该程序强调采用定量方法来了解活体动物的细胞，器官和系统的功能。博士生需要集中精力，为膜，细胞，运输和器官系统的生理学提供广泛的背景知识。个性化课程的结构是建立在学生的优势之上，并填补空白，否则这些空白可能会阻碍具体问题的解决。教学经验也适用于所有学生。尽管有许多其他专业领域，但双子城的研究生课程着重于心血管疾病。学生可以从双城或德卢斯校园进入博士学位课程。鼓励具有定量背景的高素质人才申请。在双子城市中，潜在学生还包括已经在明尼苏达大学接受过医学培训的人，或者正在考虑对明尼苏达大学医学院进行居住或研究金培训
The program emphasizes a quantitative approach to understanding the functions of cells, organs, and systems in living animals. PhD students take a core concentration that provides a broad background in the physiology of membranes, cells, transport, and organ systems. Individualized programs are structured to build on the student's strengths and to fill in gaps that would otherwise be an impediment to specific problem solving. Teaching experience is also available to all students. The graduate program in the Twin Cities has a cardiovascular emphasis, although many other areas of specialization are represented. Students can enter the PhD program from the Twin Cities or Duluth campus. Highly qualified individuals with solid quantitative backgrounds are encouraged to apply. In the Twin Cities, prospective students also include people with previous medical training who are already at the University of Minnesota or are considering the University of Minnesota Medical School for residency or fellowship training. Entering PhD students are expected to take a series of laboratory rotations to familiarize themselves with active areas of research within the degree program. The program includes faculty and corresponding research laboratories from the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and also the Departments of Medicine, Surgery, Neuroscience, Neurosurgery, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, Pharmacology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kinesiology, and Animal Science.