Physiology and Neuroscience, MS

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Program Description:

The Master of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience degree can be earned through one of two programs–the thesis option or the course option. For both options, the program curriculum is built on fundamental concepts in biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology and neuroscience. In addition, students take part in the departmental seminar and can choose elective topics relevant to their research or educational needs and career objectives.

Admissions Requirements:

Physiology and Neuroscience - The requirements for admission are:

1. B.A., B.S., or equivalent degree
2. Overall GPA of 3.00-plus.  A GPA of less than 3.0 requires submission of GRE scores with a combined GRE total exceeding 305 (minimum 153 Verbal; 152 Quantitative).
3. International students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  A TOEFL score exceeding 550, or a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL-IBL is required.
4. Suggested prerequisite courses: general biology (two years), chemistry (two years including organic chemistry), general physics (one year), mathematics (one year through introductory calculus), and one year of advanced study in biology, chemistry, physics, or computer science

For more information visit:

• Physiology and Neuroscience, MS
• Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology
• College of Science and Mathematics
• Boonshoft School of Medicine

Program Requirements:

Physiology and Neuroscience - In order to qualify for the Master of Science degree-thesis option, students must satisfy the requirements of the Graduate School as well as program requirements. The first two semesters involve 17 credit hours, which include required departmental and other courses determined in consultation with the student’s advisor. Research activities begin in the second semester of the first year. The second program year involves 13 credit hours with emphasis on research. Completed research is presented in written thesis form at the end of the second year, with a public oral defense.

Thesis Option:

1. REQUIRED COURSES

• PN 6100 - Human Physiology Credit Hour(s): 4
• PN 8600 - Principles of Biomedical Research Credit Hour(s): 1
• BMB 7500 - Molecular Biochemistry I Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 7750 - Neuroscience and Physiology Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 7900 - Physiology Seminar Credit Hour(s): 1

• (Take twice - Seminar I and Seminar II)

2. REQUIRED EXPERIENTIAL COMPONENT

• PN 8990 - Physiology Research Credit Hour(s): 1 to 10 (6 hours minimum)

3. ELECTIVES

• Other electives related to the program of study may be taken with approval of the Program Director and thesis advisor.

• ANT 7000 - Topics of Instruction in Human Anatomy Credit Hour(s): 1
• ANT 7110 - Human Gross Anatomy Credit Hour(s): 6
• ANT 7150 - Advanced Human Embryology Credit Hour(s): 3
• ANT 7210 - Human Microanatomy Credit Hour(s): 3
• ANT 7310 - Human Neurobiology Credit Hour(s): 4
• MI 6200 - Neuronal-Immune System Cross-Talk in Homeostasis Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 6300 - Medical Cell Biology and Physiology Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 6400 - Development Neuroscience Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 6550 - Neuron-Glia Biology and Disease Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 7010 - Selected Topics in Physiology Credit Hour(s): 1 to 5
• PN 7760 - Intercellular Communication Credit Hour(s): 3

TOTAL: 30 HOURS

Course Option:

Physiology and Neuroscience - In order to qualify for the Master of Science degree-course option, students must satisfy the requirements of the Graduate School as well as program requirements. The experiential component of the degree is provided by writing-intensive courses that engage the student in experimental design and literature-based research.

1. REQUIRED COURSES

• PN 6100 - Human Physiology Credit Hour(s): 4
• PN 6300 - Medical Cell Biology and Physiology Credit Hour(s): 3
• BMB 7500 - Molecular Biochemistry I Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 7750 - Neuroscience and Physiology Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 7900 - Physiology Seminar Credit Hour(s): 1

• (Take twice - Seminar I and Seminar II)

2. REQUIRED EXPERIENTIAL COMPONENT

• ANT 6030 - Biomedical Review Article Credit Hour(s): 2
• ANT 6040 - Biomedical Experimental Design Credit Hour(s): 2

3. ELECTIVES

• Other electives related to the program of study may be taken with approval of the Program Director and thesis advisor.

• ANT 7000 - Topics of Instruction in Human Anatomy Credit Hour(s): 1
• ANT 7110 - Human Gross Anatomy Credit Hour(s): 6
• ANT 7150 - Advanced Human Embryology Credit Hour(s): 3
• ANT 7210 - Human Microanatomy Credit Hour(s): 3
• ANT 7310 - Human Neurobiology Credit Hour(s): 4
• MI 6200 - Neuronal-Immune System Cross-Talk in Homeostasis Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 6400 - Development Neuroscience Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 6550 - Neuron-Glia Biology and Disease Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 7010 - Selected Topics in Physiology Credit Hour(s): 1 to 5
• PN 7760 - Intercellular Communication Credit Hour(s): 3
• PN 8600 - Principles of Biomedical Research Credit Hour(s): 1

TOTAL: 30 HOURS