Molecular & Integrative Physiology
The Program in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Michigan is an interdisciplinary gateway program that coordinates admissions and the first year of Ph.D. studies for 14 department programs, including Molecular & Integrative Physiology. PIBS offers you the flexibility and convenience of applying to any of our participating programs through one application. We invite you to thoroughly explore Molecular & Integrative Physiology and the other 13 programs before selecting your top preferences when you apply.
Program Overview
The Department of Physiology was established over 125 years ago and is among the oldest physiology departments in the country. In 2002, the department’s name was changed to Molecular and Integrative Physiology (MIP) to more completely reflect our mission and the nature of our work.
Our department has a storied history and a strong tradition for outstanding leadership in teaching, research and graduate education. Our graduate program has extensive opportunities for student interaction with faculty, departmental participation, and the development of leadership and teaching skills. Student success is our top priority and many of students have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields.
MIP has 30-35 Ph.D. students and some 50 faculty, including joint appointees. Approximately five to six students join our program each year. Our faculty members are exceptionally well funded, and they play key leadership roles in University of Michigan institutes, centers and core facilities.
Research Area(s):
Physiology is undergoing a renaissance in the study and understanding of the function of gene products in cells, organs and organisms as affected by environment and disease. Students in MIP utilize cutting edge techniques of modern biology as a “molecular tool chest” to investigate the complex interplay of biological systems and molecular mechanisms of disease. MIP houses the Center for Integrative Genomics, which provides training and technical assistance in the use of genetic models to explore integrated function of virtually all systems of the body. It is truly an exciting time for students in the MIP Graduate Program.
Program Requirements
Coursework
MIP is a vibrant program in modern physiology – the study of how genes, molecules and cells interact to coordinate the function of dynamic systems and living organisms. Courses are geared to prepare students to think creatively and to integrate these various levels of organization. MIP has had an NIH-supported training grant for 19 years. The goal of this grant and of our graduate program is to provide state-of-the-art training in systems and integrative biology. Students learn and apply tools and approaches of genomics, bioinformatics and/or computational biology, proteomics, and biochemistry to study integrated systems and organismal biology.
Students usually take the Preliminary Examination at the end of the Winter Term or during the Spring Term of their second year.
Teaching Requirement
All MIP students are required to participate as a teaching assistant for at least one term.
Expected Length of Program
Usually four to six years.
Student Interests
In an effort to enhance professional development and promote leadership skills, as well as provide opportunities for recreation and informal social interactions, MIP sponsors a wide variety of activities as part of the overall graduate experience.
Social ActivitiesMIP plans plenty of social events throughout the year, including monthly pub nights, fall picnic, spring BBQ, Detroit Tigers baseball game, holiday party and ice skating.
Sports Teams
Intramural sports include softball and broomball. All students are encouraged to participate in a team.
Student Luncheons
Students can expect to attend these regularly scheduled luncheons on a variety of topics, including: department policy and developments, plan recruiting activities, discuss and select student-hosted seminar speakers, and more.
Career Expectations
More than 200 alumni have obtained the Ph.D. in MIP (and formerly Physiology). A vast majority of these alumni enjoy highly successful careers and leadership roles in science, academia, industry, administration and medicine.
