Physiology & Biophysics Curriculum

Our Curriculum

Boston University’s Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) offers training towards the PhD degree by integrating the foundations of interdisciplinary biomedical research with focused investigation and preparation for career advancement. Your specific research project brings this extensive training into excellent focus, providing a quantitative approach to our medically significant research.

First year students:

FC 701 – Protein Structure, Catalysis & Interaction
FC 702 – Structure and Function of the Genome
FC 703 – Architecture & Dynamics of the Cell
FC 704 – Mechanisms of Cell Communication
FC 705 – Translational Genetics and Genomics
FC 706 – Molecular Metabolism
FC 707 – Physiology of Specialized Cells (Required Course)

    • Biochemistry
    • Biophysics
    • Genetics and Genomics
    • Immunology Training Program
    • Medical Nutrition Sciences
    • Microbiology
    • Molecular & Translational Medicine
    • Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
    • Physiology
      • Engage in laboratory rotations
      • Attend journal clubs and research seminars
      • Select a faculty advisor
      • Create an individual development plan for research and training with the help of their advisor
      • Begin thesis research
      Second year students:
      • Continue taking classes
      • Develop their research projects
      • Are required to pass qualifying exams for advancement to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.
      Throughout their training, students:
      • Participate in a weekly departmental seminar series
      • Report the progress of their research projects at the annual pre-thesis committee meetings, Students Seminar Day, Russek Day for Graduate Students Excellence and other venues through oral presentations and poster sessions.
      • May choose to take additional courses relevant to their research
      • May choose to participate in teaching and mentoring at the graduate, undergraduate or high-school level.
      Years to graduation:
      • Graduate students are expected to defend their PhD thesis in 5 to 6 years. Additional time may be granted if necessary subject to student performance and funding availability.
      Learning Outcomes:

      Learning outcomes for all students graduating with a degree in Physiology or Biophysics from the School of Medicine are to:

      • Generate an original body of work in the field of Physiology or Biophysics that reflects critical thinking and independent thought, and present a substantial project that advances this field of research.
      • Demonstrate competencies in advanced research skills.
      • Demonstrate ability to carry out professional responsibilities in an ethical manner.
      • Master and attain proficiency in applying concepts, information, and methods in the field.
      • Demonstrate written and oral communication skills within their chosen field of expertise, with the ability to communicate with both specialists and non-experts.
      • Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and continued learning in their chosen field.

      With Graduate Education playing a key role in the vibrancy of our scientific research, we work to continually improve the Programs in Physiology & Biophysics and expand the opportunities for our graduate students. Students who graduate from our programs with a PhD or MD/PhD degree have gone on to extremely successful careers in all areas of academic, pharmaceutical and industrial science.

      Download the full details of our Graduate Programs

      Information on the available Physiology and Biophysics courses can be found here: Courses in Physiology & Biophysics