VCU Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Ph.D. Program

Training Program

Training Program Objectives
Our program guides students toward important questions in physiology and trains them to research these questions with scientific rigor. We stress a bio-physical approach at all levels of organization from the molecular to organs and systems. Graduates from our program pursue diverse careers in academia, government or industry.

• Curriculum
  • First Year Curriculum
  • Second Year Curriculum
  • Candidacy Years
• Research
  • Laboratory Selection
  • Data Club
  • Retreat
  • Sister Training Programs
• Teaching

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Curriculum

First Year Curriculum

In the fall, students are required to take a didactic survey course (organized by organ systems) on Mammalian Physiology (PHIS 501). They also take a parallel Mammalian Physiology Seminar (PHIS 691-501) that introduces active research areas selected from the lecture course (PHIS 501). Students present two original papers and provide written answers to questions for each—they are given feedback after the first paper and graded on the second paper. Students are evaluated based on their answers to specific questions on the content of the assigned papers and the style of their presentation. A basic Biochemistry course (BIOC 503) is also required and provides the student with the fundamentals of molecular biology. Students must participate in the Physiology and Biophysics Departmental Seminar (PHIS 690-901) and submit one-page summaries of three seminars per semester. The seminar speaker host evaluates these summaries. For a list of seminars, please see Fall 2009 Seminars.

The opportunity to attend discussions and present papers suggested by the guest seminar speaker occurs weekly (Pre-Seminar Highlights), Monday at 5:00 p.m., prior to the seminar (Wednesday noon). Students also participate in informal luncheon discussions with the speaker after the seminar. This is an opportunity to learn more about their work, career path and institutions. Ph.D. students select Research Rotations (PHIS 691-801) in their first year to become familiar with laboratories in Physiology and Biophysics and ensure that a particular area and lab atmosphere are attractive for dissertation work. The rotation also allows the PI and lab members to assess the student. Rotations among primary and affiliate labs must be approved by the Graduate Program Director (GPD) in order to assure that the PI can assume financial responsibility for the Ph.D. after the 2nd year. Students registered for a rotation should spend 15-20 hours per week in the lab learning basic techniques, performing experiments, reading and discussing scientific papers, attending lab meetings and other related activities. A rotation student is expected to present their rotation results at lab meetings and give a brief talk to the “Data Club”. Students and PI will communicate frequently to monitor progress and adjust lab schedules to meet the student’s curriculum needs, while still satisfying research objectives. The rotating student and the lab PI will sign an agreement stipulating their respective commitments to this important endeavor (Laboratory Rotation Agreement [PDF]). Each rotation lasts approximately 10-12 weeks in the fall and spring, and six weeks (30-40 hours per week) between mid-May and the end of June. The laboratory host submits a grade of Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) to the GPD along with a paragraph describing in more detail the student’s performance during the rotation, pointing out strengths and weaknesses and stating whether they would be willing and able to mentor the student for dissertation work. The rotation student will also write a brief description of his or her rotation experience and submit this to the GPD as part of the student&rsqou;s file. The GPD weighs this evaluation with the student’s rotation presentation at the Data Club and submits a grade of S or U for each research rotation. By the end of their first year (June 30th), a student should have identified a dissertation lab by mutual agreement. Two to three rotations will normally suffice to find a laboratory, though a fourth will be allowed if needed. For more information, please read our section on Research.

In the spring, students are required to take Cell and Molecular Physiology (PHIS 604), where emphasis is on an in depth coverage of the cellular and molecular research areas in the Department. These areas span the range of molecular science with concentration on structural biology and molecular biophysics, ion channel biophysics and physiology, cell physiology (focusing on muscle and synapses) and systems physiology (focusing on the sensory and the enteric nervous systems). In this 16-week course, students are evaluated by four written exams (80 percent) and nine problem sets (20 percent). A Cell and Molecular Physiology Seminar (PHIS 691-604), similar to the Fall Semester seminar corollary to 501, runs in parallel with PHIS 604, covering classic papers and cutting-edge research articles. Students are required to present two original papers and write summaries of each; they are given feedback after the first paper and graded on the second paper. Students are also expected to take the second Biochemistry course (BIOC 504), the Departmental Seminar (PHIS 690-901) and a Research Rotation (PHIS 691-801).

