Undergraduate Programs > Introduction
The Department of Physiology's undergraduate program is not only
among the oldest on campus, it is also one of the largest. In
the recent past, over 100 students matriculate each year through
the department's program. Students come to the department from
diverse backgrounds, but with a common need to obtain quality
education in a wide range of basic science fields to be competitive
for postgraduate employment or entrance to postgraduate training
programs. Many departmental majors are also enrolled in the Lyman
Briggs or Honor's College programs.
Most courses for the physiology major are required also for all
undergraduates in the university and in the College of Natural
Science. These include courses in the arts and humanities, social,
behavioral and economic sciences, and also transcollegiate and
writing classes. In addition, courses are required in mathematics
(through calculus), physics (with laboratories), inorganic and
organic chemistry (with laboratories), the biological sciences
and zoology.
Additional departmental course requirements include classes in
biochemistry, physical chemistry, zoology, anatomy, developmental
biology, human physiology, computer science, scientific writing,
and a minimum of twelve semester credits in non-science electives.
Some university, college-level and departmental course requirements
can be met by approved transfer credits from other institutions
or by waiver/placement examination.
A high quality of faculty advising is an important feature of
the department's under- graduate program. Each student is assigned,
or chooses, a faculty person with whom he/she meets as frequently
as necessary to plan academic programs, design course sequences,
and outline options for postgraduate training and placement. Although
there are many common course requirements, there is no stereotyped
program for any student. Academic plans are constructed with the
needs, background, interests and plans of the individual in mind.
These are important tasks for both the student and the advisor
to complete.
For additional information, contact:
Department of Physiology
Michigan State University
2240C Biomedical Physical Sciences
East Lansing, MI 48824-1101
Phone:517-355-6475 ext. 1129
Fax:517-355-5125
