Courses / Degree Requirements for the PhD in Physiology

Students will learn study designs most applicable to evidence-based integrative medicine and biomedical research. These include prospective vs retrospective studies, observational vs experimental studies, case-control, cross-sectional, cohort, quasi-randomized trials, randomized controlled trials, pragmatic clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and whole systems research. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding each design in terms of internal and external threats to validity and how to choose an appropriate research design for a corresponding research question. Students will gain practice in critically reviewing biomedical research literature. Students will work on a research project throughout the course and submit a written paper at its conclusion. (4 credits)

Students will learn introductory and intermediate-level statistics applicable to evidence-based integrative medicine research. These include dependent and independent t-tests, chi squared tests, general linear models (analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and repeated-measures), survival analysis, and non-parametric statistics for one and two group designs. Students will work on a research project throughout the course and submit a written paper at its conclusion. (4 credits)

During this course, PhD students will work with the supervision of one of the doctoral program senior faculty on an active research project, e.g. original research paper, review article or grant proposal. Each student will produce a deliverable that is suitable for submission for publication or peer-review. The will offer an opportunity for students to develop research skills from the beginning of the program through hands-on experience in research activities such as literature review, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, report writing and the peer review process. (2 credits per semester, 4 credits required as part of core curriculum) This course may be waived or equivalent coursework or experience substituted with permission of the program director.

PH 520: This course presents the foundations of natural, prevention-oriented health care, including ayurvedic anatomy, physiology, digestion and metabolism, ayurvedic herbology, pulse assessment, mental health, and clinical approach to basic common disorders. (4 credits) Prerequisite: Acceptance to MS MAV program

PH 521: In this course students will continue to study digestive balance and imbalance, Ayurvedic herbology, diagnosis, and pulse. New topics include Ayurvedic internal medicine (Kaya Chikitsa), Yoga Asanas, rejuvenation and purification therapies (Pancha Karma), Vedic architecture, biorhythms and Vedic prediction (Jyotish), women’s health, and introduction to the Total Heart Health program. The course also provides an introduction to Traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathy. (4 credits) Prerequisite: PH 520 or qualifying exam