DOCTOR OF PHYSIOLOGY
The PhD program in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology trains students interested in conducting translational research on the metabolic basis of disease.
Our unique program, generally completed in four to five years, focuses on the primary literature and teaches students the latest technologies needed to be elite scientists and research scholars.
Students generally align their courses along with one of the following tracks:
- Nutrition & Integrative Physiology
- Molecular Metabolism
Students have the option to refine coursework requirements in consultation with their thesis mentor and advisory committee.
The bulk of this program revolves around the doctoral dissertation, which generally culminates in the publication of two to four papers describing original research findings in the medical literature.
PhD in Nutrition & Integrative Physiology
COSTS & FUNDING
Students in the Ph.D. program are responsible for tuition based on the schedule published by the graduate school at the University of Utah.
The Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology offers financial assistance to most students through the award of Teaching (TA) and Research (RA) Assistantships. These positions provide financial assistance to graduate students in exchange for teaching/research and/or service related work for the department. A full assistantship provides a tuition waiver and a stipend paid throughout the academic year; these are usually reserved for doctoral students.
RESEARCH MENTORS
Before applying to the program, applicants must identify prospective mentors willing to provide guidance and financial support for the student's research activities.
Possible mentors in the program can be found on our Research page.
HOW TO APPLY
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
All program graduates will demonstrate a mastery of key concepts in the following areas: research design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, macronutrient metabolism, and general metabolic physiology. Specific learning outcomes are:
- Demonstrate mastery of key concepts in physiology, nutrition, and metabolism as they relate to health and disease conditions.
- Critically evaluate, integrate, and apply scientific information gained through literature and laboratory discovery into their own research applications.
- Effectively communicate nutrition information using written reports, professional presentations, multimedia approaches, and technical research formats.
- Recognize the value of professional, academic, and scientific ethics.
- Exhibit advanced research skills, including hypothesis testing, experimental design, and technical laboratory skills that are congruent with the in-depth nature of their PhD dissertation research.
- Demonstrate ability to publish manuscripts in well-regarded professional journals.
"Thank you to my advisors, Will Holland and Scott Summers, for your support, patience and for cultivating an amazing environment. Thank you to my lab-mates that made the lab a great place to be."
~Sean Tatum, Ph.D
"Thank you is not enough. This effort was a result of many people spending countless hours believing in me and my project. It is not only my lab, though my lab spent enormous effort, it is a result of efforts throughout the University of Utah and the NUIP department. I feel so proud to be in the NUIP Department."
~Chrissa Petersen, Ph.D
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