Physiology

Medical students and the Department of Physiology interact through teaching and research. The department presents a basic course in medical physiology in the spring semester of the first year. Major principles of physiology are considered in lectures, patient presentations, small group discussions, and problem-solving exercises. A detailed syllabus and reference list are provided for each student. As part of a graduate program, advanced courses in membrane biology and other topics as well as an outstanding weekly seminar series are available for medical students. Summer and elective courses and research opportunities are encouraged for medical students at each stage of their medical school program. The courses usually involve a small student group and a single faculty member.

The research program of the department is focused on how events that occur on the surface of cells or organelles (such as ion pumps, channels, receptors, enzymes, or gap junctions) regulate gene expression as related to normal and abnormal function, regeneration, differentiation, neoplasia, and cell death. The faculty seeks to develop and apply basic cellular and molecular physiology to the pathobiology of human and animal diseases. In particular, there are major interdisciplinary programs related to liver disease, hormone action, carcinogenesis, arteriosclerosis, aging, and inheritable metabolic diseases.

Cellular and Molecular Physiology Program