Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Program Goals:
The primary goal of the Doctor of Philosophy Program in the Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is to train independent research scientists in the biomedical sciences. These individuals will also have the potential to become educators. Specific goals include providing the student with 1) a broad background in the basic biomedical sciences, 2) advanced knowledge in a specific area of Physiology, 3) the ability to identify specific research problems and formulate testable hypotheses related to these problems, and 4) the technical competence to develop new or adapt existing laboratory techniques for solving research problems. This is an advanced degree suitable for individuals seeking a career in research.
Admission Requirements:
Candidates for Doctor of Philosophy degrees generally have bachelor degrees in the chemical, physical, or biological sciences. Prospective students are expected to have completed courses in biological science, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Exceptional applicants who have not completed all of the prerequisite course work may be accepted provided that the necessary leveling work is taken during the first year. A completed application would include GRE scores, undergraduate transcripts, and, for foreign students, a TOEFL score. A personal interview may be required and is always encouraged. Applications are considered as they are received, and we encourage completion of the application process as early as possible. Applications received after April 1 for admission the following fall semester will be considered only as resources permit.
Acceptance into the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Physiology is based upon approval by a majority vote of the faculty in the Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics and final acceptance by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Graduate Program Overview:
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is an advanced degree conferred in recognition of proficiency in research, soundness of scholarship, and a thorough familiarity with a specific field of knowledge. The period and course of study depends to some degree upon the interests of the student but includes in all cases a core curriculum providing training in cellular and organ systems physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
Credit Requirements for the Doctoral Degree in Physiology:
A minimum of 60 hours of graduate course work, with at least 12 hours of doctoral dissertation credit is required for graduation with a doctoral degree. A preliminary examination based on a knowledge of cellular and organ systems physiology is given at the end of the first year. The qualifying examination for admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree is given at the end of the second year and is based on a research proposal written by the student.
Supervision of Graduate Students:
A Graduate Advisory Committee consisting of the Graduate Advisor and three faculty members in the Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics manage the graduate program. Dr. Jean Strahlendorf is currently the Graduate Advisor (Physiology.Graduate@ttuhsc.edu or telephone 806-743-4397). Students in the Doctor of Philosophy Program are counseled by the Graduate Advisor until they have selected a Dissertation Advisor. The Dissertation Advisor must be an approved member of the graduate faculty of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Financial Assistance:
Assistantships and scholarships for Ph.D. students are awarded on a competitive basis. For further information contact Dr. Jean Strahlendorf (Physiology.Graduate@ttuhsc.edu or telephone 806-743-4397).
Retention Policy for Graduate Program in Physiology:
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences requires that students maintain a GPA of 3.0 each semester. Failure to do so results in probation or dismissal from the program. An overall GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.
All students and faculty of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine subscribe to an honor system which is specified in a "CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT" which was approved on January 2, 1985 and further described in the TTUHSC School of Medicine Student Handbook of August 16, 1993.
Application for Admission to the Program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology:
Application to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences can be accomplished online.For further information concerning the Graduate Program in the Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, TTUHSC, contact:
Jean Strahlendorf, Ph.D.
Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
3601 4th Street
Lubbock, TX 79430
Physiology.Graduate@ttuhsc.edu
(806) 743-4397
FAX (806) 743-1512
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY CURRICULUM
Required courses in general and organ-based physiology, biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology are completed in the first Fall and Spring semesters. Research begins with laboratory rotations in the first Summer.
*Additional courses may be selected after consultation with the Graduate or Dissertation Advisory Committee. These may include advanced study in neuroscience, cardiovascular or renal physiology, statistics, molecular biology or other courses of interest to the candidate.