• Fall Semester Courses
  • Physiology (PHIS 501), 5 credits [Kalimi / Feher] {graded}
  • Biochemistry/Microbiology (BIOC 503), 5 credits [Biochemistry] {graded}
  • Departmental Seminar (PHIS 690-901), 1 credit [Feher] {Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory}
  • Mammalian Physiology Seminar (PHIS 691-803), 1 credit [Logothetis / Kalimi] {graded}
  • Research Rotation (PHIS 691-801), 3 credits [De Felice] {S/U}
• Spring Semester Courses
  • Cell and Molecular Physiology (PHIS 604), 4 credits [Biber / Logothetis] {graded}
  • Biochemistry/Microbiology (BIOC 504), 5 credits [Biochemistry] {graded}
  • Departmental Seminar (PHIS 690-901), 1 credit [Feher] {Grade: S/U}
  • Cell and Molecular Physiology Seminar (PHIS 691-806), 1 credit [De Felice/Price] {graded}
  • Research Rotation (PHIS 697), 3 credits [De Felice] {S/U}
• Summer Courses
  • Grantsmanship (New Course), 1 credit {Grade: S / U}
  • Scientific Integrity (MICR 510), 1 credit [Macrina] {Grade: S / U}
  • Research (PHIS 697) 3-6 credits or Research Rotation (PHIS 697), 3 credits

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Second Year Curriculum

In order to advance to the second year of studies, students must be in good academic standing (maintain a “B” average) and to have joined a thesis laboratory. In their second year, students choose from a number of advanced Physiology and Biophysics courses offered in an alternating-year sequence and covering specialized topics. Each Ph.D. student must take at least two advanced electives. The choice of elective courses will depend upon the student’s particular research interests and is made in consultation with the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. If the Graduate Advisory Committee agrees that an advanced course in another department would be particularly relevant to a student’s research, this course may be substituted for one of the advanced Physiology courses. Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (NEUS 609) and Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology (PHTX 536) are examples. Some Physiology and Biophysics advanced courses are listed below:

• Cardiovascular Physiology (PHIS 612), 3 credit [Tseng] {Graded}
• Signal Detection in Sensory Systems (PHIS 615), 3 credits [Lyall] {Graded}
• Cellular Signaling (PHIS 617), 3 credits [Murthy] {Graded}
• Ion Channels in Membranes (PHIS 620/PHTX 620), 3 credit [Baumgarten] {Graded}
• Note: Two advanced electives are required for all Ph.D. students.

In order to continue in the Program, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in graded courses and Satisfactory in non-graded courses.

By the Fall Semester of the second year in the Ph.D. Program, the candidate will have completed required courses (students will continue taking PHIS 690-901, 691-801, and specific electives), selected a lab and put together his or her dissertation committee. The stage is then set for the Qualifying Exam.

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Candidacy Years

Following successful completion of curriculum requirements in the first two years of the program and successful completion of the Qualifying Examination, students advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.

Attendance at weekly Departmental Seminars (PHIS 690-901) is required of all full-time students, and Ph.D. candidates are required to give a departmental seminar before they graduate, in conjunction with their final oral defense. All students are expected to pursue their research during the summers and must register for at least three credit hours.

It is recommended that Ph.D. candidates who intend to pursue a career in academia take the seven credit set of courses entitled ‘Preparing Future Faculty in the Professions’ (PFFP; GRAD 601-606). These courses can be taken at anytime during the course of study.

• Qualifying Examination
  • Phase 1: Comprehensive Exam (to be scheduled by the GPD)
    
    Approximately in October of the second year: A five-page (Arial 11, 0.5” margins, single spaced) mini-review topic selected in conjunction with the student’s dissertation mentor will be assigned to the student by the Graduate Program Director. The 5 pages include figures but not references. The purpose of the mini-review, containing approximately 30 references, is to summarize the background and outstanding questions in a particular field, potentially leading to a dissertation project. Successful mini-reviews can possibly be expanded to publishable reviews, or they may become part of the background for the student's dissertation. Once selected, the candidate has one month to submit the mini-review to the GPD, who then distributes it to a standing Examining Committee, which in any given year is the same for all candidates. While writing Phase 1, students may consult any source or person for information; however, the student may neither ask for nor receive advice on the scope, form, or specific content of the mini-review, which is to be written solely by the student and neither edited nor proof read by another person.
    
    The Departmental Ph.D. Examining Committee is comprised of senior members of the Department with combined expertise to critique mini-reviews for a broad range of topics represented in the Department. Within two weeks, the Committee will evaluate the mini-review and two weeks later it will conduct a two-hour oral exam of the accepted mini-review. (Unacceptable papers are given a second chance in the following January). Part One is designed to take no more than one to two months (to write, submit, and prepare for the oral). The purpose of the oral exam is to evaluate the student’s comprehension of previous course work and his or her ability to synthesize information, integrate the literature in a particular area, and formulate research questions. If a student has an acceptable written document but does not pass the oral, the committee may at its option allow the student to retake only the oral portion of the exam. A student may be permitted to retake Part One of the qualifying exam one time. Part One should be completed by the end of the Fall Semester of the second year, or in case of a repeated exam no later than the beginning of the following Spring Semester. The Departmental Ph.D. Examining Committee will evaluate Phase One using the Phase One assessment tool [PDF].

