Physiology & Biophysics Curriculum

Our Curriculum

Boston University’s Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) offers training towards the PhD degree by integrating the foundations of interdisciplinary biomedical research with focused investigation and preparation for career advancement. Your specific research project brings this extensive training into excellent focus, providing a quantitative approach to our medically significant research.

First year students:

FC 711 – Protein Structure, Catalysis & Interaction
FC 712 – Structure and Function of the Genome
FC 713 – Architecture & Dynamics of the Cell
FC 714 – Mechanisms of Cell Communication
FC 715 – Translational Genetics and Genomics
FC 716 – Molecular Metabolism
FC 717 – Physiology of Specialized Cells (Required Course)

  • Courses in Physiology & Biophysics

Biophysics:                     detailed descriptions

    • GMS BY 762 Foundations of Biophysics and Structural Biology I:

This graduate level course provides a thorough grounding in the theory and major experimental methods of Biophysics and Structural Biology. The course covers x-ray diffraction, crystallography, electron microscopy and image processing. Mondays, 1-3pm.

    • GMS BY 763 Foundations of Biophysics and Structural Biology II:

This graduate level course provides a thorough grounding in the theory and major experimental methods of Biophysics and Structural Biology. The course covers thermodynamic and spectroscopic methods, computational biology and structural NMR. Mondays, 1-3pm.

    • GMS BY 776 Macromolecular Assemblies I:

This graduate level course covers the concepts of the assembly of biomacromolecules, their structure and stabilizing forces, and biological function as related to structure. Examples are drawn from protein and protein-nucleic acid assemblies, and membrane proteins. Wednesdays, 1-3pm.

    • GMS BY 777 Macromolecular Assemblies II:

This graduate level course covers the concepts of the assembly of biomacromolecules, their structure and stabilizing forces, and biological function as related to structure. Examples are drawn from assemblies of lipoproteins, phospholipids, and membrane proteins. Wednesdays, 1-3pm.

    • GMS BY 871, 872 Biophysics Seminar:

This is a special topics seminar series for first and second year graduate students. Each student presents several papers per semester describing the background, the specific methods, the results, the conclusions of the authors, and a critique of the work.

    • GMS BY 945, 946 Research in The Program of Biophysics:

Research is undertaken in the laboratories of individual Faculty members of The Department of Biophysics.

    • GMS BY 772 NMR Spectroscopy in Biology and Biochemistry:

This graduate level course provides an introduction to the basic theory and the fundamental measurements of NMR spectroscopy using the predominant biological nuclei, 1H, 2H, 13C and 31P, and applications to structure and metabolism; NMR studies of pathological processes and NMR imaging.

    • GMS BY 774 Metabolism and Cellular Functions of Complex Lipids:

This course provides an in-depth description of selected areas of lipid metabolism. An emphasis is given to functional roles of specific lipid species in cellular process (e.g. cell activation, protein transport and function). The course uses timely articles to discuss newly developed techniques and concepts.

Physiology:

    • GMS PH 730 Human Physiology A

Prereq: consent of instructor. Cellular and organ physiology. Lectures, laboratories, and discussions examine function and regulation of organ systems. Integrative aspects of human physiology include topics in environmental physiology. 4 cr, 1st sem.

    • GMS PH 731 Human Physiology B

Prereq: consent of instructor. See GMS PH 730 Human Physiology A, 4 cr, 2nd sem.

  • GMS PH 741 Experimental Methods in Physiology A
    Prereq: MED ME 751 and consent of instructor. Current research methods in cellular and molecular physiology, as applied to the study of macromolecular function, motility, ligand binding phenomena, and membrane function. Develops problem-solving skills and awareness of current approaches to research problems, 2 cr, 1st sem.

 

    • GMS PH 742 Experimental Methods in Physiology B

Prereq: consent of instructor. A practical approach to electrophysiology techniques, 2 cr, 2nd sem.

    • GMS PH 745, 746 Special Topics in Physiology

Prereq: consent of instructor. Current and classical papers in a given area of physiology are assigned for reading and later discussion with students. Topics include mechanics of muscle, cell motility, membrane transport, sensory physiology, and instrumentation in physiological research. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem.

    • GMS PH 841, 842 Physiology Seminar

Students present seminars on their research and/or review literature related to their research. Students attend the seminars presented by staff and other students. 2 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.

    • GMS PH 843, 844 Cellular Physiology I and II

Prereq: consent of instructor. Lectures and discussion on: (1) membrane transport, thermodynamic and kinetic analysis; (2) electrophysiology of cell membranes, excitable membrane properties, electrical coupling, synaptic transmission; and (3) cell motility, molecular mechanism, and regulation of contraction of muscle and other cells; mechanisms of transduction of photoreceptors. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.

    • GMS PH 941, 942 Research Physiology Variable cr.

Students can also select elective courses focused on area-specific interests from core disciplines such as:

    • Biochemistry
    • Biophysics
    • Genetics and Genomics
    • Immunology Training Program
    • Medical Nutrition Sciences
    • Microbiology
    • Molecular & Translational Medicine
    • Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
    • Physiology
      • Engage in laboratory rotations
      • Attend journal clubs and research seminars
      • Select a faculty advisor
      • Create an individual development plan for research and training with the help of their advisor
      • Begin thesis research
      Second year students:
      • Continue taking classes
      • Develop their research projects
      • Are required to pass qualifying exams for advancement to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.
      Throughout their training, students:
      • Participate in a weekly departmental seminar series
      • Report the progress of their research projects at the annual pre-thesis committee meetings, Students Seminar Day, Russek Day for Graduate Students Excellence and other venues through oral presentations and poster sessions.
      • May choose to take additional courses relevant to their research
      • May choose to participate in teaching and mentoring at the graduate, undergraduate or high-school level.
      Years to graduation:
      • Graduate students are expected to defend their PhD thesis in 5 to 6 years. Additional time may be granted if necessary subject to student performance and funding availability.
      Learning Outcomes:

      Learning outcomes for all students graduating with a degree in Physiology or Biophysics from the School of Medicine are to:

      • Generate an original body of work in the field of Physiology or Biophysics that reflects critical thinking and independent thought, and present a substantial project that advances this field of research.
      • Demonstrate competencies in advanced research skills.
      • Demonstrate ability to carry out professional responsibilities in an ethical manner.
      • Master and attain proficiency in applying concepts, information, and methods in the field.
      • Demonstrate written and oral communication skills within their chosen field of expertise, with the ability to communicate with both specialists and non-experts.
      • Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and continued learning in their chosen field.

      With Graduate Education playing a key role in the vibrancy of our scientific research, we work to continually improve the Programs in Physiology & Biophysics and expand the opportunities for our graduate students. Students who graduate from our programs with a PhD or MD/PhD degree have gone on to extremely successful careers in all areas of academic, pharmaceutical and industrial science.

      Download the full details of our Graduate Programs

      Information on the available Physiology and Biophysics courses can be found here: Courses in Physiology & Biophysics