The specific objectives of the program are to provide students with:

The capacity to carry out independent research in an area of physiology. This includes the ability to: conceive new and significant hypotheses; investigate the literature with respect to these hypotheses; design studies/experiments to test hypotheses; develop a critical approach to experimental design; and communicate the results of this research in both written and oral formats;

Opportunities for training in the teaching of physiology. This may include any of a broad spectrum of experiences and may involve the use of a wide range of educational approaches.

In order to foster these objectives the department is committed to providing each student with:

An environment that promotes independent development and habits of life-long scholarship.

A broad base of knowledge of the principles of molecular, cellular and organ-system physiology. The student should be able to comprehend and use information from different areas of physiology and have the ability to analyze physiological problems quantitatively.

To fulfill these objectives, the graduate program from University of Kentucky, combines individualized training with formal coursework, independent research activities, interaction with scholars at the tutorial level, and independent reading. A high premium is placed on individual responsibility of the student to work toward the above objectives.