Degree
Programs in Anatomy and Neurobiology
Introduction
The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology has consistently been ranked
among the top-funded departments of anatomy nationally. The relatively
small size of the department ensures close contact between graduate
students and their advisors. The department specializes in the neurosciences,
aging, development, and cell and molecular biology. Specific
areas of research include: examination of connections and immunocytochemistry
of specific parts of the nervous system such as the cerebral cortex,
temporal lobe, basal forebrain, auditory system, and facial motor
system; development of the visual cortex; neurobiological basis of
memory; development of the retina; and the neurobiological basis of
normal aging and age-related disorders including Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease and cerebrovascular dementia. Courses are offered
in human gross anatomy, clinical anatomy, microscopic anatomy, neurosciences,
cell biology, techniques in neuroscience, neural development and plasticity,
neurobiology of aging, neurobiologic basis of neurologic disease,
neurobiology of memory, and special topics in anatomy and neurobiology.
Admissions
The
procedures for admission to the graduate programs in anatomy and neurobiology
are described in the section of this bulletin on admissions procedures
of the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. Interviews are
recommended for applicants to the MA and PhD programs and are required
for applicants to the MD/PhD program. Admissions and other matters
relating to graduate study are reviewed by the Graduate Advisory Committee
of the department.
Core
Course Requirements
Most
students entering the program are expected to take two of the following
courses: gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy and neuroscience.
Students are also required to take either molecular or cell biology
during the first two years of study. Students may be excused
from taking one or more of these courses if it is deemed that an equivalent
course has been successfully completed in the preceding five years.
Additional
Course Requirements
In
addition to the core courses, doctoral students must enroll in at
least three other graduate courses offered by members of the faculty
of the department. Also, student attendance at all departmental and
student seminars (research colloquia) is required. Students usually
choose a research advisor at the end of the first year and begin their
research experience during the first summer.
