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Physiology

Biomedical Science T-608
1960 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8640
Fax: (808) 956-9722

Faculty

* Graduate Faculty

• *G. C. Whittow, PhD (Chair)--thermoregulation
• *J. R. Claybaugh, PhD--body fluid regulation
• *H. L. Gillary, PhD--human evoked potentials
• *J. M. Hanna, PhD--physiological anthropology
• *D. A. Lally, PhD--exercise physiology
• *Y. C. Lin, PhD--cardiovascular, hyperbaric physiology
• *R. M. Smith, PhD--free radical biology
• R. K. Wada, MD--cell pathophysiology

Cooperating Graduate Faculty

• J. J. McNamara, MD--cardiopulmonary physiology
• J. G. Starkus, PhD--axonology
• *C. W. Weems, PhD--reproductive endocrinology

Affiliate Graduate Faculty

• R. Brill, PhD--fish physiology
• G. H. Hartung, PhD--exercise physiology
• S. E. McNeil, PhD--molecular physiology
• J. Pegg, MD--diving medicine

Degrees Offered: MS in biomedical science (physiology), PhD in biomedical science (physiology)

The Academic Program

Physiology (PHYL) is the study of the function of animals, i.e., how they work. As part of the School of Medicine, the department places emphasis on human physiology in its teaching. However, research is conducted on animals as diverse as laboratory rats and tropical seabirds. Many of the department's courses are needed by students seeking health-related careers, such as dental hygiene, dentistry, medical technology, medicine, nursing, nutrition, physical therapy, public health, and the social sciences. Graduate students in physiology may elect to conduct research at the molecular or cellular level, on organs such as the lungs, or on the whole animal or person. Higher degrees in physiology prepare students for teaching careers in universities, community colleges, and high schools, as well as for research careers at universities, hospitals, government laboratories, and large pharmaceutical companies. Other students obtain positions in sports-training activities or in health and fitness programs in hospitals or private businesses. 

Graduate Study

The PhD and MS Plan A programs require a combination of course work and original research, the latter forming the basis of the student's thesis or dissertation. Both degrees may serve as an introduction to a research career. The MS Plan B program is also offered.

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation together with either GRE or MCAT scores. All applicants are expected to have adequate backgrounds in biology, chemistry, mathematics, molecular biology, physics. The course requirements of admitted students vary with their degree and specialization, but all candidates for the MS and PhD degrees must take a written qualifying examination.

There are special opportunities for research in a new cardiopulmonary laboratory developed in conjunction with surgeons at Kaiser Moanalua Medical Center. In addition to laboratories in the Biomedical Sciences building, there are special facilities for research in endocrinology at Tripler Army Medical Center.

Master's Degree

The MS (Plan B) degree serves as training for teaching positions at the high school, community college, or four-year college level. It may also be a prelude to a medical or dental education. The MS concentration in exercise physiology provides adequate preparation for a career in sports medicine and training and in health and fitness programs in hospitals and private businesses.

Requirements
In addition to passing a written qualifying examination, candidates for the MS Plan B degree are required to prepare a written paper and give an oral presentation as well as fulfilling course requirements (total of 30 credits). Candidates for the MS Plan A degree must submit an acceptable outline of their proposed thesis research, submit and defend a thesis, and fulfill all course requirements. The MS Plan A degree requires a combination of course work and original research, the latter forming the basis of the student's thesis. In addition to qualifying students for opportunities available to MS Plan B students, the MS Plan A may serve as an introduction to a research career.

Doctoral Degree

PhD graduates usually obtain postdoctoral positions elsewhere as further preparation for a career in teaching and research at the university level.

Requirements
After they have passed their written qualifying examination, PhD candidates must take a written qualifying examination and an oral comprehensive examination and submit an acceptable outline of their proposed dissertation research. They must also submit and defend their dissertation.

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