Cell Biology and Anatomy, PhD

Sam G. McClugage, PhD
Professor and Head
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy

The Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy offers programs leading to PhD Degrees. The department has two sub-programs: Development, Cell, and Neurobiology (DCN) and Clinical Anatomy (CAP). Areas of concentration in the DCN are cellular and molecular biology, developmental biology, and neurobiology. There is considerable overlap in these fields, with, for example, some faculty working in the areas of cellular or developmental neurobiology, and others with interests in the molecular biology of reproduction and development. The goal of the program is to train promising students for careers in research and teaching. Students in the DCN program are encouraged to develop broad expertise in the disciplines of biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, and genetics. The goal of the CAP program is to prepare students for a teaching and research position in an academic institution for health science professionals. This program is designed to train students to: 1) master and teach Gross Anatomy and related anatomical disciplines such as histology, embryology and human physiology in a contemporary health sciences curriculum, and 2) develop expertise to conduct scientific research in a competitive basic science or clinical research environment. Students in this program may also undertake research projects in the areas of developmental biology, cellular and molecular biology, or neurobiology as emphasized in the department, or research with a clinical emphasis. Departmental Graduate Admissions Committees evaluate applications for these programs. Admission is based upon the Graduate Record Examination (a minimum combined score of 1100 on verbal and quantitative portions), undergraduate grade point average (minimum of 3.0), and three letters of recommendation. The Advanced Subject GRE is recommended, and will also be taken into consideration.

Expected time for completion of the PhD 4-6 years. Students in the DCN program become involved in ongoing research projects during the first year in a laboratory rotation format, and are encouraged to identify a dissertation advisor during this time, or shortly thereafter. DCN students are required to take the Biochemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology courses offered by the new Interdisciplinary Program. Students in both programs may take any of the courses listed below. Cell Biology and Anatomy Faculty members are integrally involved with the LSUHSC Neuroscience Center of Excellence, the LSUHSC Eye Center, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center, the Center for Oral and Craniofacial Biology, and the Center for Molecular and Human Genetics. Interaction with members of these centers is encouraged.

The courses listed below will normally be required of students in the Development, Cell, and Neurobiology Program.