Physiology is not just a course you might have taken; it is the field of scientific investigation that is closest to medicine. Physiologists specialize in integrative aspects of biology. That doesn’t mean we aren’t involved in identifying critical components of cellular and molecular function—we are. But we consider it essential to push our science even further, to figure out how these components fit together into tissues, organs and organisms to explain function in both health and disease. Michigan’s Department of Physiology was one of the first, established in 1882. In 2002, we changed our name to Molecular and Integrative Physiology (MIP) to more completely reflect the true breadth of our science. Our program has almost 50 PhD students and over 65 faculty research labs to choose from. What sets PHYSIOLOGY apart from other biomedical disciplines is the focus on taking discoveries of how genes and their products affect cellular function and then exploring how these molecular and cellular functions are integrated into organs, and ultimately in the organism, in order to explain how the body works in health and in diseased states. Integrative physiology can uncover mechanisms of how the body regulates function down to the molecular level and how disruptions of this regulation, by genetic or environmental factors, can lead to disease. This makes physiology the science closest to medicine, and translational research is a strength of the department. Molecular and Integrative Physiology (MIP): Combines cutting edge techniques such as gene manipulation, molecular imaging, omics and computational analysis, and cellorganism functional measures. Exploits the unique advantages of animal models from worms and flies to mice and humans. Has an international reputation in research areas that includes aging, metabolism, neuroscience, muscle (cardiac and skeletal), reproduction, circadian rhythms, gastrointestinal physiology, and systems and computational modeling. Aspires to be the top Physiology Department in the country by excelling in research and leading the nation in NIH funding, emphasizing in training and teaching of future physiologists, and promoting the careers of our students, trainees, and faculty.