Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Ph.D. (CIP 26.0403)

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The Ph.D. degree is the highest academic degree offered by the university. The major emphasis of the Ph.D. program in the Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy is to provide an environment in which students learn to pursue original scholarship in the laboratory and to communicate scientifically in order to become a competent biomedical scientist. The program emphasizes mentor-guided training in molecular, cellular, physiological and neural mechanisms of normal functioning and disease processes. We focus on diseases that are widespread and greatly impact modern society, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy and stroke. Doctoral training includes preparation of a grant proposal for pursuing dissertation research, seminars describing research progress, participation in journal clubs, presentations at scientific conferences, and a final defense of the dissertation, which should describe original research of distinction. Training also includes core courses in embryology, histology and anatomy of the human musculoskeletal system, body cavities and nervous system. Students subsequently assist with one of these courses, providing them with valuable teaching experience for pursuing an academic career. Other core courses and elective courses include interdisciplinary basic science courses in the molecular and cellular biology and physiology of organ systems.

Core Requirements

• IDSP 110 - Basic Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology 3 Credits, letter grade
• IDSP 116 - Methods in Biomedical Sciences: Biochemical & Molecular Methods 1 Credit, letter grade
• IDSP 117 - Methods in Biomedical Sciences: Recombinant DNA and Cell Biology 1 Credit, letter grade
• IDSP 118 - Cell and Signaling 3 Credits, letter grade
• IDSP 226 - Basic Biostatistics 1 Credit, letter grade
• IDSP 227 - Advanced Biostatistics 1 Credit, letter grade
• IDSP 235 A and B - Grant Writing A offered for 1 letter grade Credit, B offered for S/U
• IDSP 240 - Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Science 0.5 Credit, S/U
• IDSP 241 - Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Science 0.5 Credit, S/U
• CEBIO 200C - Integrative Structural Biology 3 Credits, letter grade
• CEBIO 216 - Human Developmental Biology 3 Credits, letter grade
• CEBIO 250 - Research/Lab Rotation 1-9 Credits, S/U
• CEBIO 260 - Comprehensive Human Structural Biology 5 Credits, letter grade

• Credits / Units: credits

• CEBIO 266 - Essential Neuroanatomy for Basic scientists 2 Credits, letter grade
• CEBIO 289 - Current Topics in Cell Biology 1 Credit, S/U
• CEBIO 290 A and B - Seminar 0.5 Credits, S/U
• CEBIO 299 - Research Proposal in Cell Biology 3 Credits
• CEBIO 400 - Dissertation Research 1-9 Credits, S/U

Elective Courses:

• IDSP 113 - Genetics 1 Credit, letter grade
• IDSP 119 - Gene Expression 1 Credit, letter grade
• IDSP 212 - Foundations of Biomedical Sciences I - Cardiovascular System 1.5 Credits, letter grade
• IDSP 213 - Foundations of Biomedical Sciences I -The Renal System 1 Credit, letter grade
• IDSP 214 - Foundations of Biomedical Sciences I - Respiratory System 1 Credit, letter grade
• IDSP 216 - Foundations of Biomedical Sciences II - Gastrointestinal System 1 Credit, letter grade
• IDSP 217 - Foundations of Biomedical Sciences II - Endocrine System 1 Credit, letter grade
• IDSP 218 - Foundations of Biomedical Sciences II - Nervous System 1.5 Credits, letter grade
• CEBIO 262 - Human Structural Biology (Musculoskeletal and Head & Neck) 3 Credits, letter grade
• CEBIO 265 - Human Neuroanatomy 2 Credits, letter grade