Graduate Programs

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Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology

Introduction

The Department of Anatomy and Physiology offers two tracks of graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree (M.S.) in (1) anatomy and (2) physiology and biophysics. A continuation of graduate studies with faculty in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is available through the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Program.

Certificate Program in Anatomy

The anatomy track certificate program is a three-quarter, post-baccalaureate program. The program provides graduate-level education in three of the four human anatomy core courses – microanatomy, gross anatomy, embryology, and neurobiology. The program is applicable to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, athletic trainers, health and physical education majors, and others in allied health disciplines.

Admission

Admission–Anatomy

Minimum requirements include an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0-plus. Although there are no uniform prerequisites, it is recommended that applicants have completed at least two years of biology, including vertebrate anatomy, and two years of chemistry, including organic chemistry. Letters of recommendation are an important admission consideration.

Students who do not plan to complete the degree program or who do not meet the admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies may be admitted on a non-degree basis in order to take selected anatomy courses. Written permission by the appropriate course director is required to enroll in each anatomy course. Contact the Anatomy Department for information concerning enrollment procedures.

Admission Requirements–Physiology & Biophysics

The requirements for admission are:

1. B.A., B.S., or equivalent degree

2. Overall GPA of 3.00-plus or GRE total of 1100 (minimum 500 verbal; 500 mathematics)

3. The following prerequisite courses: general biology (one year), general chemistry (one year), general physics (one year), mathematics (one year through introductory calculus), and one year of advanced study in biology, chemistry, physics, or computer science

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements–Anatomy

In addition to the requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, the following requirements of the Department of Anatomy must be met:

1. Completion of a minimum of 45 or 50 graduate credit hours (see number 4) in courses that have prior approval of the department. Approval is normally given through the student’s faculty advisor.

2. The graduate credits must include 33 credit hours of core courses in anatomy.

3. Required courses are human gross anatomy, human microanatomy, advanced human embryology, human neurobiology, and four seminars.

4. There are two program-of-study options leading to a master’s degree:

a. Course Option (50 credits): In addition to the 33 credits listed above, students are required to take an oral comprehensive examination covering the core anatomy courses listed above, assist with teaching an anatomy department course, learn a research technique, and write a scholarly paper. The remaining 3 credits include elective graduate courses in the anatomy or other science department.

b. Thesis Option (45 credits): Requires the submission and oral defense of a thesis based on original research performed while enrolled as a graduate student at the university. Two major research interests in the department are neuroscience and immunology. Students interested in pathobiology research may substitute courses in immunobiology and pathogenic mechanisms for human gross anatomy.

Degree Requirements--Physiology & Biophysics

In order to qualify for the Master of Science degree, students must satisfy the requirements of the School of Graduate Studies as well as program requirements. The first four quarters involve 35–37 credit hours which include required departmental and other courses determined in consultation with the student’s advisor. Research activities begin in the summer of the first year. The second program year involves 18–30 credit hours with emphasis on research. Completed research is presented in written thesis form at the end of the second year, with a public oral defense.

Faculty

Professors–Anatomy
Nancy Bigley, microbiology and immunology
Robert Fyffe, neuroscience
Gary L. Nieder, information technology in anatomy education
John C. Pearson, neuroscience

Associate Professors–Anatomy
Francisco J. Alvarez, neuroscience
Frank Nagy, information technology in anatomy education
Larry J. Ream, neuroscience
Dawn Wooley, virology

Professors–Physiology & Biophysics
Jay B. Dean, neural control of respiration, effects of gases on the CNS, hyperbaric neurophysiology
Robert W. Putnam, regulation of intracellular pH, cell volume regulation, neuroscience and neural control of respiration
Julian G. Cambronero, physiology/biochemistry of signal transduction in normal neutrophils and leukemic cells

Associate Professors–Physiology & Biophysics
Adrian Corbett, sodium channel subtypes and subcellular targeting
Melvyn D. Goldfinger, neuroscience and biophysics of somatosensory afferents and relay nuclei
Dan R. Halm, epithelial physiology
Noel S. Nussbaum, endocrinology, medical informatics

Assistant Professor–Physiology & Biophysics
Thomas L. Brown, physiology, apoptosis, and immunology