Master of Science (M.S.)
Cell Systems & Anatomy Admission Requirements
Students beginning graduate study ordinarily matriculate during the fall semester, which starts first week of July with classes beginning in August. The following are the basic admission criteria for the Program. On a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the M.S. Admissions Committee and with approval of COGS and the Graduate Faculty Council (GFC), one or more admission requirement(s) may be waived.
- Completed Application forms indicating the track (Anatomical Sciences / Mechansism of Health and Disease) to which the student seeks admission.
- Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or Dental Admission Test (DAT) taken within five years of application are optional but recommended.
- International applicants from countries where English is not the native language are also required to take one of three English proficiency tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) , the International English Language Testing System (IELTS: Academic module only) or Dulingo within two years of application to the program. The minimum required scores for the TOEFL is 84 for the internet-based test (iBT). The minimum required score for the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is 7.0. The minimum required score for the Duolingo English Test is 115.
- Certified transcripts of all college and/or postgraduate work: A baccalaureate degree in a natural science, biomedical engineering, and/or any other discipline from an accredited institution in the United States or proof of an equivalent degree from a foreign institution is required. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) no lower than “B” (3.0 on a scale of 4.0) on undergraduate-level studies undertaken previously is required.
- Essays: An essay describing prior research and/or teaching experiences that evoked an interest in research, long-term career goals, and rationale for applying to the Cell Systems & Anatomy graduate program.
- Letters of recommendation (3) from faculty and/or individuals with similar professional credentials who served as instructor, advisor or supervisor to the applicant are required.
The admission committee uses a holistic approach in making its decision. Consideration is given to a candidate’s research experience, grade point average, essay, letters of recommendations, GRE/MCAT/DAT score (if provided), interviews, and the overall ranking of the applicant compared to other qualified applicants.
Application deadline dates are found on the admission program website. All supporting material such as GRE scores and letters of recommendation must be received before May 1. Spring semester admission (January start date) will not be considered except in very unusual circumstances. Applicants will be notified of the admission decision.
Cell Systems & Anatomy Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
All students require a minimum of 30 semester credit hours (SCH) to graduate with a M.S. degree. See attached Academic Plans of Study - Attachment C (Anatomical Sciences track) and Attachment D (Mechanisms of Health and Disease track) for details of coursework.
Grade Requirements
A student must maintain an overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) of ≥ 3.0 (“B” average) each semester to continue in good academic standing. For the required courses, the student must make at least a “B” and/or receive a satisfactory in courses graded Satisfactory,“S”/Unsatisfactory,“U”.
If a student receives a grade that is worse than a “C” in one course, earns a or final grades of “C” in more than one course in the curriculum, or gets a “U” in two consecutive semesters, he/she shall be recommended for dismissal from the Program unless an appeal from the student is approved by COGS. If the cumulative GPA drops below 3.0, the student shall be placed on academic probation. While on probation, a student must maintain a “B” average in all courses in which he/she is enrolled. If the GPA drops below 3.0 in any semester during the probationary period or remains below 3.0 for one calendar year, the student shall be recommended for dismissal from the Program unless an appeal from the student is approved by COGS.
If remediation of a course is agreed upon by a course director and COGS, the director(s) of a required course will determine the mechanism for remediation. However, course directors are not required to remediate students. Situations that involve potential remediation will be resolved on a case-by-case basis. A student who is not required to remediate a required course may not engage in the remediation process with the intent of improving her/his original grade. This policy will be reviewed annually.
