Academic Information

Graduate Programs

Neuroscience Graduate Program

The Department of Physiology administers the Neuroscience Graduate Program (which is one of the PIBS programs). The Neuroscience Graduate Program admits applicants for the Fall quarter only. For information on the application process and deadline and to download application materials, please visit: http://www.neuroscience.ucsf.edu/neurograd/neuro_admissions.html

Non-degree postdoctoral programs are also available for individuals who wish to obtain specialized research training in one of the fields of physiology represented by the Department. Applicants interested in non-degree postdoctoral research should contact the individual faculty member with whom they are interested in working at the following address:

Department of Physiology
Room S-762, Box 0444
University of California, San Francisco
513 Parnassus Avenue San Francisco, CA 94143

Program in Biological Sciences (PIBS)

UCSF offers a rich variety of research opportunities in the biological sciences encompassing multiple different disciplines and departments. The graduate faculty at UCSF created the Herbert W. Boyer Program in Biological Sciences (PIBS) in order to give students access to the broadest possible range of research and to encourage interactions among faculty and students in different disciplines.

PIBS has allowed the creation of interdisciplinary graduate curricula rather than limiting students to studies in conventional departments. PIBS currently consists of five distinct programs offering the Ph.D. degree: Biophysics, Immunology, Neuroscience, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, and the Tetrad program composed of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, and Genetics; and one post graduate program - Molecular Medicine.

While the five Ph.D. programs differ in their emphasis and degree requirements, students admitted to any PIBS program can enroll in course work, attend retreats and carry out their thesis studies in any of the 150 labs affiliated with PIBS. Prospective students interested in PIBS should go to the links describing the individual graduate programs to determine which programs best fits their background and research interests.

Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Graduate Program

The Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Graduate Program trains students studying for the PhD degree.

The unique curriculum of the BMS program is designed to provide students with a wide range of opportunities for their development as biomedical researchers. In the first year of the program, students take courses, present in journal club, complete three laboratory rotations, and select a thesis laboratory. In the second year, students begin research in their thesis laboratories, take additional courses, present in journal club, serve as teaching assistants, and take their qualifying examinations. In later years students primarily focus on their thesis research and dissertation, although they may opt to take additional elective courses or participate in a wide range of other activities. Details of the academic program are given below.

Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB) Graduate Program

The Ph.D. program in Chemistry and Chemical Biology provides a background in modern chemistry that includes molecular thermodynamics, bioorganic chemistry, computational chemistry, structural biology and cell biology. The interdisciplinary study of molecules in living systems at a health science campus helps to integrate the traditional disciplines of chemistry and biology.

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Core Professional School Courses

School of Medicine

In medical school, physiology course content is covered in integrated major organ system-based basic science courses.

Interdepartmental Studies – IDS 102A and B Organs: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Renal is a fall and winter course for first year medical students that covers the structure, function and disease of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal/body fluid systems. This course is administered through the Department of Physiology.

Interdepartmental Studies – IDS 103 Metabolism and Nutrition is a winter and spring course for first year medical students that covers the structure, function and disease of the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems. This course is administered through the Department of Biochemistry.

Interdepartmental Studies – IDS 104: Brain, Mind and Behavior is a spring course for first year medical students that covers the anatomy structure, function and disease of the peripheral and central nervous system. This course is administered through the Department of Anatomy.

Interdepartmental Studies – IDS 107 Life Cycle is a winter course for second year medical students that covers human growth and development from conception through the end of life and the disease and conditions associated with it. Physiology of the reproductive system is covered in this course. This course is administered through the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology.

School of Pharmacy

There are two Physiology courses designed specifically for second year students in the School of Pharmacy and the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy.

Physiology 121 – Mammalian Physiology is a fall course that covers endocrine, exciteable cells, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology.

Physiology 122 – Mammalian Physiology is a winter course that covers renal and gastrointestinal physiology as well as neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. These two courses are administered through the Department of Physiology.

School of Dentistry

As in medical school, physiology content is covered in integrated major organ system–based basic science courses.

Biomedical Science 118 – Organ System and Human Pathophysiology – is a spring course that covers the structure, function and disease of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and nervous systems. It is offered to first year dental students.

Biomedical Science 126 – Organ System and Human Pathophysiology – is a fall course that covers the structure, function and disease of the gastrointestinal and the endocrine systems. It is offered for second year dental students.

Biomedical Science 118 and 126 are administered through the Department of Cell and Tissue Biology.

Physiology Department

Physiology 198 – is a medical school elective designed to introduce first year medical students to UCSF scientists, to the process of scientific inquiry, and to the profession of physician scientist.

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