VCU’s Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics empowers students to seek creative answers to difficult questions through biophysical approaches at the molecular, cellular and organ system levels.

Our faculty are committed to training the next generation of scientists, clinicians and academics. Alumni of our program enjoy a broad range of successful careers in academia, medicine, government and private sector industries such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

We are proud to provide individualized support for each student, and our diverse, tight-knit cohorts foster a collaborative and congenial learning environment for everyone. Over the course of five to six years, doctoral students develop the ability to design, implement and interpret scientific approaches to address questions across a broad spectrum of research areas, including:

  • Molecular biophysics
  • Structural biology
  • Neurophysiology and neuroscience
  • Molecular and cellular physiology

More information on the VCU Graduate Bulletin

Program Structure

Ph.D. students enter through the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Portal, or BSDP, VCU's entry point for students interested in doctoral training in the biomedical sciences. The program guides students through the first year, during which they complete coursework and rotate through three laboratories to explore different areas of research. By the end of year one, students are expected to select a faculty mentor as their dissertation adviser and formally join the Ph.D. program.

Resources

Supporting our students is at the core of the School of Medicine's mission. We provide a wide variety of resources to help enhance our graduate students' experience and ensure their safety, as well as resources to support our faculty.

Life in Richmond

We encourage our students and trainees to maintain a healthy, balanced life, and Richmond is a wonderful place to engage in that well-rounded lifestyle. As a mid-sized city with a metropolitan population of 1.3 million, Richmond provides stimulating activities while maintaining its intimate feel and unique vibe.

Learn about our community

Photograph of Richmond city and the James River.

How to Apply

Prospective students must apply through the BSDP. After creating an account with the Graduate School at VCU, select “Application for all other graduate programs,” then select “Biomedical sciences – undifferentiated – Doctoral Portal,” before completing the application.

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Contact Us

For more information about the Physiology and Biophysics Ph.D. program, please contact:

Roland N. Pittman, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Director
roland.pittman@vcuhealth.org

Carlos R. Escalante, Ph.D.
Assistant Graduate Program Director
carlos.escalante@vcuhealth.org

Christina Kyrus
Graduate Program Coordinator
cikyrus@vcu.edu