Anatomical Sciences Track
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| CSAT 6060 | Anatomical Sciences Thesis *Anatomical Sciences Thesis is variable depending on how many hours of supervised teaching | 3.5 |
| INTD 5047 | Neuroanatomy | 2 |
| TSCI 5070 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 2 |
| CSAT 5074 | Introduction to Research | 0.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8.0 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| CSAT 5060 | Human Histology | 3 |
| CSAT 5022 | Inter-professional Human Gross Anatomy | 5.5 |
| CSAT 6100 | Anatomy Practicum | 1.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| CSAT 6072 | Presentation Skills | 1.0 |
| CSAT 6071 | Supervised Teaching(Medical or Dental Gross Anatomy) *must be taken in the 2nd year in either semester: 0 - 6 SCH | 1-12 |
| CSAT 6060 | Anatomical Sciences Thesis *to total up to 8 SCH: 1.5 - 7.5 SCH | 1-8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3.0-21.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| CSAT 6071 | Supervised Teaching(Medical or Inter-Professional Gross Anatomy) *must be taken in the 2nd year in either semester: 0-3 SCH | - |
| CSAT 6060 | Anatomical Sciences Thesis *to total up to 4.5 SCH: 4 or 1 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4.0 | |
Mechanisms of Health and Diseases Track
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| CSAT 6077 | Eucaryotic Cell Biology | 2 |
| CSAT 6076 | Eucaryotic Molecular Biology | 2 |
| CSAT 6096 | Research Rotations | 2 |
| CSAT 5007 | Methods In Cell Biology | 1 |
| TSCI 5070 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 2 |
| CSAT 5074 | Introduction to Research | 0.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.5 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| CSAT 6097 | Research | 5 |
| CSAT 5095 | Experimental Design And Data Analysis | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| CSAT 6097 | Research | 7.5 |
| CSAT 6005 | Rigor & Reproducibility | 1 |
| CSAT 6072 | Presentation Skills | 1.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9.5 | |
| Second Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | |
| CSAT 6098 | Thesis | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3.0 | |
Cell Systems & Anatomy
Objectives/Program Outcomes
Anatomical Sciences Track
Students will have the ability to review, interpret and critically evaluate scientific literature related to areas of biomedical science relevant to the anatomical sciences in general and specifically to their project. Students will be trained to review and interpret original scientific literature through coursework and in their examination of the literature.
Students will have the ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal presentations. Students will learn to effectively communicate ideas in written format via coursework, examinations and their research and to communicate ideas/concepts in verbal presentations during progress report seminars, research advisory committee meetings, oral examinations/thesis defenses, and participation in scientific meetings.
Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge and expertise in a select area appropriate to the project. Students will be able to define, explain, and apply key concepts and fundamental principles related to the areas of anatomical science.
Students will demonstrate fundamental knowledge of ethics in biomedical research. Students will be able to recognize ethical dilemmas and behave in accordance with ethical standards of conduct in the design, implementation, analysis and dissemination of scientific research.
Students will have the ability to teach human anatomy in the health professions environment. Students will be able to teach human gross anatomy, histology and/or neuroanatomy at the graduate level.
Mechanisms of Health and Disease Track
Students will have the ability to review, interpret and critically evaluate scientific literature related to areas of biomedical sciences, relevant to cellular and molecular biology in general and specifically to their project. Students will be trained to review and interpret original scientific literature through coursework and in their research.
Students will have the ability to conduct original biomedical research. Students in the program will be able to analyze, plan, organize and conduct high quality biomedical research under the direction of supervising professors and guidance of research advisory (thesis) committees as appropriate.
Students will have the ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal presentations. Students will learn to effectively communicate ideas in written format via coursework, examinations and their research and to communicate ideas/concepts in verbal presentations during progress report seminars, research advisory committee meetings, oral examinations/thesis defenses, and participation in scientific meetings.
Students will demonstrate foundational knowledge and expertise in a select area appropriate to the research project. Students will be able to define, explain, and apply key concepts and fundamental principles related to the areas of biomedical science relevant to their track and to their specific research projects.
Students will demonstrate fundamental knowledge of ethics in biomedical research. Students will be able to recognize ethical dilemmas and behave in accordance with ethical standards of conduct in the design, implementation, analysis and dissemination of scientific research.
CSAT 5007. Methods In Cell Biology. 1 Credit Hour.
Through a combination of lectures and demonstrations, the instructors will introduce students to techniques which are currently being used in cellular biology laboratories. The emphasis will be on the applications themselves, their uses, limitations, and the necessary controls. The following topic areas will be covered: imaging and microscopy, immunological techniques, bioinformatics (DNA and protein), rodent anatomy and histology, cytogenetics, and in vitro cell growth and transfection. Course fees: $100.
CSAT 5022. Inter-professional Human Gross Anatomy. 5.5 Credit Hours.
