Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology

Cheryl B. Knudson, Chair, 7N-100 Brody Medical Sciences Building
Yan-hau Chen, Director of Graduate Studies, 7N55A Brody Medical Sciences Building

The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology is dedicated to the advancement of biomedical research that explores relationships between structure and function through molecular, cellular, and anatomical pathways. The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology is equally dedicated to promoting excellence in anatomical science pedagogy through the education of future anatomists in the areas of gross anatomy, developmental anatomy, histology, and neuroanatomy. In addition, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology provides educational instruction in the anatomical sciences to medical, dental, nurse anesthesia, physical therapy, and physician assistant students, as well as participants in a summer program for future doctors. We aim to improve human health through excellence in our biomedical research, pedagogy, and educational programs that occur in a dynamic learning community.

The mission of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology graduate program is fivefold:1) to train our students in the fundamental concepts and theories that allow students to understand current health –related issues in cell and molecular biology, 2) to train our students in the latest experimental techniques, 3) to teach our students critical scientific thinking, the scientific method, analytical skills, and the art of scientific writing, 4) to instill in our students the philosophical and ethical aspects of scientific research, and 5) to train our students in the pedagogy of the anatomical sciences.

The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology has fifteen faculty, seven staff, one curator, four research fellows, two office support staff, and six to ten doctoral students. Our internationally-recognized and funded scientists conduct research in the areas of tissue engineering, cancer biology, reproduction, neurodegeneration, and cell adhesion which provides a dynamic and innovative research environment for faculty, staff, and students. In addition, we conduct a vibrant seminar series that includes about twenty seminars per year given by students, research fellows, and guest speakers who are nationally-recognized for their research. The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology participates in the doctoal biomedical sciences program (effective November, 2016) and in the master’s program in biomedical science offered by the BSOM Office of Research and Graduate Studies. We have a long history in training graduate students and our former students now hold prestigious postdoctoral, faculty, and professional positions.

Courses

Anatomy and Cell Biology