Department of Physiology and Biophysics Graduate Programs in Medicine Case Western Reserve University

Case Western School of Medicine's Department of Physiology and Biophysics Offers Unique, Compelling Ph.D. Programs

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine's Department of Physiology and Biophysics has a leading graduate program that provides comprehensive training leading to a Ph.D. degree. This program's three tracks of study - Cell and Molecular Physiology, Molecular and Cellular Biophysics, and Organ Systems Physiology - lead to the Cell & Molecular Physiology Ph.D., Molecular/Cellular Biophysics Ph.D., and Systems and Integrated Physiology Ph.D.

The department also offers courses to students enrolled in the M.D./Ph.D. track, as well as a master's degree in physiology, which includes an extended program of study specifically for research assistants within the department.

Whatever career goals new graduate students set for themselves, they will arrive at their destinations following a new journey that promises to discover, define, and develop their abilities.

The Cell & Molecular Physiology Ph.D. offers students leading-edge training in state-of-the-art molecular and cellular technologies, including advanced microscopy, gene cloning, and transgenic methodology. Research efforts in the department cover a wide range of diverse fields, with particular emphasis on fundamental cell and molecular biological questions as regards normal cell physiology and the pathology of disease states. Most students receive a full tuition waiver, stipend, and health benefits during the full term of their studies.

The Molecular/Cellular Biophysics Ph.D. program focuses on quantitative methods, equipping students to investigate cell and protein structures and functions, using state-of-the-art instruments and data processing. The department hosts outstanding research programs in the areas of structural biology and on cellular ion channels and ion transporters. Again, most students receive a full tuition waiver, stipend, and health benefits throughout the length of their studies.

The Systems and Integrated Physiology Ph.D. program emphasizes studies concerning the response of cells and organs in a "whole-body" environment. Researchers use state-of-the-art technology and methodology to study immune cell biology from gastrointestinal, renal, cardiovascular, neuronal, and integumental perspectives. The program supports a substantial amount of graduate training designed to prepare the next generation of systems biologists. The full tuition waiver, stipend, and health benefits are made available to most students in this track, for the duration of their studies.

Combined Degrees, Special Master's Program, and a Ph.D. Program for M.D.s Extend the Reach of the Specialty

The M.D. / Ph.D. program provides students the opportunity to combine training in research in any of the department's programs with medical training at the School of Medicine.

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) presents students with various means to accomplish the combined degree, with varying combinations and emphases tailored to an individual's unique skills, goals, and career choices. The program typically takes six to seven years to complete, consisting of the core medical training in addition to advanced graduate courses for the first two or three years. In the following years, solid and diversified clinical training leads to the M.D. degree.

The combined degree program refines and optimizes the coursework and research requirements for future physicians that are interested in medical research and academic careers. Most students receive a full tuition waiver, stipend, and health benefits for the duration of their studies.

The Department of Physiology & Biophysics Ph.D. program for M.D.s is specially designed for physicians desiring careers as M.D./scientists. The program can be linked to such research-based residency programs as the Clinical Investigator Pathway, which is approved by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and other, similarly structured programs in both pediatrics and surgery. The full tuition waiver, stipend, and health benefits apply to these program participants, as well.

The Department of Physiology and Biophysics introduces a new program for a Master of Science in Physiology. This program offers a strong foundation for future careers in biotechnology firms, biomedical professions, academic settings, or pharmaceutical research. With cell, molecular, and systems coursework and research training, students can retain the option to transfer their efforts to the Ph.D. degree track in physiology.

The M.S. in Physiology degree requires a full year of advanced coursework and hands-on laboratory experience, followed by another year of intensive, immersive laboratory investigation in a strictly structured, fully mentored environment. Students help choose their own research focus from a wide array of research areas within the department. Students with undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, or physics are particularly encouraged to apply.

Top Faculty Members Train Skilled Scientists that Are Ready to Help and Heal, plus Investigate and Discover

The faculty leading the various department graduate programs develop challenging courses of study that offer students all of the tools necessary to compete successfully after graduation for the best positions in the biomedical sciences - in industry, academia, government, or private practice.

