Graduate Program

The Pharmacology and Physiology Department is dedicated to understanding the functioning of the body at molecular, cellular, and organ system levels and to applying this knowledge to alleviate human suffering and disease. The interests of the department faculty members cover a broad range of research topics and experimental approaches.With the Human Genome Project largely complete, we are at the brink of an era of unprecedented breakthroughs in physiology and therapeutics.

The department is strongly committed to graduate student training that combines excellence in education with top quality research. The program leading to the PhD requires both coursework and laboratory research which is written up as a thesis. Students accepted to our full-time doctoral training program will receive full stipend and tuition support. Students can pursue the degree either full-time or part-time, although only full-time students are eligible for stipend support and tuition remission.We invite you to join us for a career in the biomedical sciences at this exciting time!

PhD Graduate Program
The goal of the Ph.D. program is to prepare students for a career in research, teaching, or related biomedical professions. The 4-5 year program provides students with a solid foundation for a future as an independent scientist through coursework, active research, and opportunities to develop professional communication and presentation skills.

During the first two years, students complete 40 credit hours of coursework . Students are exposed to basic knowledge in modern cell biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, and physiology. Required courses are kept to a minimum to encourage students to select electives offered by both our department and other departments at UMDNJ and nearby institutions. Most students take 3 laboratory rotations during their first two years that count as 7 of the 40 credits. These provide exposure to the projects and techniques available in the department. By the end of the second year, students select a mentor. The qualifying exam is taken at the end of the second year and tests both basic knowledge and the ability to formulate and defend a research proposal.

The final 2-3 years are devoted to original research that culminates in a written thesis and oral presentation. A committee works closely with the student and mentor to ensure the quality of the training provided to the student. Most students have at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal by the end of their training.

Throughout their training, students are provided with opportunities to present their work in informal seminars to the department and as posters to the general UMDNJ and scientific community. Our aim is to provide students with a solid foundation in both research and communication that will allow them to confidently and successfully pursue their ultimate career goals.

Course Schedule 2008 - 2009

Department Graduate Courses

Department Graduate Faculty

Other Degree Programs

MD/PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences
Joint M.D.- Ph.D. degrees are available. Please contact the Director, Dr. Richard Howells for more information. E-mail: howells@njms.rutgers.edu. Application information available on the Graduate School or the New Jersey Medical School website.

MS in Biomedical Sciences
Masters of Science degrees are available through a program administered by the GSBS. Please click here for further information: Master's Program.

Joint Program Degree
A graduate degree with a concentration in Bioinformatics is now available: Bioinformatics Certificate Program.