Robert T. Mallet, PhD, Graduate Advisor
Carl E. Everett Education and Administration Building, Room 332B
Phone: 817-735-2260
Email: Robert.Mallet@unthsc.edu
Physiology is an essential foundation for clinical and experimental medicine. The physiologist seeks an understanding of the physical and chemical mechanisms of biological processes. Integrative physiology is the study of the function of living organisms and their various components. It encompasses normal and abnormal function and ranges in scope from understanding and applying basic molecular and cellular functions and biological control principles to the integration of bodily functions among multiple organ systems.
The faculty maintain active and productive research programs with special emphasis on cardiovascular physiology. Research interests of the faculty include autonomic neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, lipoprotein-based drug delivery, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and failure, cardiac resuscitation, cardiac opioids, coronary circulation, adaptation to exercise and hypoxia, effects of aging and obesity, neurophysiology, stroke and neuroprotection, renal physiology and pathology, and calcium signaling. Faculty programs are funded by extramural sources including the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Department of Defense, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Students may enter the discipline after completing course work and laboratory rotations as required by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS). The discipline offers advanced courses designed to integrate the fundamental processes of molecular biology and neurophysiology with organ system functions. Students participate in teaching and seminars and receive extensive training in techniques of contemporary physiological research. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master of Science (M.S.) students perform original, publishable research, and present their research findings at national scientific meetings. One to two years are required to complete the M.S. degree requirements. Three to five years are required to complete the Ph.D. degree requirements. Prior to the awarding of the Ph.D. degree, it is expected that the student will have written and submitted at least two first-author manuscripts that are published, in press or undergoing peer review.
Graduates with advanced degrees find employment in higher education, industry and government agencies.