Integrative Anatomical Sciences PhD Program

Curriculum Overview

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Curriculum Overview

Each student must complete a minimum of 60 units of formal courses, seminars, and research units while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. The core required courses include 16 units from courses in Human Gross Anatomy (IAS 501a, IAS 501b), Microscopic Anatomy (IAS 511a, IAS 511b), and Neuroanatomy (IAS 521). An additional 8 units of electives must be taken from courses offered by the division. Relevant courses in other departments and schools can also be selected, but all course work must be approved by the student’s dissertation committee. Following completion of the required course work, students must be continuously enrolled in IAS 794 (Doctoral Dissertation) each Fall and Spring semester until the PhD degree is conferred.

Researchers in the dessert

Core Courses

(16 units, required)

  • A complete dissection of the adult human body. Supplementary lectures and demonstrations. Emphasis on correlating development, structure and function.

  • A complete dissection of the adult human body. Supplementary lectures and demonstrations. Emphasis on correlating development, structure and function.

  • Study of microscopic anatomy emphasizing embryonic origin of the body plan, cells, tissues, and organs; ultrastructural and functional correlations.

  • Study of microscopic anatomy emphasizing embryonic origin of the body plan, cells, tissues, and organs; ultrastructural and functional correlations.

  • Structure and function of the human nervous system with emphasis on central conduction pathways, especially those of clinical significance.

Electives

(8 units)

  • In-depth dissection of one or more regions of the human body, supplemented with literature research, and teaching practicum. May also enable the student to pursue a minor research investigation in some anatomical region of choice. Focuses on the following anatomical regions: Axial Skeleton, Upper and Lower Limbs, and Thoracic Cavity.

  • In-depth dissection of one or more regions of the human body, supplemented with literature research, and teaching practicum. May also enable the student to pursue a minor research investigation in some anatomical field of choice. Focuses on the following anatomical regions: Abdomen, Pelvis, and Head and Neck.

  • An intensive introduction to the human skeleton and the fundamentals of bone and dental biology. Covers a variety of topics including: skeletal development; functional interpretation of bone and bony processes; osteological and dental pathology; human anatomical variation; laboratory analyses and imaging techniques; methods for estimating age, sex, and stature; and comparative osteology.

  • Reports and discussion on recent advances in anatomy.

  • Units: 4
    Terms Offered: Fa

  • Units: 4
    Terms Offered: Sp

  • Introduces pedagogical principles of learning and assessment, effective content delivery and instructional design for anatomical teaching.

  • Obtain a deeper understanding of clinical anatomy, develop pedagogical skills in small-group anatomical demonstration, and learn to prepare practical exams.