Graduate Field of
Molecular and Integrative Physiology

The science of physiology covers a broad range of pursuits under the umbrella of the definition that physiology is "the study of how living organisms function". Faculty members in the field of molecular and integrative physiology study how things function in animals at levels of biological organization from the whole animal down to individual molecules. The objects of study range from mosquitoes to humans.

The Graduate Field of Molecular and Integrative Physiology offers opportunities to participate in research programs in Systems Physiology, Cellular & Molecular Physiology, and Physiological Genomics. Students may find opportunities for research in behavioral physiology, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, endocrinology, environmental and comparative physiology, gastrointestinal and metabolic physiology, membrane and epithelial physiology, molecular and cellular physiology, neural and sensory physiology, reproductive physiology and physiological genomics.

Courses offered by field faculty provide a basic background in systemic and cellular physiology, plus specialized, cutting edge knowledge in specific concentrations. In addition to undertaking a research project in the laboratory of a mentor, students are encouraged to learn a number of laboratory techniques available as formal courses or rotations through the laboratories of members of the field.

The Graduate Field of Molecular and Integrative Physiology is one of several graduate fields that make up the Graduate Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences of Cornell University. Students admitted into the Program are guaranteed to receive funding (including tuition, student health insurance and a stipend) for the duration of their graduate program. Funding for the first year is provided by the Graduate Program; in subsequent years funding is provided by the thesis advisor. More information on this umbrella program can be found at the Biological and Biomedical Sciences website.