Ph.D. in Cellular Physiology and Molecular Biophysics

Program Overview

Cellular Physiology and Molecular Biophysics is focused on how human organism function by applying principles of physics to the underlying molecules and cells. The training and research emphasis in the Graduate Program in Cellular Physiology and Molecular Biophysics at the University of Miami School of Medicine is directed at determining the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological functions, such as how does the heartbeat, how does the brain work, and how do we see, smell, and taste using biophysical techniques and analyses. More specifically, research facilities and guidance for graduate work are available in developmental neurobiology, sensory receptor mechanisms, axonal electrophysiology, ionic mechanism of the nerve impulse ,electrophysiological and molecular aspects of synaptic and neuromuscular transmission, mechanisms of ion channel gating, selectivity, and conductance, metabolic aspects of nervous function, molecular neuroscience, neuroimmunology, protein structure-function studies, molecular recognition, ligand-receptor interactions, axonal growth, neurotrophic factors, cytokines, gene targeting, neuronal apoptosis, nerve regeneration, molecular adhesion, and regulation of muscle contraction.
The Graduate Program in Cellular Physiology and Molecular Biophysics trains its students to use and develop state-of-the-art biophysical techniques that address fundamental questions related to molecular and cellular physiology and biophysics and developmental and molecular neuroscience. In addition, the students receive training in related biological disciplines and in systemic physiology to obtain a broad viewpoint. This training prepares the students for future careers in research and teaching in academic institutions and for careers in industry.

Contact Information

Laura Bianchi, PhD., - Graduate Program Director
Reygine Cantave, MHA, LSSGB - Program Manager

Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Rosenstiel Medical Sciences Building, Suite 1128-A
1600 NW 10th Avenue
Miami, FL 33136

(305) 243-0343
cpmbgraduateprogram@med.miami.edu

Admission Requirements

Applicants to biomedical programs should have a bachelor degree in a biological or related discipline (e.g., psychology, chemistry, engineering, physics). Although there are no prerequisite requirements, courses in general biology, cell/molecular biology, calculus, general physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry are encouraged. Applications are generally accepted from September to December for fall entry only. Select applicants will be offered an interview.

COMPETITIVE CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Excellent academic record
• Research experience in a laboratory setting
• Publications of abstract and / or papers
• Co-authorship in a peer-reviewed journal is recommended
• Strong letters of recommendation from research scientists who know the candidate well
• Motivation to pursue state-of-the-art biomedical research
   

APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:

• Online Application
• Application Fee
• Official Academic Transcripts
• English Proficiency Exam (non-native speakers)
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume / CV
   

Full application instructions can be found here.  

During the first year, the students choose several laboratories in which to do brief, introductory research projects (rotations). After the student's selection of a faculty mentor the main emphasis of training shifts to the design and proposal of a dissertation research project, and, with its approval, laboratory research. Students report periodically on their research in discussions with other students and the faculty.

Since the Department aims to prepare its graduates for careers in research and teaching, all students in the Department are expected to participate in teaching; these teaching activities typically require no more than 1-2 weeks per year.

Curriculum Requirements

¹

Students in this program take PIB 700 twice for a total of 2 credits.  Please see the Plan of Study for more information.  

²

Students in this program take PHS 700 four times for a total of 4 credits.  Please see the Plan of Study for more information.  

Program Plan

The Department of Cellular Physiology and Molecular Biophysics’ PhD program trains highly qualified students for successful careers in research, teaching and industry. A high faculty to student ratio assures that each student receives individualized help from the faculty together with access to the latest scientific instrumentation.

Student training is enhanced by research seminars and student-oriented discussions presented by world-renowned visiting scientists, as well as by participation in research seminars and research discussion groups. We seek to provide a congenial and supportive environment in which each student develops to the fullest thier abilities to reason critically, design and conduct incisive experiments, and communicate research results effectively in both written and oral formats. Our faculty’s wide collective experience as successful researchers, teachers, journal editors, and peer reviewers is available to help graduates prepare for and attain research and teaching positions in academia and industry.

Please note that the following is only a sample curriculum plan. Current students must discuss their plan with their program director to make adjustments as needed. It is the student's responsibility to contact the program to verify the information.

Mission

The Physiology & Biophysics Ph.D. program offers training in physiological and biophysical research and education to students seeking a Ph.D. degree. The mission of the program is to provide to our students 1) the knowledge of the relevant literature in molecular and cellular physiology, the ability to formulate hypotheses about physiological functions in humans and animal models under healthy and disease states, to critically evaluate data and draw the appropriate conclusions from the data, and the ability to present hypotheses and data in written and oral presentations, 2) training in different biophysical techniques to have the technical ability to conduct experiments to study diseases at the molecular and cellular level, to have the quantitative and computational knowledge to analyze the data, and to use the appropriate statistical methods to evaluate the data. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate an overall knowledge and understanding of the core concepts in Physiology and Biophysics, including the essential skills to conduct research in Physiology and Biophysics.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills, the capability to develop hypotheses, and the ability to evaluate hypotheses, paying attention to responsible conduct of research as appropriate.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to write effective scientific reports and to present scientific results orally.