Program Overview

Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy (GCBA) Program

The Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy (GCBA) program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of genetics, cell biology, and anatomy.

Course Descriptions

• GCBA 801: Ethics in Neuroscience: This course prepares students to evaluate research design with attention to ethical considerations and make decisions that exhibit high standards of professional integrity. Major topics include experimental design, animal and human experimentation, and the ethics of clinical practice. (3 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL/SPR)
• GCBA 802: Cell and Molecular Biology of the Nervous System: This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in cell and molecular biology as applied to neuroscience. Topics include mechanisms of action potentials and cell signaling, protein homeostasis, and the functions of each cell type in the nervous system. (3 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL)
• GCBA 803: Neuropharmacology: This course introduces students to neuropharmacology, covering mechanisms of neurotransmitter interactions with receptors and their disruption in common diseases. (3 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL)
• GCBA 804: Gross Anatomy of the Human Nervous System: Students learn the gross anatomy of the nervous system, including peripheral and cranial nerves, the spinal cord, brainstem, and cerebral cortex. (3 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU)
• GCBA 805: Sensory Systems of the Nervous System: This course covers the pathways and function of sensory systems, including somatosensory, gustatory, olfactory, auditory, and visual systems, and diseases affecting these systems. (3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GCBA 804, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 807: Motor Systems of the Human Nervous System: Students learn about the motor systems, including the neuromuscular synapse, lower and upper motor neurons, reflexes, and control of eye movements. (3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GCBA 804, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 808: Limbic System, Hypothalamus, and Control of the Autonomic Nervous System: This course instructs students on the limbic system, hypothalamus, and autonomic nervous system, including their pathways and functions. (3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GCBA 804, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 809: Higher Cortical Function and Behavioral Neuroscience: Students learn about the gross anatomy of the nervous system and its relation to higher cortical functions and behavioral neuroscience. (3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GCBA 804, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 810: Development of the Nervous System and Neurogenetics: This course introduces students to the development of the nervous system and neurogenetic diseases. (3 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL)
• GCBA 811: Lesions and Diseases of the Nervous System - Case-Based Approach: Students analyze neurological and psychiatric diseases using a case-based approach. (3 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: SUMMER)
• GCBA 813: Neuroanatomy Lecture: This course provides foundational knowledge about the anatomy, functional organization, and physiology of the human nervous system. (3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GCBA 908 and GCBA 909, Corequisite: GCBA 814, Typically Offered: SUM/SPRING)
• GCBA 814: Neuroanatomy Lab: Students study the gross anatomy of the central nervous system using anatomical-donor tissues. (2 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GCBA 908 and 909, Corequisite: GCBA 813, Typically Offered: SUM/SPRING)
• GCBA 823: Fundamentals in Genetics and Genomics: This course introduces basic concepts in classical and modern molecular genetics and genomic analysis. (2 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 825: Human Histology: A study of cells, fundamental tissues, and organ systems at both the light and ultramicroscopic level. (5 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 830: Fundamentals of Electron Microscopy: The course covers the general theory and techniques of electron microscopy. (2 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: CBA 826 and permission of instructor, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 845: Clinically Oriented Human Anatomy I: This is the first semester of a clinically-oriented human anatomy course, presented in a systems approach with clinical correlations. (3 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL)
• GCBA 846: Clinically Oriented Human Anatomy II: The second semester of the clinically-oriented human anatomy course, continuing the study of human anatomy with clinical correlations. (2 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL)
• GCBA 853: Human Embryology: This course covers human embryology. (1 Credit Hour, Typically Offered: SUMMER)
