Graduate Program

Introduction
Admission and Entry
Description of Programs
Financial Assistance
Graduate Catalog
Graduate Faculty
Graduate Handbook
Programs Learning Outcomes
Resources and Opportunities


Introduction

Physiology is the study of the functions of the body systems. Developmental biology is the study of how specific genes govern differentiation of cells, tissues, and organs with unique structure and functions. Neuroscience is the study of the development and function of the central nervous system and its connection to influencing/ regulating behavior. Graduate programs in the department offer research training and classroom instruction in a wide range of areas pertaining to these disciplines. A biophysics research group is also part of the department. Areas of research include neuroendocrinology and reproduction, endocrine and immune interactions, development of the central nervous system, hereditary connective tissue disorders, mouse and chick models of development, exercise physiology and glucose metabolism, membrane transport and channel structure, synaptic vesicle recycling, and blood pressure control by the autonomic nervous system.
 
Admission and Entry
All graduate programs have the same general admission and entry requirements. However, the Neuroscience programs have additional prerequisites as outlined in the sections below:
  • Semesters of entry and application deadlines: Fall, February 1 (priority deadline), May 1 (final deadline); Winter, September 10
  • Entrance examination:Masters - Choice of GRE, MCAT, or DAT. & Foreign students TOEFLPh.D. - GRE & Foreign students TOEFL
Applicants are encouraged to communicate with the Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology for further information.

BYU Office of Graduate

StudiesOnline Application
 
Description of Graduate Programs
The Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology offers four graduate degrees: Physiology and Developmental Biology - MS, Neuroscience - MS, Physiology and Developmental Biology - PhD, and Neuroscience - PhD. The Department has approximately twenty graduate students enrolled each year. Students working toward a master's degree generally complete all requirements within two years. PhD students generally complete all requirements in four to five years.
 
Financial Assistance

The Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology offers the following financial aid: teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and tuition awards. Specific endowment fund awards are also available.
 
Graduate Faculty

BARROW, JEFFERY R. , Assistant Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1999. Molecular Mechanisms of Development of Limbs and Craniofacial Structures; Tumorigenesis.

BELL, JOHN D., Dean of Undergraduate Education. PhD, University of California, San Diego, 1987. Pharmacology; Membrane Physiology.

BROWN, MICHAEL D., Assistant Teaching Professor. PhD, Colorado State University, 1999. Regulation of Axon and Dendrite Extension and Pathfinding During Nervous System Development.

BUSATH, DAVID D., Professor. MD, University of Utah, 1978. Electrophysiology; Molecular Modeling; Molecular Biophysics.

JUDD, ALLAN M., Associate Professor. PhD, West Virginia University, 1981. Physiology; Neuroendocrinology.

KOOYMAN, DAVID L., Associate Professor. PhD, Ohio University, 1993. Mechanisms of Gene Expression.

LEPHART, EDWIN D., Professor. PhD, University of Texas Southwest Medical Center, 1989. Neuroendocrinology.

PORTER, JAMES P., Associate Dean. PhD, University of California, San Francisco, 1982. Neuroendocrinology; Hypertension.

RHEES, REUBEN WARD , Professor. PhD, Colorado State University, 1971. Neuroendocrinology; Physiology.

SEEGMILLER, ROBERT E. , Professor. PhD, McGill University, Canada, 1970. Developmental Biology; Teratology.

SILCOX, ROY W., Associate Professor. PhD, North Carolina State University, 1986. Reproductive Physiology; Management; Superovulation; Embryonic Development.

STARK, MICHAEL R., Assistant Professor. PhD, University of California, Irvine, 1998. Developmental Biology.

SUDWEEKS, STERLING N. , Assistant Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1997. Pharmacology of the Nervous System; Ion Channels.

THOMSON, DAVID M., Assistant Professor. PhD, East Carolina University, 2005. Exercise Physiology and Endocrinology.

WINDER, WILLIAM W., Department Chair. PhD, Brigham Young University, 1971. Exercise Physiology and Endocrinology.

WOODBURY, DIXON, Professor. PhD, University of California, Irvine, 1986. Molecular Mechanisms of Exocytosis; Neuroscience of Transmitter Release; Electrophysiology of Ion Channels.
 
Resources and Opportunities

Program resources include the laboratories and equipment of department faculty within the John A. Widtsoe Building and the Eyring Science Center. An Electron Microscope Laboratory, with both transmission and scanning microscopes is also located on campus. A DNA Sequencing Center is available in the Widtsoe Building.