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LIFE SCIENCES - SCHOOL OF
MEDICINE
www.biomed.miami.edu
PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOPHYSICS - Dept. Code: PHS
The Department offers training leading to the Ph.D. degree
in Physiology and Biophysics.
Inquiries are also invited from those wishing to pursue a
dual, M.D./Ph.D., degree program.
The M.S. degree is normally bypassed in the Department.
Physiology and Biophysics studies the molecular basis for
fundamental processes related to life such as:
• How does the brain work?
• How do we remember?
• How does the heart beat?
• How do we breathe?
• How do we see?
• How do we move?
Research facilities and guidance for graduate and postdoctoral
work are available in developmental neurobiology, sensory
receptor mechanisms, axonal electrophysiology, ionic mechanism
of the nerve impulse, electrophysiological and molecular aspects
of synaptic and neuromuscular transmission, ion channels in
nerve and muscle cell membranes, metabolic aspects of nervous
function, molecular neuroscience, neuroimmunology, protein
structure-function studies, molecular recognition, ligand-receptor
interactions, neuropeptides, axonal growth, neurotrophic factors,
cytokines, gene targeting, transgenic mice, neuronal apoptosis,
nerve regeneration, molecular adhesion, and regulation of
muscle contraction.
As described below, entrance into all graduate programs at
the Miller School of Medicine is now through the Program in
Biomedical Sciences (PIBS).
After entry into the Physiology and Biophysics program students
take courses PHS 510, 511, 512, 641, and 642 unless they have
mastered the equivalent of these. In planning their programs,
students should take advantage not only of courses given by
this Department but also of pertinent course offerings of
other departments. Once the student has a sponsor, who, in
consultation with a supervisory committee appointed when the
dissertation project is chosen, provides guidance.
Since the Department aims to prepare its graduates for careers
in research and teaching, all students in the Department are
expected to participate in some teaching. Fellowships are
general awarded to accepted students. Traineeships are also
available under an NIH supported Training Grant.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All students are admitted through the Program in Biomedical
Sciences (PIBS) for the PhD programs in Biochemistry &
Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Human Genetics & Genomics,
Microbiology & Immunology, Molecular Cell & Developmental
Biology, Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, Neuroscience,
and Physiology & Biophysics. The PIBS Admissions Committee
will review and make decisions on applications after December
15th.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a biological
or related discipline (e.g., psychology, chemistry, engineering,
physics). Although there are no absolute prerequisites, courses
in general biology, cell/molecular biology, calculus, general
physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry
are encouraged.
Strong candidates will have research experience in a laboratory
setting (including publications of abstracts and/or papers),
an excellent academic record and GRE scores, excellent letters
of recommendation from scientists who know the candidate well,
and the motivation to pursue state-of-the-art biomedical research.
In the first year all students take a common curriculum to
build a solid foundation in biomedical science. The core coursework
in the fall ranges from molecules to cells to systems of human
physiology. Lectures are balanced by breakout sessions, in
which faculty members discuss the primary literature with
students in small groups. The core curriculum also offers
critical learning opportunities in biostatistics and in using
genomic and other databases, as well as education in ethics.
Students also meet several times in small groups with experienced
faculty mentors to discuss important issues of faculty development.
Specific coursework relating to the individual graduate programs
is done largely in the second and third semesters of study.
• Students should apply online at: www.biomed.miami.edu
The first year is also focused on choosing a program and a
dissertation mentor. All students are initially mentored by
a senior student and a faculty member to facilitate this process.
In the 1st year, students rotate through at least 3 laboratories
chosen from any of the biomedical sciences graduate faculty.
At the end of the 1st year students choose mentors and formally
enter individual graduate programs.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PH.D. DEGREE INCLUDE:
36 graduate credits in courses and seminars and an additional
24 credits in dissertation research.
Satisfactory performance on both written and oral parts of
a qualifying examination that will require demonstrating mastery
of relevant physiological principles and methods. The examination
must be passed not later than 24 months after enrollment in
the Department. Up to 12 transfer credits earned elsewhere
may be acceptable toward Ph.D. requirements.
The Ph.D. dissertation research must be original work of a
quality acceptable for publication in a first-rate scientific
journal.
For further details on requirements, the general information
sections of this Bulletin should be consulted.
Prospective applicants are urged to write early to the Department
for further information on the Department’s activities,
training resources, requirements, and financial aids.
Address inquiries to:
Dr. D. Landowne, Chair
Graduate Studies Committee
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
P. O. Box 016430
Miami, FL 33101
305/243-6821
305/243-5931 (fax)
email to dl@miami.edu or
visit
http://chroma.med.miami.edu/physiol
M.D./PH.D. PROGRAMS
Students interested in pursuing careers in academic medicine
or, more generally, in medically-related research may wish
to enter a dual (M.D./Ph.D.) degree program. Details about
this program and application procedures are obtainable from
the Graduate Studies Committee Chairman at the address given
above.
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