Anatomy and Cell Biology

Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy

Master of Science
Doctor of Philosophy

Mailing Address:
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology (MC 512)
Room 578 CME
808 South Wood Street
Chicago, IL 60612-7308

Campus Location: 578 CME
Program Codes: 20FS1024MS (MS); 20FS1024PHD (PhD)
Telephone: (312) 996-6791
E-mail: conwell@uic.edu
Web Site: http://www.uic.edu/depts/mcan/
Head of the Department: Scott T. Brady
Director of Graduate Studies: Conwell Anderson

The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology offers work leading to degrees in Anatomy and Cell Biology at both the master’s and doctoral levels, but gives priority to doctoral applicants. The department also participates in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD joint degree program); see the Medical Scientist Training Program section for more information. Areas of study include neurobiology, cell biology, and developmental biology. There is a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies that examine the relationship between structure and function. Research leading to a graduate degree is available in the following areas: neurobiology of the synapse, axonal transport, cytoskeleton, and response to stress; sensory systems; neuroplasticity; Alzheimer’s disease, neuroblastoma, ion channel regulation, cell motility, connective tissue, and stem cell biology. The Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience is available to doctoral students.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy

Baccalaureate Field Biology or a closely related field. Students who have majored in other fields may be admitted if they show substantial evidence of ability to complete the program.
Grade Point Average At least 2.75/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study.
Tests Required GRE General.
Minimum English Competency Test Score
- TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
- IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores.
Letters of Recommendation Three required.
Personal Statement Required The statement must address the applicant’s research interests and career goals.
Other RequirementsPreference for admission is given to students who intend to complete a doctoral program.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science

Minimum Semester Hours Required 32.
Course Work All students must take or show proficiency in three of four courses from GCLS 500, 501, 502, 503. They must also take or show proficiency in GCLS 504, 505, and 510. At least 3 additional semester hours must be in 500-level courses specifically related to the thesis research proposed.
Comprehensive Examination None.
Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Thesis required. No other options are available.
Other Requirements All graduate students must serve once as laboratory teaching assistants for one of the following: Tissue Biology, Neuroanatomy, or one section of Gross Human Anatomy.

Doctor of Philosophy

Minimum Semester Hours Required 96 from the baccalaureate.
Course Work All students must take or show proficiency in three of four courses from GCLS 500, 501, 502, 503. They must also take or show proficiency in GCLS 504, 505, 506, and 510. At least 6 additional semester hours must be in 500-level courses specifically related to the dissertation research proposed.
Preliminary Examination Required; oral examination based on a proposal in the National Research Service Award format.
Dissertation Required.
Other Requirements All graduate students must serve once as laboratory teaching assistants for one of the following: Tissue Biology, Neuroanatomy, or one section of Gross Human Anatomy.

Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience

Doctoral students may pursue the Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience. Refer to Interdepartmental Concentration in Neuroscience in the Graduate College section for more information.