Quick Program Facts
Degree Programs: PhD, MS
Application Deadlines: July 1 (fall semester) and November 1 (spring semester)
The graduate program in the University of Florida’s (UF) Department of Physiological Sciences offers several programs of study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The specific programs provide extensive training for careers in research, industry, government and academia. They are affiliated with and draw resources from the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences and the Health Science Center, where our facilities are located.
New students are usually assigned a major advisor on entering the program, on the basis of mutual research interest, and begin their research activities in the advisor’s laboratory. Rotations through other related laboratories are also possible.
The Department of Physiological Sciences accepts candidates for the PhD degree only. A total of 90 course credits is required to complete the program. Students take courses in core areas such as:
- statistics,
- biochemistry and molecular biology,
- physiology, and
- anatomy.
The Department of Physiological Sciences contains a diverse group of top-tier research programs, ranging from environmental toxicology to airway neurophysiology and organ systems biology. These research programs are funded by various sources, including the National Institute of Health, U.S. Department of Defense, Florida Departments of Environmental Protection and Health, and other intramural and extramural sources. Our faculty have publication records consistent with national and international reputations in their respective fields.
The department’s major research strengths can broadly be divided into three major groups: neurophysiology, toxicology and organ systems biology. However, departmental faculty work on a wide range of research topics outside these areas.
All students in the Physiological Sciences graduate program are required to have teaching experience during their graduate enrollment.
The UF College of Veterinary Medicine offers graduate assistantships to cover stipend and/or tuition expenses. Graduate assistants are engaged in teaching and/or research tasks; the stipend ranges from $31,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on available funding. Designated mentors can offer additional funding to students with exceptional credentials. Health insurance and tuition waivers are available for students on assistantships. All students are required to pay nonacademic fees.
Program Contact
Sara Rubinstein, s.rubinstein@ufl.edu