Letters from former students

"Wait a second... what's your major?"

Janelle Novak
Class of 1998

This was a frequently asked question, one which I heard almost everyday. Physiology, based on the Greek word physiologia, is the study of functions of a living organism. So what do we study? I have taken courses in everything from inorganic chemistry to biochemistry to physics to anatomy. I have taken the cadaver lab (PES 217) as an elective to the requirements needed to receive the bachelor's of science degree in Physiology. The BS in Physiology is perhaps one of the most challenging and rewarding degrees at Michigan State. In my opinion, receiving this substantial pre-med education as an undergrad has prepared me for the challenges ahead in the future. What the future holds for me is anything from going to med school, grad school, physician-assistant school, physical therapy or even into veternary medicine. The one thing that I know for sure is that I will walk away with a solid science background that can be applicable to any science or health related career.

A Note from a Past Student


I wanted to let you know how much your PSL courses have helped me
thus far in medical school. We have recently be introduced to the
autonomic nervous system in our Gross Anatomy course. I was very
pleased to have found that all the material we covered I had already
learned in your PSL courses. The foundation laid by the MSU
Physiology department has allowed me to simply recall information
which I have already studied. I wanted to thank you for
incorporating valid and useful topics in the undergraduate
curriculum. Thanks so much!