A graduate program at Temple University leading to an advanced degree in the biomedical sciences is a scholarly endeavor requiring originality and creativity. As such, it challenges students to think and express themselves independently. Required coursework is taken mainly during the first two years of study. Subsequent years of study involve additional coursework individually tailored to the student's interests. Each student also undertakes an individual research project, seeking out new information in a given field. Because of a high faculty-student ratio, graduate students receive considerable attention and research guidance from the faculty. Seminars by visiting scientists and reviews of current research progress in each department and elsewhere within the School of Medicine, as well as close contact with faculty and their ongoing research, help the student move into an active program of independent study and research.
In addition to the M.S. and Ph.D. programs, the School of Medicine offers a combined M.D./Ph.D. program which is described in a section listed below. The M.D. portion of this program, designed to prepare physicians in a variety of medical fields, is under the direction of the Dean of the medical school. Students who wish to pursue only the M.D. degree may obtain more information from Ronald Tuma, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Admissions, (215) 707-3656.
Time, Residency, and Registration Requirements. The time limit for completion of all degree requirements, including any research or thesis project which may apply, is three years from the date of matriculation for an M.S. and seven years for the Ph.D.
Registration each semester (fall, spring) is required to assure steady progress toward completion of the degree, except when a leave of absence has been granted.
To remain in good academic standing, students who will not be able to satisfy the continuous enrollment requirement must obtain a leave of absence from the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies. Students who fail to complete their program requirements within the specified time limit may apply for an extension of time from the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies.
At the thesis or dissertation stage, students must be continuously registered, unless a leave of absence has been granted. Students on a leave of absence must pay $25.00 per term as a records maintenance fee. A leave of absence does not extend the time limit for completion of a degree.
After a student has been admitted, credit may be granted toward the Ph.D. for work completed at other institutions. The amount of advanced standing will be determined by the student's department.
In no instance shall the total exceed 30 semester hours.
Upon completion of the dissertation, a student is required to defend it. The dissertation defense is administered by a dissertation committee composed of the student's sponsoring committee and at least two other faculty members, one external to the student's department, the other external to the School. The defense is an oral examination. At its conclusion the examining committee members vote on its acceptance.
For further information concerning the final examination and dissertation, consult General Guidelines for Degree Programs.
The student spends most of the first two years in courses designed to provide the basic knowledge necessary for successful continuation of his or her training. In addition to courses in physiology, courses in biochemistry and molecular biology are required. Electives are chosen to broaden the student's knowledge of physiology and students are expected to pursue independent study in their particular area of interest. Since a good background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics is essential to the study of physiology, courses are available to fill gaps in the student's education.
Laboratory training begins informally as soon as the student matriculates. Students are invited to observe as many laboratory procedures as time permits. Upon completing the formal course work, the student is required to pass a written and oral qualifying examination in physiology.
After passing the qualifying examination, Ph.D. students, with the advice and consent of the Graduate Committee of the Physiology Department forms a doctoral advisory committee (DAC) whose members will guide and advise the student in his or her research. Subsequently, the student will present a thesis proposal to the DAC describing the laboratory work that will be done for the thesis. When ready, the student demonstrates to the DAC that he or she has done the research contained in the proposal. The student, with the aid of the DAC then forms a doctoral dissertation examining committee and arranges to defend his or her research publicly. Students must submit the findings of their research to the appropriate (nationally or internationally known) scientific journal for publication before graduation. To aid in this aim, students are strongly encouraged to attend national and regional meetings of the appropriate professional societies and present their work.
Masters students are expected to write a thesis and may begin formal work on their dissertation project after their first semester. The nature of the project will be determined by the student in consultation with a thesis committee consisting of three graduate faculty members from the Dept. of Physiology. A formal proposal outlining the scope of the project is presented by the student to the thesis committee.
The development of teaching skills is an important part of the training program. Students are required to participate in the teaching of laboratories and small group conferences in physiology and/or allied health courses.
All physiology graduate students are required to attend Departmental Seminars. First and second year graduate students will be enrolled in a departmental journal club (for academic credit) where physiology faculty members and graduate students will discuss current papers and topics in physiology. Many other opportunities will be available for the student to present his or her interpretation of current research in journal clubs.
Molecular and Cellular Physiology (4 c.h.). A quantitative biophysical and biochemical description of physiological processes at the level of individual cells. Topics covered include diffusion, osmosis, and cell membrane transport processes; maintenance of cellular volume, pH, and electrolyte composition; electrophysiology; cell biology; muscle contraction and cell motility; second messenger systems; stimulusPresponse coupling; and communication between cells. This course is given jointly by the Physiology and Pharmacology Depts.
Mathematical Biology (3 c.h.). Techniques of mathematical analysis which are of importance in physiology. Emphasis is placed on numerical methods, including drug-receptor theory. Error analysis and the fundamentals of computer programming are included and applied to practical computational problems in physiology and pharmacology.
Topics in Physiology and Ethics (1 c.h.). Student and faculty discussions of the methodology and ethics in science, (of) analyzing and publishing data, and applying for funding.
Physiology Journal Club (1 c.h.). Student discussions of current physiological literature. Students also obtain experience in contemporary bibliographic searching techniques and in presenting experimental data in a seminar format.
Cell Biology (3 c.h.). The structure and function of cells. Discussions will deal with the various cellular organelles and how their activity is integrated in cell function. This course is given by members of the Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, and Pharmacology Depts.
Medical Physiology (6 c.h.). Designed for medical students. A broad survey of the major organ systems. The material is presented in lecture, laboratory, demonstration and conference.
Advanced Physiology (2 c.h.). Probes more deeply into the areas covered in the medical physiology course. Concurrent with medical physiology.
Computer Applications (3 c.h.). Techniques of computer programming using the C language. Emphasis is placed on learning how to solve problems using a methodical and organized approach and helping the researcher gather and analyze physiological data.
Electronics (3 c.h.). Elementary circuit theory and practical aspects of data conditioning and acquisition.
Cardiovascular Physiology (3 c.h.). In-depth study of the cardiovascular system with emphasis on the interaction of the heart and peripheral vasculature in the cardiovascular control systems.
Cellular Neurophysiology (2 c.h.). In-depth study of the basic principles of membrane phenomena. Focus is on the properties of single ion channels in nerve and muscle.
Gastrointestinal Function (1 c.h.). Review of the current concepts of gastrointestinal motility and secretion. Emphasis on control systems.
Microcirculation (2 c.h.). An overview of the techniques used in microvascular research and current concepts related to microvascular function. Students will be provided with reading lists and will be expected to discuss topics with the faculty.
Neurophysiology (4 c.h.). Survey of neurophysiology, combining clinical and basic research.
Pulmonary Physiology (2 c.h.). The basic physiology of the lung. Regulation of gas exchange and mechanics of ventilation are emphasized.
Renal Physiology (1 c.h.). Basic renal physiology, including glomerular filtration, salt and water handling, and acid base balance.
Preceptorship in Physiology (1P3 c.h.). A focussed study of an area of physiology under the direction of a faculty member.
Physiology Research (variable credit).
Master's Thesis (variable credit).
Doctoral Dissertation (variable credit).
Updated 08/30/99