Ruchi Patel, PhD
Co-Director
rpatel8@augusta.edu
Karen Wiles, PhD
Co-Director
kawiles@augusta.edu
The MS in Medical Physiology Program is a post-baccalaureate degree program that is specifically designed to help students enhance their academic records and increase their competitiveness for admission to medical, dental, or other professional school programs in the biomedical arena.
The program is 30 credit hours and is designed to be completed in two semesters. Coursework consists of a series of core classes in physiology, pathophysiology, anatomy, and histology followed by electives consisting of more advanced didactic coursework in physiology or a laboratory research elective.
Physiology is the fundamental basis of medicine. Physiology emphasizes understanding the mechanisms of life by integrating molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and whole-body function. This integrated approach is what sets physiology apart from other biomedical disciplines. The physiology courses predominantly focus on the mechanisms of healthy body functions and normal responses to the environment and the pathophysiology courses will provide an opportunity to learn more about the mechanisms of disease. The anatomy and histology courses complement the physiology course and provide an understanding of the structure of cells, tissues and organ systems so that the function of these systems can be fully understood. Students will have the opportunity to elect to focus on advanced topics in physiology or engage in research (availability of electives will be dependent on cohort size). The content of all courses integrate and provide a rigorous core curriculum in medical physiology mirroring the learning objectives of the first year of medical school.
The MS in Medical Physiology Program should appeal to individuals who are interested in:
"We are very excited to be able to offer this program as an avenue for academic and personal growth in preparation for a future career in the medical field. We look forward to sharing with you our passion for physiology and working with you personally when you join our program!"
Dr. David Mattson, Chair and Professor of Physiology, is the Program Director for the MS in Medical Physiology program. Dr. Mattson, who has over 25 years of experience in graduate and medical student education, has received multiple honors for teaching and utilizes an engaged, student-centered approach to education that challenges and supports learners.
