Overview
The Physiology & Developmental Biology (P&DB) curricular training track prepares Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) PhD and MS Thesis students for biomedical careers. Students in this track achieve advanced, integrated understanding of animal formation and function at levels of organization ranging from molecules to whole organisms.
Students in this track delve into principles of physiology and developmental biology, working with faculty with interests in a wide range of fields including cardiovascular physiology, cell biology/genetics/epigenetics, development biology, musculoskeletal biology and regeneration, neuroscience, reproduction and endocrinology, and pharmacology/toxicology, and their integration into practices designed to promote health and overcome disease.
The high level of cooperation among the faculty from various departments within the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) and across Texas A&M University’s scientific community provides a unique interdisciplinary training environment. Investigators use state-of-art in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experimental models and analytical capabilities taking advantage of extensive advanced research facilities and big data analytical platforms.
Required courses
Students in the P&DB track are required to complete section 601 Principles of Physiology and a minimum of 3 modules from:
This coursework must be completed in addition to the BIMS PhD core courses/MS Thesis core courses.
Electives
In consultation with their graduate advisory committee, students will choose electives for their graduate degree plan.
These courses should provide students with skills in critical thinking, research design and analysis, as well as written and oral scientific communication.
The following courses are commonly-used electives for students in the P&DB track:
Cardiovascular
Cell Biology
- VIBS 617 Cell Biology
- VIBS 627 Optical Microscopy and Live Cell Imaging
- VTPP 654 Molecular Endocrinology
- VTPP 638 Analysis of Genomic Signals
- BIOL 612 Fundamental Molecular Cell Biology
- BIOL 651 Bioinformatics
Developmental Biology
- VTPP 652 Fetal and Embryo Physiology
- VTPP 659 Gamete and Embryo Physiology
- VIBS 612 Mammalian Embryology
General Physiology
- VIBS 601 Anatomy
- VIBS 602 Histology
- VIBS 690 Theory of Research
- VIBS 604/NRSC 604 Biomedical Neuroendocrinology and Endocrine Disorders
- VPAT 640 Mechanisms of Disease
- VPAT 641 Systemic Pathology I
- VTPP 623 Biomedical Physiology I
- VTPP 624/VIBS 624 Endocrinology
- VIBS 611 Tumor Cell Biology and Carcinogenesis
- VIBS 642 Histological Research Methods
- VTPP 626 Systemic Physiology and Disease
Neuroscience
- BIOL 644 Neural Development
- VIBS 603 Neuroanatomy
- VIBS 606/NRSC 605 Neuroanatomical Systems
- VIBS 604/NRSC 604 Neuroendocrinology and Endocrine Disorders
- VIBS 640/NRSC 640 Neurobiology
- BIOL 627/NRSC 601 Principles of Neuroscience I
- BIOL 628/NRSC 602 Principles of Neuroscience II
- BIOL 634/NRSC 634 Comparative Neurobiology
Pharm/Tox
- VTPP 625 Pharmacology
- VIBS 622 Endocrine Toxicology
- VTPP 673 Metabolic and Detoxication Mechanisms
- VTPP 676 Genetic and Molecular Toxicology
- VIBS 616 Advanced Developmental Neurotoxicology
- VIBS 670 Advanced Toxicology
Reproduction
- VTPP 652 Fetal and Embryo Physiology
- VIBS 604/NRSC 604 Biomedical Neuroendocrinology and Endocrine Disorders
- VTPP 624/VIBS 624 Endocrinology
- VTPP 654 Molecular Endocrinology
- VTPP 659 Gamete and Embryo Physiology
- VIBS 609 Anatomy of Reproductive Systems
- VIBS 612 Mammalian Embryology
- ANSC 630 Reproductive Biology I
- ANSC 631 Reproductive Biology II
- ANSC 633 Concepts in Reproduction
Learn more about…
Prospective Student Contacts
If you have questions relating to faculty and/or research being conducted in this area, please reach out to this track’s faculty leadership.
Track Co-Leaders: Dr. Gladys Ko | Dr. Weston Porter
If you have questions about seeking a faculty mentor, please contact our admissions coordinator.
