Education
Masters of Science (MS) Program
Admission requirements for the Master of Science (M.S.) Program in Physiology
Master of Science Degree
A minimum of two semesters in residence is required for the MS. This requirement can be waved by the Director of Graduate studies or the Chairman of the Thesis Committee. Although in principle it is possible to complete the work in one year, it is most unusual for a student to do so in less than two years. The curriculum is normally as follows (asterisks indicate required courses):
First Year
Fall Semester
– Physiology (PHIS 501), 5 credits
– Biochemistry/Microbiology (BIOC 503), 5 credits
– Seminar (PHIS 690), 1 credit
– Student Seminar (PHIS 691-section 003), 1 credit
– Research (PHIS 697), 3 credits
Spring Semester
– Cell Physiology (PHIS 604), 4 credits
– Biochemistry/Microbiology (MICR 504), 5 credits
– Seminar (PHIS 690), 1 credit
– Student Seminar (PHIS 691-section 003), 1 credit
– Research (PHIS 697), 4 credits
Research is done in the laboratory of the chosen advisor or a candidate may rotate through several labs before deciding on a lab in which to do a thesis. Students are required to register for the Departmental Seminar (1 credit) each semester and Student Seminar (1 credit) for two semesters. They may take elective courses, but after the first year should devote as much effort as possible to research and preparation of the thesis. It is strongly recommend that masters degree candidates take Scientific Integrity (MICR 510) as an elective.
Theses and Final Examination
The thesis must be submitted to the Graduate Advisory Committee at least three weeks prior to the Final Examination. The Final Examination is an oral examination covering formal course work as well as being a defense of the thesis. Students must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 overall and in courses within the Department of Physiology in order to take this examination. The examiners are the Graduate Advisory Committee and the Dean of Medicine or his representative. The examination is open to the faculty but only the examiners may vote. Their unanimous approval of the thesis with no more than one negative vote on the candidate's performance on the examination is required. Upon successful completion of the examination, the candidate is recommended to the Graduate Faculty, General Faculty, and President for awarding of the degree.