The department goal is to train skilled scientists that consistently demonstrate integrity, think critically, and communicate effectively. Graduate program faculty and staff strongly support effective partnerships between faculty mentors and individual students, proving again and again how they are mutually beneficial. Faculty members and students both progress when students are treated as potential colleagues that benefit from the best possible training environment, total freedom of inquiry and expression that is encouraged and valued.

Ph.D. Students Receive Full Tuition Waivers, a Stipend, and Full Insurance Benefits for the Duration of Their Studies

In recent years, fellowships with tuition reimbursements have been averaging $25,000 per year, with research assistantship stipends averaging $25,000 per year. In addition to receiving the tuition waiver and stipend, students in the Ph.D. programs also receive health insurance. There are also other scholarships, grants, and student financial aid available.

Case Western Reserve University Is Renowned for Academic Excellence

Case Western Reserve University is the only Ohio institution in the nation's top 50 national universities as ranked by the leading college catalogs and ranking organizations. Case Western continues to be the top-rated university in Ohio and has led all Ohio institutions in national and state rankings for 14 consecutive years.

The School of Medicine's Department of Physiology and Biophysics, specifically, was ranked second in the U.S. by the prestigious Chronicle of Higher Education for academic medical centers offering doctoral programs.

• Degrees Offered
• Major Degree Levels Offered
• Physiology And Biophysics Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Molecular/Cellular Biophysics Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Cell Physiology Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Systems Physiology Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Cell And Molecular Physiology Master of Science (MS)
• Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)

• Degrees Awarded
• Master's Degrees 4
• Doctoral Degrees 3
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported
• * Shows the number of degrees awarded for the last academic year that data was reported.

• Earning Your Degree
• Part-time study available? No
• Evening/weekend programs available? No
• Distance learning programs available? No
• Terminal master's degree available? Yes

• Degree Requirements
• Master's Degrees Required
• Doctoral Degrees Required
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported

• Acceptance Rate
• Applied32
• Accepted9
• Acceptance Rate28%
• Enrolled6
• Applying
• Application Fee - Domestic $50
• Application Fee - International $50
• Electronic applications accepted? Yes
• Applications processed on a rolling basis? Yes
• Application Deadlines
• Type Domestic International Priority Date
• Fall deadline March 15th February 1st Yes
• Winter deadline Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
• Spring deadline Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
• Entrance Requirements
• Master's DegreesGRE General Test, minimum GPA of 3.28
• Doctoral's DegreesGRE General Test, minimum GPA of 3.6
• First-Professional's DegreesNot Reported
• Other Advanced DegreesNot Reported
• International DegreesTOEFL required

• Tuition & Fees
• In-state tuition *Not Reported
• Out-of-state tuition *Not Reported
• International student tuitionNot Reported
• * Tuition for full-time graduate student per academic year
• Fees
• Per-academic year feesNot Reported
• Per-term feesNot Reported
• One-time feeNot Reported
• * Fees for full-time graduate students
• Financial Support
• Financial award applicants must submitNot Reported
• Application deadlines for financial awardsNot Reported
• Types of financial support availableTuition Waivers, Health Care Benefits, Scholarship and/or loans

• Gender
• Total Graduate Students37
• Female Percentage43%
• Male Percentage57%
• Participation
• Total Graduate Students37
• Part-time Percentage0%
• Full-time Percentage100%
• Ethnicity
• Hispanic / Latino0%
• Black / African American11%
• White / Caucasian61%
• American Indian / Alaskan Native0%
• Asian29%
• Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander0%
• Two or more races0%
• Unknown-1%

• Faculty Breakout
• Total Faculty52
• Full-time PercentageNot Reported
• Part-time PercentageNot Reported
• Female PercentageNot Reported
• Male PercentageNot Reported

• Existing Research
• Focus of faculty researchCardiovascular physiology, calcium metabolism, epithelial cell biology
• Externally sponsored research expenditures last year$12,098,372