The Department of Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB) offers Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) as well as Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Coursework) M.S. degrees in Physiology and Neurobiology. Possible areas of focus include molecular, cellular, and systems level neurobiology, endocrinology, reproductive physiology, or liver biology. The PNB graduate program offers opportunity for intellectual growth through learning and discovery, development of technical and problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and effective scientific communication.

Requirements. The Ph.D. and M.S. degree requirements in Physiology and Neurobiology conform to the Graduate School requirements. Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in PNB require completion of a set of four core graduate courses from the PNB department, chosen from a list of approved courses (see below). Ph.D. students will generally complete an additional two to four advanced courses from inside or outside of PNB chosen in consultation with the student’s advisory committee. The Ph.D. in PNB does not have a related area or foreign language requirement. Research activities for Ph.D. students are primarily credited as PNB 5396 but must also include 15 credits of GRAD 6950. M.S. students will complete a minimum of 30 credits, including nine credits of GRAD 5950 for the Plan A M.S. All graduate students are required to register for PNB 6405 and 5395 each semester.

M.S. and Ph.D. Required Core Courses: at least one three-credit neurobiology course; at least one three-credit physiology course; and two additional three-credit PNB graduate level courses chosen in consultation with the student’s advisory committee. Students are expected to pass all four core courses with a grade of “B-“or better. Course offerings that fulfill the core course requirements with an emphasis in Neurobiology include PNB 6417, 6418, 6426, and 5700. Core courses that fulfill an emphasis in Physiology include PNB 5302, 5270, and 5350. No more than two of PNB 5700, 5270, or 5350 can be used to fulfill the core course requirements.

The programs are offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.