The Department of Physiology and Biophysics at University at Buffalo, SUNY, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has as its goal the study of normal and abnormal protein function within membranes and cells, normal and abnormal function of cells, organs and intact animals and humans using state-of-the-art biophysical, computational, genomic, proteomic and physiological techniques. We have particular strengths in the areas of ion channels, skeletal muscle physiology, epithelial cell biology, neurophysiology, vision, environmental and cardiorespiratory physiology. Within the department we have faculty that actively participate in four interdisciplinary centers:

>Center for Research and Education in Special Environments (CRESE),
>Center for Research in Cardiovascular Medicine,
>Center for Neuroscience and
>Center for Single Molecule Biophysics.

Areas of current research emphasis of our faculty include elucidation of the mechanisms of ligand- and voltage-dependent channel gating; stretch-activated channel function; cell signaling and electrophysiological properties of cells within the CNS, heart and epithelial tissues; adaptive responses of the body, including skeletal muscle, to environmental stress; retinal function and development of visual systems; neurodegenerative disorders (e.g, Juvenile Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease); protein-protein interactions, protein folding and design; calcium signaling within heart cells; and vascular biology. The diversity of faculty expertise and the collegial atmosphere have helped 16 faculty within the department to secure independent federal funding. The grant funding of our Department was ranked second in the country among comparable departments by the 2002 annual survey conducted by the Association of Chairs of Departments of Physiology. The laboratories have state-of-the-art equipment and computational facilities for implementing biophysical, genomic, proteomic and physiological studies within the department, which in part was supported by funds provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Keck Foundation.

The Physiology and Biophysics Department at UB offers extensive educational programs in Physiology and Biophysics at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels. The innovative undergraduate program permits honors students and students majoring in Biology to complete an area of specialization within the Department and offers several courses in Physiology and Biophysics open to all undergraduates. The Graduate program, known for the excellence of the research faculty and flexibility of the program, offers training towards a Masters Degree or a Ph.D. degree in Biophysics, Physiology, and interdisciplinary training leading to a Masters degree or a Ph.D. Degree in Neuroscience. Postdoctoral and medical student research opportunities are available in many laboratories.

Administrative offices are located within Room 124 Sherman Hall. Staff can be reached at 716-829-2738.