Cellular Biology and Anatomy (Ph.D.) Program
Kevin McCarthy, Ph.D., Professor and Interim Head
The Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy offers training programs for both doctoral and master’s degrees. These programs provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue independent careers in biomedical research and to teach human anatomy, as described below.
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.
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