This PhD degree program is a comprehensive academic endeavor in physiology and developmental biology. Although the research project of each PhD student will focus in an area of either physiology or developmental biology, all students will be expected to have an understanding of key concepts in both disciplines. The research project will include independent inquiry and in-depth application of the scientific method. Publication of the research in peer-reviewed journals is expected but not required.

Requirements for Degree

• Credit hours: 54 hours, including 18 hours of dissertation (PDBio 799R).
• Students who have earned a master’s degree must complete at least 36 semester hours of additional graduate work at BYU beyond the master’s degree.
• Required courses: Bio 503 (1 hour); PDBio 582 and 601 (3 hours each), 694R (4 hours), 696R (4 hours); Stat 511 (3 hours).
• Research credit (PDBio 649R and 799R) may not exceed 27 hours.
• A seminar must be presented each year (PDBio 694R)
• A professional development requirement must be met (PDBio 689R).
• Dissertation: standard university dissertation format or journal publication format.
• Examinations: (A) comprehensive written and oral examination; (B) defense of dissertation.