Research Track

Students who are interested in working in the pharmaceutical or biotech industries or those seeking a strong foundation for doctoral level studies in biology, physiology, or neuroscience, should select the MS in Human Physiology Research track. This program, typically completed in two-years of full-time study, includes a 16-credit thesis.

Thesis Requirement

To be considered for the research track, a candidate must select a suitable thesis topic and identify an adviser in the Department of Health Sciences who agrees to become the student’s academic adviser and first reader on the thesis. Your academic adviser will assist in identifying a topic for thesis research.

If the nature of the thesis project is such that an affiliation must be established with another laboratory or institution, arrangements between the Sargent College Department of Health Sciences and the external investigator or facility must be completed prior to initiation of the research. These arrangements include agreement of the external investigator to participate in research supervision and serve as the second reader. Thesis projects based outside of the Department of Health Sciences must be closely related with the ongoing research program or expertise of at least one Health Sciences faculty member with a full-time appointment. When this decision is finalized between the student and the faculty member, the program director should be notified so the student’s records can be updated.

After successfully completing a thesis project, a candidate must present it orally in a session open to the public.

The thesis committee will consist of two members who are involved in and/or are knowledgeable about the thesis topic area. At least one must be a full-time member of the Human Physiology Department faculty.

Steps for Completing a Thesis

  • Plan project with adviser
  • Thesis proposal meeting (with committee members)
  • Data collection
  • Data analysis
  • Oral presentation
  • Submission of written thesis

BU’s Mugar Library has published a comprehensive Guide for Writers of Theses and Dissertations. These instructions should be carefully studied before initiating preparation of your thesis.

Curriculum

Core Courses

Plus 3 of the following

Total credit hours: 17

Thesis (16 credits)

Total credit hours: 33 (Core Curriculum: 17 credits + Thesis: 16 credits)

Specialization

Options for specialized study or research are virtually unlimited. Here are some examples:

  • Cellular and molecular physiology
  • Cytoskeletal biology
  • Mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Manifestations of disease in marginalized populations
  • Effects of aging on muscle physiology and function
  • Cardiovascular and stress responses to environmental challenges
  • Cognition and neural information processing
  • Organization of the frontal cortex
  • Exercise as a form of medicine for cancer patients
  • Environmental exercise physiology
  • Biomechanics