Integrative Physiology—PhD | Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology

If you’re fascinated by health and human physiology and have a passion for fitness, bring your interests together with study in a doctorate of Integrative Physiology.

We take a system-level approach to understand the role of physiology in human health. Our work is conducted across the entire spectrum - fundamental basics at the molecular level, animal- and human-based research, and population studies - to translate research into tangible health outcomes.

What you’ll work on

We have many focus areas and laboratories to work with top faculty to do your research. For a more in-depth look at the areas we offer, our research focus page will show you more.

Cardiovascular Physiology

The human central nervous system regulates cardiovascular function, body fluid, and sodium homeostasis, research focuses on hypertension, congestive heart failure, obesity and diabetes.

Integrative Physiology Research

Understanding human cardiovascular disease and orthostatic hypotension by studying sympathetic neural control of circulation.

Molecular Physiology

Focuses on the neurogenic mechanisms of hypertension and associated cardiovascular diseases, with emphasis on developing novel targets for disease treatment and management.

Exercise Physiology

Focuses on how the human nervous and musculoskeletal systems interact to give rise to coordinated locomotor movements.

Human Biomechanics

Focuses on how the laws of physics act on the human body to influence performance and injury risk.

Aging and Cognition Action

Understanding the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in healthy aging and dementia.

Tissue Interfaces Research

Concentration on understanding how the transient signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) can mediate and control physiological response in both normal and pathological conditions.

PhD Requirements, Integrative Physiology

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
Pass Qualifying Examination
Pass Research Proposal Examination
Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Degrees	Credits
MS-PhD (minimum)	30 Credits
BS-PhD (minimum)	60 Credits

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the Doctor of Philosophy Requirements website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

Required Courses

Please select 10 credits of the following:

KIP 5000 - Advanced Exercise Physiology

This course focuses on exercise physiology in both humans and rodents. Topics include detailed muscle physiology, fatigue mechanisms, the autonomic nervous system, advanced cardiovascular adaptations with exercise, exercise metabolism, and environmental exercise physiology. The importance of translational research will be highlighted.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): KIP 4100 and KIP 4110

KIP 5500 - Systems Physiology

A comprehensive systemic study of the physiological functions of the adult human, including an introduction to the underlying etiologies and clinical indicators of molecular, cellular, and tissue bases for common organ system diseases in humans.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

KIP 5510 - Molecular Physiology

Introduction on how different biochemical and molecular pathways of the cell work together to produce various physiological functions. Emphasis will be placed on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying physiological processes. Structure and function relationship will be addressed throughout the course.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

KIP 6100 - Doctoral Graduate Seminar in Integrative Physiology

The graduate seminar is designed to facilitate critical discussions of peer-reviewed research and student research projects in the field of integrative physiology. The presenter will provide an overview or seminar of the research of interest, which will establish the foundation for the discussion thereafter.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Integrative Physiology

At least one of the following:

MA 4710 - Regression Analysis

Covers simple, multiple, and polynomial regression; estimation, testing, and prediction; weighted least squares, matrix approach, dummy variables, multicollinearity, model diagnostics and variable selection. A statistical computing package is an integral part of the course.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710 or MA 3715 or MA 5701

MA 4720 - Design and Analysis of Experiments

Covers construction and analysis of completely randomized, randomized block, incomplete block, Latin squares, factorial, fractional factorial, nested and split-plot designs. Also examines fixed, random and mixed effects models and multiple comparisons and contrasts. The SAS statistical package is an integral part of the course.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710 or MA 3715 or MA 5701

MA 5701 - Statistical Methods

Introduction to design, conduct, and analysis of statistical studies, with an introduction to statistical computing and preparation of statistical reports. Topics include design, descriptive, and graphical methods, probability models, parameter estimation and hypothesis testing.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

PSY 5210 - Advanced Statistical Analysis and Design I

An overview of data analysis methods including visualization, data programming, and univariate statistics such as t-test and ANOVA.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Remaining credits are dissertation research and/or electives. Talk with your advisor each semester about specific research and elective credits. For more-detailed information, see Degree Requirements and our Graduate Student Handbook.