GRADUATE TRAINING
GRADUATE TRAINING
GRADUATE TRAINING
GRADUATE TRAINING
GRADUATE TRAINING
GRADUATE TRAINING
Areas of Research
The Integrated Physiology Program offers research and training opportunities in the areas of Cardiovascular/Pulmonary/Renal/GI Physiology, Cellular Physiology, Molecular Nutrition and Metabolic Systems, and Reproductive Biology. Each of these Research Tracks offers specialized training, educational and research opportunities related to their particular discipline, including seminars, journal clubs and research retreats, in addition to general program offerings. During the first year, students have opportunities to do rotations in any of the four research tracks. At the end of the first year, students will select a research track and laboratory for their doctoral thesis work.
Program Handbook
Detailed information about the program can be found in the Integrated Physiology Handbook.
Timeline
Year 1
In the Fall semester, Integrated Physiology students take the Core Knowledge Course, which is required for students in all University of Colorado School of Medicine graduate programs. This course provides basic background knowledge in molecular biology, genetics, structural and developmental biology, and cellular signaling. In addition, students will take two short core topics electives related to their research interests. In the Spring semester, students will take Comprehensive Physiology and a grant writing course. Throughout the first year, students also perform three, 11 week long laboratory rotations with IPHY faculty members. At the end of the first year, students take a preliminary examination covering topics from the first-year coursework. Upon successful completion of the preliminary exam, students will choose a thesis laboratory in which to do their doctoral work. All students are required to take part in the biweekly seminar series and the biweekly student-led journal club every semester of their graduate training.
Year 2
During the second year, students are required to take Biostatistics, Histophysiology, Receptors and Cell Signaling, and Rigor and Reproducibility. Second year students will dedicate a significant amount of their time to research as they begin work in their thesis lab. To be admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree, students must pass an oral comprehensive examination during the summer or fall following their 2nd year in the program (it must be taken no later than December of the 3rd year). This exam comprises a public seminar, followed by an oral defense of a written proposal based on the students’ thesis research. Prior to the Comprehensive Exam, students must have completed at least 30 semester hours in course work (Rotations and Research credits from the first-year count as course hours).
Year 3 and beyond
Following a successful comprehensive examination, students will be admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree and will register for 5 doctoral thesis research credits in both Fall and Spring semesters. The Graduate School requires at least 30 semester hours in course work and 30 semester hours of research for the PhD degree (thesis research hours cannot be accumulated until the semester before the Comprehensive Exam is passed).
Additional Curriculum
In addition to formal courses, students attend and participate in the Integrated Physiology biweekly seminars and the biweekly student-run journal clubs. Students will hone their analytical and didactic skills through informal and formal seminar presentations, laboratory/research group meetings and attendance at regional and national scientific meetings. In addition, the program holds an annual student-led research retreat that provides an important opportunity for students to meet and learn about the work being performed in different laboratories, and to present the results of their work in oral and poster presentations.