This courses will teach structural and functional anatomy of the normal human body. Lectures will serve as introductory information for the laboratory dissections to follow and to clarify the interactions of the various anatomical components to accomplish the function of the body. The course will cover the central and peripheral nervous systems, vertebral column and back, the upper and lower limbs, head and neck, body wall, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and perineum. Special emphasis will be placed on the laboratory experience in which the learner will perform a detailed dissection of the entire human body in order to achieve an understanding of the three-dimensional relationships and thus the interactive function of the body. The dissections will allow the student to understand the anatomical basis for disease and dysfunction in organ systems and their applications to clinical practice. They will be supplemented by the study of prosected specimens where possible, models skeletons, and other demonstration materials.
CSAT 5060. Human Histology. 3 Credit Hours.
This course will examine the microscopic architecture of the human body, beginning with tissues, and then organs and their higher level organization into systems performing specific functions. Topics covered will include basic tissues, the integumentary, cardiovascular, the lymphatic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, urinary and male and female reproductive systems. The goal of this course is to enable students acquire knowledge of normal histological structure of organs and organ systems using light and electron microscopy, thereby providing a strong basis for the sound understanding of cell and tissue morphology in health and disease. The course will include lecture, laboratory and self-directed as well as independent student learning.
CSAT 5074. Introduction to Research. 0.5 Credit Hours.
This course is required of all MS students in the Anatomy Track in Cellular & Structural Biology and is available to the Biotechnology Track students. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the research interests of faculty in the program. This course will introduce students to the research strategies and help them identify a mentor and committee members.
CSAT 5095. Experimental Design And Data Analysis. 3 Credit Hours.
The purpose of the course is to provide an introduction to experimental design and statistical analysis. The emphasis of the course will be on the selection and application of proper tests of statistical significance. Practical experience will be provided in the use of both parametric and nonparametric methods of statistical evaluation. Among the topics to be covered are: data reduction, types of distributions, hypothesis testing, scales of measurement, chi square analysis, the special case of the comparison of two groups; analysis of variance; a posteriori multiple comparisons tests, tests of the assumptions of parametric analyses, advanced forms of the analysis of variance, linear regression, and correlation analysis. This course involves the use of statistical software; therefore, access to a laptop or a computer with web access for classes and examinations is required.
CSAT 6005. Rigor & Reproducibility. 1 Credit Hour.
This course will focus on two of the cornerstones of science advancement, which are rigor in designing and performing scientific research and the ability to reproduce biomedical research findings. The course will also emphasize the application of rigor that ensures robust and unbiased experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results. The notion that when a result can be reproduced by multiple scientists, it validates the original results and readiness to progress to the next phase of research will be covered in this course. This is especially important for preclinical studies that provide the basis for rigorous clinical trials in humans. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need for rigorously designed published preclinical studies, to ensure that such studies can be reproduced. The aim of this course is to help attendees acquire the skills necessary to meet the need to enhance rigor and reproducibility in preclinical scientific research. Successful completion of CSAT 5095, or an equivalent approved by the Rigor & Reproducibility course director, is a prerequisite for this course.
CSAT 6060. Anatomical Sciences Thesis. 1-8 Credit Hours.
Designed as an alternative to a "bench research"- based thesis, this longitudinal course for the Anatomical Sciences track in the Masters Program will culminate in the production of a thesis ideally suitable for adaption as a scholarly publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The thesis should focus on assessment of an unanswered and important question on a relevant and approved subject, involve in-depth research and demonstrate critical thinking on the part of the student. A student in the Anatomical Sciences Track will meet with the Course Director during the spring semester of his/her first year in the program to begin to identify a research area and specific topic(s) for his/her thesis proposal. Areas of focus include (but are not limited to) the following: 1) Clinical Anatomy - anatomy related to medical procedures and/or training of health professionals; 2) Anatomical Variations - comparative research utilizing human cadavers in the gross anatomy laboratories or comparative research in animal models; 3) Anatomical Sciences Education - education research on anatomy teaching methods and approaches to teaching anatomy to health professions students;4) History of Anatomy - research on the development of human anatomical studies, comparative anatomy concepts, anatomy education, or involving other applications of the humanities to anatomical sciences (e.g. medical illustration, literature, music); 5) Human and rodent micro-anatomy /histology; or 6) Anatomical aspects of a biomedical research endeavor.
CSAT 6071. Supervised Teaching. 1-12 Credit Hours.
This course consists of participation in the teaching program of the first-year medical, dental, or health professions curriculum. Semester hours vary depending on the time spent in teaching.
