Physiology and Biophysics
Mailing Address:
Department of Physiology and Biophysics (MC 901)
835 South Wolcott Avenue
Chicago, IL 60612-7342
Campus Location: E202 MSB
Program Codes: 20FS1584MS (MS); 20FS1584PHD (PhD)
Telephone: (312) 996-7620
E-mail: phyb@uic.edu
Web Site: http://www.physiology.uic.edu
Head of the Department: R. John Solaro
Director of Graduate Studies: Jesús García-Martínez
The Department of Physiology and Biophysics offers work leading to the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degrees, and participates in the Medical Scientist Training Program (see the Medical Scientist Training Program section for more information). Interdepartmental concentrations in Cardiovascular Science and in Neuroscience are available to doctoral students. The department is oriented toward the study of mammalian physiology. Students are initially immersed in an integrated curriculum and later they complete specialized training in an area of physiology of their choice: Cardiovascular Physiology and Metabolism, Cytoskeleton and Vascular Biology, Gastrointestinal Physiology, Neurosciences, Reproductive and Endocrine Sciences, Signal Transduction and Gene Regulation, Smooth and Skeletal Muscle Physiology. All areas focus on the integrative aspects of physiology, studying gene expression to the whole organism.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:
Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy
- Baccalaureate Field No restrictions. Prior academic work should include college mathematics through calculus, physics, biology, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry.
- Other Requirements At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.
- Tests Required GRE General. Preference is given to applicants with a combined verbal and quantitative score above 1200 (tests taken prior to August 2011) or 299 in the new scoring system (test taken August 2011 or after), and an analytical writing score above 4.5.
- Minimum English Competency Test Score
- TOEFL The TOEFL score cannot be more than two years old. UIC’s Institutional Code is 1851. 550 (paper-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
- IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
- Letters of Recommendation Three required.
- Personal Statement Required. One page summarizing past academic and research experience (if any) and motivation for pursuing an MS or a PhD in Physiology.
- Other Requirements Preference is given to applicants with a documented record of research accomplishment who intend to complete the doctoral program.
- Nondegree Applicants Nondegree applicants must show adequate preparation to enroll in desired courses and must obtain the permission of the director of graduate studies.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:
Master of Science
- Minimum Semester Hours Required 32.
- Course Work Required Courses: GC 470, GCLS 500, PHYB 552, 586, 595, and 598. Students must register for PHYB 591 each fall and spring semester after the first year they are enrolled in the graduate program. Students must take one of the following GCLS courses: 501, 502, or 503.
- Comprehensive Examination None.
- Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Thesis required. No other options are available.
- Other Requirements All graduate students must participate in the teaching programs of the department.
Doctor of Philosophy
- Minimum Semester Hours Required 96 from the baccalaureate.
- Course Work Required Courses: GC 470, GCLS 500, PHYB 552, 586, 595, 599, and 2 additional 400- or 500-level courses in consultation with the advisor. All students must take or show proficiency in GCLS 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, and 510. Students must also register for PHYB 591 each fall and spring semester after the first year they are enrolled in the graduate program.
- Preliminary Examination Required.
- Dissertation Required.
- Other Requirements All graduate students must participate in the teaching programs of the department. Candidates must present a midthesis seminar as a scheduled departmental seminar.
Interdepartmental Graduate Concentration in Cardiovascular Science
Doctoral students may pursue the Interdepartmental Graduate Concentration in Cardiovascular Science. Refer to Interdepartmental Graduate Concentration in Cardiovascular Science in the College of Medicine section for more information.
Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience
Doctoral students may pursue the Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience. Refer to Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience in the Graduate College section for more information.
Medical Scientist Training Program
Students with an MD degree earned in the United States or who are working toward one at UIC may use medical science courses to fulfill the 500-level course requirements. Such students must take GCLS 510, PHYB 586, and 5 semester hours of elective 500-level didactic courses. The elective courses are chosen in consultation with the advisor. Students must also register for PHYB 591 and PHYB 599 each semester. Other courses may be required as determined by the advisor and the graduate committee based on the student’s area of interest.
