Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Cell Biology and Anatomy

The Ph.D. program in Cell Biology and Anatomy prepares the student for a career in independent research and/or teaching. The Ph.D. is typically followed by postdoctoral training in a specific field of study. Graduates of this program have obtained positions in industry, government, and consulting, as well as faculty positions at the college, university, and medical/graduate school level.

Overview of the Program

Students who obtain a Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Anatomy are required to achieve the following expectations:

• Become knowledgeable in the areas of study included in the IGPBS (Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in the Biomedical Sciences) core curriculum.
• 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.
• 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.
• Learn how to ask incisive scientific questions and gain experience in the design, performance, and interpretation of laboratory experiments and observations.
• Gain familiarity with the preparation and writing of grant applications.
• Prepare for the teaching as well as the research aspects of an academic career.
• Obtain instruction in research skills and responsible scholarship.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Cell Biology and Anatomy include:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution documented by submission of official transcript indicating the degree has been conferred before entering the program.
• A cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the bachelor’s degree.
• Applicants who are not native speakers of English, whether domestic or international, must demonstrate they meet the Minimum English Proficiency Requirement.
• A background check is required during the admission process; it may affect the student's eligibility to enter the program.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Prerequisite coursework:
  • One year of general chemistry
  • One year of organic chemistry or one semester of organic chemistry and one semester of biochemistry
  • One year of biological sciences
  • One semester of calculus
  • One semester of physics
• Research experience (beyond labs associated with lecture courses) is strongly suggested.
• Interview - the most qualified applicants will receive an invitation for an interview.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Cell Biology and Anatomy include:

• Degree requirements are normally completed within 5 years of admission to the program although a maximum of 8 years is allowed.
• Cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 for all KU graduate coursework.
• Successful completion of the University’s Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship requirement prior to the semester the Oral Comprehensive Examination is scheduled.
• Successful completion of the Residence Requirement prior to the semester the Oral Comprehensive Examination is scheduled.
• Successful completion of the Oral Comprehensive Examination.
• Successful completion of the Post-Comprehensive Enrollment requirement.
• Enrollment in a minimum of one (1) credit hour of ANAT 999 Doctoral Dissertation the semester the student will defend dissertation and graduate.
• Successful completion of the Final Oral Examination (dissertation defense).
• Successful Dissertation Submission and Publication (according to Office of Graduate Studies policy).
• Successful completion of the following Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Science (IGPBS) courses (or their equivalent):
  • GSMC 850: Proteins and Metabolism
  • GSMC 851: Molecular Genetics
  • GSMC 852: Introduction to Biomedical Research I
  • GSMC 853: Cellular Structure
  • GSMC 854: Cell Communication
  • GSMC 855: Introduction to Biomedical Research II
  • GSMC 856: Introduction to Research Ethics
  • GSMC 857: Biographics
  • GSMC 858: Introduction to Faculty Research
  • GSMC 859: Research Rotations
• Successful completion of the following Anatomy and Cell Biology courses:
  • ANAT 845: Graduate Histology
  • ANAT 849: Advanced Cell Biology
  • ANAT 885: Seminar
  • ANAT 890: Graduate Research
  • ANAT 900: Analysis of Scientific Papers
  • ANAT 990: Doctoral Research
  • ANAT 999: Doctoral Dissertation
• Students must be continually enrolled in ANAT 885 Seminar and ANAT 900 Analysis of Scientific Papers each fall and spring semester beginning with fall semester of their second year.
• Successful completion of a minimum of two (2) credit hours of elective coursework related to specialized interests.
• Successful completion of two hour-long presentations in the regular departmental seminar series (or an equivalent seminar approved by the graduate education director) are to be given in two separate semesters, not including the one in which the student defends.
• Gain teaching experience by assisting in selected courses that are chosen in consultation with the student's advisor and the graduate education director.

Typical Plan of Study

The typical plan of study for the Doctor of Philosophy in Cell Biology and Anatomy is as follows:

• Year 1:
  • Fall: GSMC 850, GSMC 851, GSMC 852, GSMC 856, GSMC 857, GSMC 858, GSMC 859
  • Spring: GSMC 853, GSMC 854, GSMC 855, GSMC 859
  • Summer: GSMC 861, elective course
• Year 2:
  • Fall: ANAT 849, ANAT 885, ANAT 890, ANAT 900
  • Spring: ANAT 845, ANAT 885, ANAT 890, ANAT 900
  • Summer: ANAT 831, ANAT 890
• Year 3:
  • Fall: ANAT 885, ANAT 890, ANAT 900
  • Spring: ANAT 885, ANAT 900, ANAT 990
  • Summer: ANAT 990
• Year 4:
  • Fall: ANAT 885, ANAT 900, ANAT 990
  • Spring: ANAT 885, ANAT 900, ANAT 990
  • Summer: ANAT 990
• Year 5:
  • Fall: ANAT 885, ANAT 900, ANAT 999
  • Spring: ANAT 900, ANAT 999
  • Summer: ANAT 999

Technical Standards

A Ph.D. in Anatomy and Cell Biology signifies that the holder is prepared for entry into a career in independent research and/or teaching. Therefore, graduates must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of classroom and/or laboratory situations. In this manner, all students admitted into the Anatomy and Cell Biology Ph.D. program must meet the following abilities and expectations:

1. Observation: The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiences in the basic sciences, including, but not limited to, biology demonstrations in animals, cultures, and microscopic studies of tissues in normal and pathologic states.
2. Communication: A candidate should be able to communicate, to understand, and to observe lectures and laboratory instruction.
3. Motor Function: Candidates should have sufficient motor function to carry out lab techniques.
4. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the completion of research and teaching responsibilities.