Graduate Program

Program of Study. The Department offers graduate programs leading to a Master's and a Ph.D. in Physiology. The Master's program usually requires two years and the Ph.D. no less than four years of study. During the first three semesters the student's time is devoted mainly to basic course work. During this time the student is also expected to become acquainted with the departmental research projects and to select an area in which he/she will work. Ph.D. students must take a Comprehensive Examination, usually at the end of their second year of study. The program includes courses in Human Physiology, General Physiology, Biochemistry, Biostatistics, Membrane Physiology, Instrumentation, Cellular Physiology, Neuroscience and Exercise Physiology. Students are also required to participate in the departmental seminars. As the student advances, more time is dedicated to thesis research under the direction of a faculty member. Upon completion of this research, a written thesis is submitted and a final oral examination is given.

Financial aid. The department's graduate students receive financial assistance via teaching or research assistantships funded by the University, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Sciences Foundation (NSF).

Cost of Study. During 2001-02, full-time tuition is approximately $1,047 per semester for residents of Puerto Rico. This is based on a rate of $75 per credit hour, $35 construction fee, $366 medical insurance (including Pharmacy), $25 laboratory fee, and $5.00 for the ID card. Non residents pay $3,500 per year. Tuition is waived for teaching and research assistants. Cost of living in the area adjacent to the Medical Sciences Campus is approximately $400-$500 for an apartment and $250 for meals.

Applying. Applicants for the Master of Science degree should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in one of the natural sciences, with a general grade index of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The bachelor's degree training must include one year of course work with laboratory in physics, general chemistry, and general biology and at least one course in calculus. In addition, 1 year of organic chemistry, and one semester of analytical chemistry and of Biochemistry are highly recommended. The applicant must also be proficient in English and Spanish. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Subject Test in biology is required in addition to general tests. An interview may be requested. The application deadline is February 15. Students are normally admitted to the Master's Program, but well-qualified students may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program or transfer prior to completion of the M.S. degree.

Graduate Program Coordinator

Department of Physiology

University of Puerto Rico

School of Medicine

P.O. Box 365067

San Juan, PR 00936-5067

(787) 758-2525 ext. 1600

(787) 753-0120 Voice/FAX