CSAT 6072. Presentation Skills. 1 Credit Hour.
This course is designed to provide graduate students in the Cell Systems and Anatomy Master of Science degree program the opportunity to develop their skills in oral presentation. The course will focus on critical thinking, clear and concise presentation of research endeavors, and communicating science to the public, to students, and to other scientists. In the first (Fall) semester, each student will present a journal club presentation on a paper from the scientific literature and a practice for each students COGS Thesis Proposal presentation. In the second (Spring) semester, each student will present a research up-date and a scientific poster presentation. After each talk, all students and instructors will provide constructive suggestions aimed at improving the students presentation skills.
CSAT 6076. Eucaryotic Molecular Biology. 2 Credit Hours.
This 8-week didactic course will not only introduce the student to the fundamentals of molecular biology but will familiarize the student with the modern molecular biology techniques used in research laboratories.
CSAT 6077. Eucaryotic Cell Biology. 2 Credit Hours.
This 8-week didactic course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of cell biology, familiarize the student with current techniques used to manipulate cells, describe the higher order integration of cells to tissues and thereby the development of multicellular organisms.
CSAT 6096. Research Rotations. 2 Credit Hours.
Laboratory rotations will acquaint students with the research pursued by faculty members in the CSA MS Program, and help identify research projects to fulfill their thesis requirements. In addition, laboratory rotations will allow students the opportunity to explore and assess their compatibility in the laboratory environments created by potential faculty mentors and their laboratory personnel.
Conversely, faculty members serving as rotation advisors will have an opportunity to evaluate students wishing to complete their MS thesis research in their laboratories. The experience should give the students an understanding of future expectations, and exposure to new experimental strategies and methodologies that may prove useful in the students' eventual thesis research.
CSAT 6097. Research. 1-12 Credit Hours.
This course consists of independent, original research under the direction of a faculty advisor.
CSAT 6098. Thesis. 1-12 Credit Hours.
This course consists of instruction in the preparation of the thesis. Registration for at least one term is required of M.S. candidates. Admission to candidacy for Master of Science degree is required.
CSAT 6100. Anatomy Practicum. 1.5 Credit Hour.
This is a foundational course that provides students in the Cell Systems & Anatomy (CSA) Master's Degree Program, Anatomical Sciences Track an opportunity to experience full cadaver dissection. Under the guidance of CSA anatomy faculty, students will develop their necessary and requisite dissection skills by preparing anatomical specimens during whole body dissection. Students will gain an appreciation of complex anatomical systems, revealed layer-by-layer through a systematic, step-by-step plan of hands-on-dissection. Students will gain teaching experience by presenting and explaining the anatomical aspects of the prosections that they complete to course faculty. This course will enhance competency in anatomy and prepare students for serving as teaching assistants in other medical, dental and health professions courses. Completion of CSAT 5022 Interprofessional Human Gross Anatomy and must be officially enrolled in the Master's Degree Program, Anatomical Sciences Track, Cell Systems & Anatomy.
INTD 5047. Neuroanatomy. 2 Credit Hours.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a practical working knowledge of the structure of both the peripheral and central nervous system. The emphasis will be on the organization of the human brain, although the brains of other species may also be included if appropriate for a specific brain region. The course will look at each of the individual components of the central nervous system in some depth but will also emphasize the complex integration of these various components into a functional brain. The topics covered in the course are specifically designed to mesh in time with those covered in Fundamentals of Neuroscience 2 describing the function of these areas. For this reason, it would be best if these two courses were taken concomitantly. The course will be didactic with digital images, models, and wet specimens included in the course.
TSCI 5070. Responsible Conduct of Research. 2 Credit Hours.
This foundational course introduces students to core ethical content necessary for responsible research conduct. Through interactive seminars, students will learn about (1) scientists as responsible members of society (contemporary ethical issues in biomedical research and environmental/social impacts of research), (2) policies for research with human subjects and vertebrate animals, (3) collaborative research, (4) conflicts of interest (personal, professional, financial), (5) data acquisition and laboratory tools (management, sharing, ownership), (6) responsible authorship and publication, (7) mentor/trainee responsibilities and relationships, (8) peer review (9) research misconduct (forms of misconduct and management policies) (10) informed consent, privacy regulations, good clinical practice, and special populations in clinical investigations.