Undergraduate Research Opportunities

PGY Scholars Program

The Physiology Scholars Program offers undergraduates a unique, immersive experience in biomedical research. The competitive program allows students to engage in research in fields ranging from neurological, cardiovascular, muscular, and pulmonary diseases in the College of Medicine’s Department of Physiology to discover what a career in biomedical sciences entails and the opportunities it provides.

Link to Full Program Description

Students who wish to apply for appointment as a Physiology Scholar should submit a resume, an unofficial transcript, a one-page statement of interest in research and appointment as a Physiology Scholar, and a brief letter of confirmation by the supporting Physiology faculty member.  The fall 2025 deadline is September 30th.

Link to Application Submission Site

PGY 394: Independent Research in Physiology

To join a lab as an undergraduate researcher, you will need to reach out to the professor directly, and you will likely want to participate in PGY 394 (Independent Research in Physiology and Neuroscience). This 1-3 credit hour course allows the participant to gain knowledge of the research environment while accruing college credit for their efforts. More information regarding this course can be found in the PGY 394 Research Contract.

PGY 504: Independent Work in Physiology

A study of some advanced problems in physiology under the direct supervision of the instructor. Discussion period, one hour; laboratory, four hours. This 2-4 credit hour course may be repeated to a maximum of eight credits. More information regarding this course can be found in the PGY 504 Work Contract.