Graduate
Programs > Introduction
Graduate Studies in Physiology and Biomedical Sciences
Among biomedical scientists, physiologists are uniquely positioned
to span the gulf between scientists investigating the most fundamental
aspects of biology and those interested in the more practical or
applied problems in human and animal health. Because of this perspective,
physiologists are sought after as university, pharmaceutical, and
government researchers; professors and teachers; and consultants
in an increasingly health-conscious world. As symbolized by our
departmental logo: "From Molecules to Man", modern physiologists
investigate the entire array of biological processes from the biochemical
organization of the genome to the processing of complex information
into memory engrams by the brain. Physiologists examine the means
by which this vast array of molecular and cellular events successfully
integrates to constitute the phenomenon of human existence. In addition,
physiologists examine how dysfunctions in molecular and cellular
events lead to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular
disease.
As an instrumental component of the MSU Chronic Disease Initiative,
the Physiology Department has focused its research efforts in
three broad areas:
- Cancer Biology and Metabolic Regulation
- Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Renal and Muscle Physiology
- Neurophysiology, Neuronal Structure, Growth and Development
Our faculty and students use a wide variety of modern technologies
in their research endeavors, including magnetic resonance imaging,
molecular biology, transgenic and knockout mice, laser scanning
microscopy, and cell and organ culture. In support of these research
efforts, our faculty have received several Merit Awards from the
National Institute of Health and individual awards from the National
Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautic
and Space Administration, American Heart Association, American Diabetes
Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation-International, Arthritis
Foundation, and Department of Defense-Army, as well as NIH Fogarty
Foundation Sr. International Fellowships.