• GCBA 891: Anatomical Sciences Teaching Practicum-High School Alliance: Students assist in teaching High School Alliance students in their anatomy course and learn about their natural execution, relationship building, influence, and strategic thinking talents. (1 Credit Hour, Prerequisite: GCBA 908 and 909, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 892: Introductory Medical Anatomy Research Practicum: This course prepares graduate students to understand the scientific method and design an anatomical science-based research project. (1 Credit Hour, Typically Offered: FALL/SPR)
• GCBA 893: Medical Anatomy Research Practicum: Students apply the scientific method to an anatomical science-based research project, engaging in data collection, analysis, interpretation, and scientific writing. (1 Credit Hour, Prerequisite: GCBA 892, Corequisite: GCBA 892, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 894: Observational Learning and Anatomy in the Healthcare Environment: Students shadow healthcare professionals to observe how knowledge of anatomy is utilized in clinical settings. (2 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL)
• GCBA 896: Research Other Than Thesis: Student research distinct from ongoing or planned thesis/dissertation work. (1-9 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU)
• GCBA 899: Master's Thesis: Independent student research related to the master's thesis. (1-9 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU)
• GCBA 902: Special Topics: Current problems, techniques, and literature in the field of anatomy. (1-3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU)
• GCBA 903: Journal Club: (1 Credit Hour, Typically Offered: FALL/SPR)
• GCBA 904: Anatomical Sciences Journal Club: (1 Credit Hour, Typically Offered: FALL)
• GCBA 905: Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Students learn the fundamental principles of physiology and pathophysiology of the musculoskeletal system. (1-2 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GCBA 908/909, Corequisite: GCBA 908/909, Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU)
• GCBA 906: Teaching Theory & Application: This course targets graduate/professional students interested in expanding their knowledge of teaching theory. (2 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: SUM/FALL)
• GCBA 907: Teaching and Research Presentation Skills: A required course for PhD-seeking students, focusing on the development of skills for making effective presentations. (2 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 908: Gross Anatomy Lecture: A comprehensive study of human anatomy with clinical correlations. (5 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GCBA 909 or concurrent registration, Typically Offered: FALL)
• GCBA 909: Gross Anatomy Laboratory: Hands-on application of anatomical concepts through whole-body dissection. (6 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GCBA 908 or concurrent enrollment, Typically Offered: FALL)
• GCBA 912: Modern Approaches in Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics: An advanced-level course focusing on current techniques and concepts in cell biology and genetics. (3 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 913: Advanced Gross Anatomy & Dissection: Provides foundational knowledge about structures and processes in the nervous system, addressing consequences of use, disuse, age, pathology, and injury. (4 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: GCBA 908 and GCBA 909, Typically Offered: SUMMER)
• GCBA 940: Teaching Practicum: Human Gross Anatomy: A series of courses for students to develop and apply teaching skills in the anatomical sciences. (2 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Appropriate GCBA course(s) or equivalent, GCBA 806, GCBA 910, GCBA 920, and permission of instructor, Typically Offered: SUM/FALL)
• GCBA 942: Teaching Practicum: Human Neuroanatomy: A course for students to develop and apply teaching skills in human neuroanatomy. (1 Credit Hour, Prerequisite: Appropriate GCBA course(s) or equivalent, GCBA 907, GCBA 908, GCBA 909, and permission of instructor, Typically Offered: SPRING)
• GCBA 945: Stem Cell and Developmental Biology: An in-depth study of stem cell biology and tissue engineering principles. (2 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: IPBS 801-803, Typically Offered: SUMMER)
• GCBA 949: Teaching Practicum: Human Histology: A course for students to develop and apply teaching skills in human histology. (2 Credit Hours, Prerequisite: Appropriate GCBA course(s) or equivalent, GCBA 806, GCBA 910, GCBA 920, and permission of instructor, Typically Offered: FALL/SPR)
• GCBA 970: Seminar: Attendance at weekly seminars offered by the department/program. (1 Credit Hour, Typically Offered: FALL/SPR)
• GCBA 971: Professional Opportunities Seminar: Students shadow physicians or healthcare professionals to see how knowledge of human anatomy is utilized in clinical practice. (1 Credit Hour, Typically Offered: FALL)
• GCBA 999: Doctoral Dissertation: Independent student research related to the PhD dissertation. (1-15 Credit Hours, Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU)