Students who desire to specialize in this program are strongly advised to obtain a broad scientific foundation, including work in the related sciences. Courses in some or all of the following fields are suggested for attainment of this objective: physics, including electronics; chemistry, including physical chemistry; mathematics, including differential equations; molecular and cell biology or cell physiology. An applicant who holds a degree from an accredited institution will be considered for admission on the basis of the following criteria:

1. An undergraduate record of superior quality demonstrating proficiency in quantitative science
2. A well-organized plan for graduate study and research compatible with expertise in the division
3. Recommendations from at least three college faculty members acquainted with the character of the applicant
4. Ability to function in a program stressing an independent approach to the acquisition of knowledge
5. Other materials required by the division director

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is recommended but is not required. Except in unusual cases, the minimum prerequisites for admission will be the attainment by the applicant of a 3.0 overall average (A=4.0) in undergraduate studies with a 3.5 average in science courses, preferably including two years of physics or engineering, inorganic and organic chemistry, physical chemistry, advanced calculus, ordinary differential equations, cell biology or cell physiology. Applicants for admission to the division will be initially evaluated by the division director and advisory committee. Considerations will include overall academic record, evidence of previous ability to pursue successfully independent studies, recommendations of the applicant's undergraduate faculty, and the description of the applicant's scientific research interests. The division director will determine whether additional supporting evidence would aid evaluation of the application and, if so, will make appropriate arrangements with the applicant to submit such evidence.

Applications judged by the division director to demonstrate satisfactory credentials and interests compatible with the research facilities of the faculty will then be evaluated by all faculty members with expertise in the area(s) of interest of the applicant. Considerations in this phase will include not only academic ability but also the resources available to support research in the indicated area. An interview may be requested. Selection of applicants will be by invitation of a faculty member in the division willing and able to serve as the student's principal advisor and research sponsor after endorsement of the selection by the division director, The Graduate College Council, and the dean. In special circumstances, exceptions to this procedure may be made for students with unusual promise but with no firm commitment to a particular area of research. In such cases, the program director will serve as interim principal advisor. Finally, in the case that the division director would be the principal advisor of a student, the physiology department chairperson shall assume the duties of division director with respect to that student.