The program emphasizes research and the skills and knowledge required to perform and communicate the results of research. Since modern biomedical researchers/educators must be versed in a number of disciplines, the course of study in the Department is broadly based.  The research opportunities in the department are widely varied and will accommodate many interests.

During your graduate career, your graduate education and training in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology will help you to fulfill the following expectations:

• Become knowledgeable in the areas of study included in the IGPBS (Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in the Biomedical Sciences) core curriculum: cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and integrated systems level biology.
• Obtain in-depth and up-to-date expertise in a specialized area of knowledge that is appropriate for the field of your dissertation research project.
• Make original and high quality contributions to the scientific literature in your chosen research field.
• To become familiar with the scientific literature through general and specialized journals in biological research, and to develop the ability to critically evaluate the original research in your own and related fields.
• Become skilled in organizing and communicating information in oral presentations, and to respond to critical questioning.
• Develop clarity, conciseness, and precision in writing, to aid in grant application writing and publication of your original research results.
• To learn how to ask incisive scientific questions and gain experience in the design, performance and interpretation of laboratory experiments and observations.
• To gain familiarity with the preparation and writing of grant applications.
• To prepare for the teaching as well as the research aspects of an academic career.
• To obtain instruction in research skills and responsible scholarship.