  • Phase 2: Thesis Proposal Exam (in effect, this is the student’s first advisory committee meeting). This part of the Qualifying Examination must be scheduled through the Office of Graduate Education and requires a Dean’s representative.
    
    A 10-15 page dissertation proposal (Arial 11, 0.5” margins, single spaced) of the anticipated dissertation research project is required. It may be submitted any time during the Spring Semester of the second year, but no later than April 1. The research proposal is based on the student’s experimental work in the advisor’s laboratory, and it consists of a basic plan for the dissertation research, with the student’s own preliminary data supporting feasibility. Eligible students are strongly advised to use their proposal as a basis for an NIH F31 (or F30 for M.D./Ph.D. students) funding. The student’s Dissertation Committee evaluates the written Part Two proposal and within one month of receipt schedules a Committee meeting to examine and discuss details of the proposal with the student and his or her mentor. Part Two should be completed before the end of the Spring Semester of the second year. Unsatisfactory proposals are given a second chance, which must be satisfied during the summer of the second year. After completion of Part Two, the student’s Dissertation Committee meets at least every 12 months, though it could be more often as needed to monitor the student’s progress.
    
    With approval of the MCV Campus Graduate Committee, a student will be permitted to retake both Part One and Part Two of the Qualifying Exam once. Part One and Part Two should be completed in the Spring Semester, second year, or, if repeats or other delays have occurred, by the beginning of the Fall Semester, third year.
    
    The Dissertation Committee members will evaluate Phase Two using the Phase Two assessment tool [PDF].
    
    Students who do not pass the second attempt cannot remain in the Ph.D. program.

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Research

Laboratory selection

Each semester until a dissertation laboratory is found, Ph.D. students take Research Rotation (PHIS 691-801) for three credits [De Felice] {S/U}. The GPD is the Course Director of record and assigns the S/U based on the mentor’s recommendation. After two to four rotations, and before Part Two of the Qualifying Exam, students will have selected a dissertation research laboratory from the list of primary or affiliate faculty members. The student will identify two viable choices for dissertation work before completing the rotation schedule; thus providing a back up. Once the student has selected a dissertation laboratory a Dissertation Committee is assembled, consisting of four faculty members in addition to the student’s mentor, two of whom have primary appointments in departments other than Physiology and Biophysics.

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Data Club

These sessions take place on Monday evenings every two weeks following the weekly pre-seminar highlights. They are accompanied with dinner where all students, postdocs, and faculty in Physiology and Biophysics are invited. Data Club consists of informal 30 minute presentations by Ph.D. students and post-docs discussing their recent results, planned studies or presentations at scientific meetings, rotation experiences and thesis proposal plans. The purpose is to encourage interaction and gain experience giving short presentations (see the Data Club schedule).

The student’s Dissertation Committee is strongly encouraged to attend and to follow up in the same week with a Committee meeting. Thus, the Ph.D. candidate’s Data Club presentation should occur roughly every 12 months in sync with their Committee meetings. After each Dissertation Committee meeting, the Chair of the Dissertation Committee (someone other than the dissertation mentor) will write a brief summary of the student’s progress reflecting the committee’s discussions and submit it to the GPD for the student’s file.

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Retreat

Students are expected to help plan and participate in the annual retreat of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, where they will present poster presentations of their ongoing and proposed research. Discussions with alumni about diverse careers (academic, industry, government, etc.) outside VCU are part of the retreat program. Though primarily an opportunity to showcase the progress and directions of our Graduate Program trainees, all members of the Department are strongly encouraged to attend, as it affords faculty and post-docs the opportunity to obtain a complete picture of the Department’s Training Program.

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Sister Training Program

Faculty in the Physiology and Biophysics Training Program with interest in Neurosciences or Cellular Signaling Mechanisms may also participate in interdisciplinary training programs such as Neuroscience and Integrated Cell and Molecular Signaling. Students admitted directly to these Programs may select laboratories in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics for their dissertation.

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Teaching

All Ph.D. students will serve at least one semester as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in the undergraduate Human Physiology Lab (PHIZ 206, 1 hr credit), which is given in parallel with the Human Physiology lecture course (PHIS 206). Ph.D. (or M.S.) TAs will give an introduction to the lab for each session, supervise laboratory exercises, correct laboratory reports and participate in the laboratory curriculum development. TAs will be evaluated by the faculty member responsible for the laboratory course, who will write an evaluation of teaching performance to be included in the student’s file. The GPD can refer to these files when recommending the student for future teaching responsibilities or in letters of recommendation. Students with exemplary performance will have the opportunity to give selected lectures in PHIS 206. In-state tuition remission will be offered to students who are selected and volunteer to teach additional semesters in the laboratory course. Students must satisfy their teaching obligation prior to graduation. Additional teaching opportunities exist in the Medical Physiology laboratories and other Graduate level courses.

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