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MSMP Core Curriculum

Mirroring the structure of the first-year of medical school, the core curriculum is designed to enhance students’ knowledge in medical and translational physiology. The core consists of six courses for a total of 20 credit hours. Starting every fall term, students typically complete core courses over two semesters.  Refer to the Graduate Bulletin for all course descriptions.

Core Curriculum Courses

Fall Semester (10 credits) Spring Semester (10 credits)
PHOL 481 Medical Physiology I PHOL 482 Medical Physiology II
PHOL 483 Translational Physiology I PHOL 484 Translational Physiology II
PHOL 498C Seminar I PHOL 498D Seminar II

Recommended Plan of Study

First Year

Semester Course Code Course Name Credit
Fall

PHOL 481

PHOL 483

PHOL 498C

Medical Physiology I

Translational Physiology I

Seminar I

6

3

1

Spring

PHOL 482

PHOL 484

PHOL 498D

-

Medical Physiology II

Translational Physiology II

Seminar II

Comprehensive Exam

6

3

1

-

Summer Options: MCAT/ DAT/ GRE Preparation; Clinical/ research/ volunteering opportunities

Second Year

Semester Courses & Activities Credit
Fall

Elective Coursework

Enrichment: Clinical/ shadowing, research, volunteer opportunities

6

-

Spring

Elective Coursework

Enrichment: Clinical/ shadowing, research, volunteer opportunities

6

-

The recommended plan of study is a typical schedule for a student beginning the program in the fall. Students can also start in the spring or summer terms in which case they would begin by taking elective courses until the core curriculum starts again in the fall. Students who would like to accelerate their studies can discuss these options with their faculty advisor.

MSMP Textbook

  • Boron & Boulpaep’s Medical Physiology 3rd Edition (B&B) serves as the foundation of the Medical Physiology program’s core curriculum
  • recipient of the BMA Medical Book Award
  • Co-editor Dr. Walter Boron (Chairman, Department of Physiology & Biophysics) teaches the core curriculum’s respiratory block.
  • Co-editor Dr. Emile Boulpaep teaches a major portion of the core curriculum’s cardiovascular block.
  • Dr. Sam Mesiano (Professor, Department of Physiology & Biophysics), a major author of the 3rd Edition of B&B, teaches in the core curriculum’s reproductive block.