additionally, students must take:

  • GCLS 401 - Scientific Integrity and Responsible Research
  • GCLS 470 - Essentials for Animal Research if their research involves animals.

Students should work full-time in a laboratory during the summer semester between the first and second years.

They should register for PHYB 599 with at least 8 credits hours.

Second Year for Physiology and Biophysics Students

All Physiology and Biophysics students are required to register for:

  • PHYB 591 - Departmental Seminar
  • PHYB 599 - Thesis Research (12 credits for the fall and winter semester and 8 credits for the summer semester)

Also, the following courses are required:

    Fall:

  • PHYB 571 - Clinical Applications of Physiology I (2 credits)

    • Spring - Choose one from the following two courses:

  • PHYB 572 - Clinical Applications of Physiology II (2 credits)
  • PHYB 586 - Cell Physiology (3 credits)

Third Year and beyond

All Physiology and Biophysics students are required to register for:

  • PHYB 591 - Departmental Seminar
  • PHYB 599 - Thesis Research (12 credits for the fall and winter semester and 8 credits for the summer semester)

Qualifying Examination should be completed on/or before September 1st of the third year.

The Mid-Thesis Seminar must be presented before the end of year 4.

Additional Requirements

Qualifying exam: Must be taken before starting Third Year

Mid-Thesis Seminar: Presentation of a seminar on the topic of the student's thesis work. This is presented when a student has completed approximately 50% of the laboratory work toward their thesis. Students must register for PHYB595.

Annual Seminar: Students are required to present a 20-minute progress seminar once a year for the department, unless they have scheduled their Mid-Thesis or Final Defense that academic year.

Requirements for MD/PhD program

  • Requirement: M.D./Ph.D. students must successfully pass Boards Part I.
  • No requirement for core GEMS courses offered in the first semester.
  • All other required courses for Physiology PhD students will be required for MD/PhD students.