Department of Physiology PhD Program This Department provides a full range of research training experiences and graduate courses leading to the Ph.D. degree. Active research programs in basic and applied biomedical sciences emphasize the cellular and molecular basis of function, in the context of understanding the integrative mechanisms of physiological processes, and are conducted by a vigorous and productive faculty in well-equipped, state-of-the-art facilities. Specific areas of interest for faculty research mentors include cardiovascular, bioenergetics, smooth muscle, pulmonary, and neurophysiology. Students should visit individual faculty web pages for more details about each lab.
Admissions Minimum requirements include a bachelors degree from an accredited institution and GRE scores averaging above 500. A grade point average above 3.0 is required; but most students accepted to the Ph.D. program have a substantially higher GPA and GRE scores. Previous undergraduate education should include a minimum of one year each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and mathematics. A TOEFL score of 200 (550 on the paper test) or higher is required for foreign students; most successful applicants have TOEFL scores near or above 600. Interviews are usually required for Ph.D. applicants.
In addition to the Graduate School application, the following are required: Prerequisites: A bachelor degree in one of the sciences. Each applicant also must have completed the following undergraduate course work: two semesters of biology with labs; four semesters of chemistry including organic chemistry and laboratories; mathematics with calculus; and physics. Genetics and/or molecular biology is recommended.
Number of faculty: 13 full time
Number of students: 9
Program description: This program is proud of its high faculty-to-student ratio, which ensures that each student receives an appropriately tailored educational experience. Our graduates continue to obtain highly competitive post-doctoral positions and progress into successful scientific careers. The program emphasizes research, but also includes opportunities for teaching experience. The research expertise of the faculty includes many areas of physiology ranging from the whole animal to the molecular level. Current areas of research include cellular physiology, cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology, neurophysiology, stem cell biology, circadian rhythms and the molecular basis of cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
Tuition and Financial Aid Tuition remission and stipends are available on a competitive basis for Ph.D. students. Most doctoral students receive tuition remission and stipends.
Application Procedure An application, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores on the General Test and an appropriate Subject Test should be submitted before April 1. For full consideration for financial aid, earlier application is strongly encouraged. Application packages are available from the Graduate School, or may be requested through the Department.
Program of Study Since physiology is the
gateway to biomedical research, a course foundation in fundamental principles of physiology is required to assure that each student can appreciate the whole organism ramifications of their research and be able to interact with the world of medicine as a knowledgeable colleague.
Typically, students' coursework will form a
broad focus area which may be traditional or may be specifically tailored by the student and dissertation adviser. Common focus areas in the Department include cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology, smooth muscle, neurobiology, cell biology, bioenergetics and circadian rhythms. In any focus area, a concentration on translation to medicine, involving interaction between the thesis laboratory and clinician/researchers, is encouraged.
Recent graduates of this program are postdoctoral fellows in some of our country's most prestigious universities (Harvard, Duke, Columbia, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), hold faculty positions, or are in research positions in pharmaceutical companies. The full list can be consulted at the program's pages in the Departmental website.
For additional information regarding the Physiology Ph.D. Program, contact
Alexander Murashov, M.D., Ph.D.
Chairman, Graduate Studies Committee
Department of Physiology
Brody School of Medicine
East Carolina University
Greenville NC 27834
Phone: 252-744-3111
Fax: 252-744-3460
Email:
murashoval@ecu.edu http://www.ecu.edu/physio/labakm 
