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The teaching mission of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology is to provide didactic education for medical, dental and graduate students, as well as post-doctoral fellows. In addition we provide experiential education in all areas of our research expertise encompassing modern molecular, cellular, developmental, neurobiology and computed medical anatomical imaging and simulation.
The Master of Science Program in Modern Human Anatomy (MHA) provides graduate level training and teaching experience in the physical and virtual anatomical sciences. The curriculum integrates 3D computer imaging and modeling with human cadaver dissection, neuroanatomy, histology, and embryology.
The Department has the primary responsibility for teaching the Human Body block for the first-year students enrolled in Phase I of the Medical School Curriculum and the first-year students enrolled in the Human Anatomy course of the Dental School Curriculum. The department also participates in the teaching of seven other blocks in phases I - IV of the Medical School curriculum.
Department faculty members direct five and teach in a total of 13 Graduate School Courses. Faculty members are affiliated with the following graduate programs (click to visit web sites by department): neuroscience; cell biology, stem cells and development; biomedical sciences; human medical genetics; reproductive sciences; molecular biology; medical scientist training; physiology and biophysics; and biomolecular structure.
Department faculty members participate in instruction of two Dental School courses listed below.
The emphasis of the Human Anatomy course is the structure and function of the head and neck. The course covers topics in the anatomical sciences including: gross anatomy of the upper extremity, thorax, abdomen and head and neck, embryology of the head and neck, and neuroanatomy. The first half of the course focuses on the organ systems of the trunk, neuroanatomy of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, and an overview of the anatomy of the back and upper extremity. The second half of the course includes a detailed study of head and neck anatomy, embryology of the head and neck, and structure and function of the brain. In the dissection lab students use the computer-based VH Dissector and Cadaver Dissection Guide, a comprehensive, interactive, learner-centric laboratory manual for gross anatomy. Faculty of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology staff the basic science sessions including 50 lecture hours and 86 total lab (faculty) contact hours.
Michael Carry, PhD (Course Director, Lecturer, Lab Instructor)
John Caldwell, PhD (Lecturer)
Joan Hooper, PhD (Lecturer)
Ernesto Salcedo, MD (Lecturer)
The MicroAnatomy course covers topics in Cell Biology and Histology including: microscopy; cell structure; cell cycle; cells of the nervous system; epithelia and glands; integument; blood; connective tissue; muscle; endocrine and immune organs; visual system; respiratory, digestive and urinary systems; liver and pancreas; auditory and vestibular systems; urinary and oral histology. Faculty of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and guest lecturers staff the sessions including 38 lecture hours.
Brad Bendiak, PhD (Lecturer)
Tom Finger, PhD (Lecturer)
Ernesto Salcedo, PhD (Lecturer)
Karen Stevens, PhD (Lecturer)
The Essentials Core Curriculum comprises the first 18 months of medical education. It is separated into two phases, each consisting of a series of interdisciplinary blocks that present basic science in a clinical context co-directed by basic science and clinical faculty. The aim of the Essentials Core is to provide the scientific foundation for the student's further medical education and to begin to equip each student for a lifetime of learning, research and/or clinical care and community service.
The Clinical Core Curriculum fully immerses students in the culture of medicine and direct patient care. Phase III is comprised of six interdepartmental Clerkship Blocks providing intensive clinical experiences in hospital, ambulatory clinic, emergency and operating rooms, community, rural, and urban environments. Clinical skills and reasoning, basic science material and Thread concepts are reinforced and applied. Phase IV is Advanced Studies, which includes a sub-internship, residency preparation, coursework and a scholarly project integrating advanced basic science and clinical skills.
Following is a synopsis of the involvement of CDB Faculty in these courses:
The human body block is organized into three units covering the major regions (back and extremities, trunk, and head and neck) of the body. The block contact hours are split between lectures and small group sessions including the dissection laboratory. The block content includes gross anatomy, introductory embryology, an overview of anatomic pathology, clinical cases, radiological imaging and physical exam of the back, extremities, thorax, abdomen, and head and neck. In the dissection lab students use the computer-based VH Dissector and Cadaver Dissection Guide, a comprehensive, interactive, learner-centric laboratory manual for gross anatomy. Faculty of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology staff the basic science sessions including 60 lecture hours and 569 total lab (faculty) contact hours.
Michael Carry, PhD (Basic Science Block Director, Lecturer, Lab Instructor)
Linda Barlow, PhD (Lecturer)
Nancey Bookstein, EdD, PT (Lecturer, Lab Instructor)
Joan Hooper, PhD (Lecturer)
Vic Spitzer, PhD (Lecturer, Lab Instructor)
Molecules to Medicine is an integrated approach to cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and human genetics presented in a context that emphasizes clinical issues.
John Caldwell, PhD (Lecturer)
Tom Evans, PhD (Lecturer)
Rytis Prekeris, PhD (Lecturer)
Blood and Lymph covers the basic clinical concepts underlying immunology, hematology, rheumatology, and malignancies of the blood. Histology, genetics, biochemistry, and ethical issues are integrated into the course concepts.
Brad Bendiak, PhD (Lecturer)
The course is an interdisciplinary approach to the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal systems, including anatomy, histology, physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, pharmacology, and development. Emphasis is on how the major organs work together to regulate blood pressure and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.
Linda Barlow, PhD (Lecturer)
Brad Bendiak, PhD (Lecturer)
The course covers the gross and microscopic anatomy of the nervous system, basic neurobiology and neurophysiology, pharmacology, neuropathology, and basic neurologic and psychiatric examination skills. Emphasis is on the relationship between basic process and functional systems to clinical phenomena and behavior.
John Caldwell, PhD (Lecturer, Lab Instructor)
Tom Finger, PhD (Lecturer, Lab Instructor)
Diego Restrepo, PhD (Lecturer, Lab Instructor)
This interdisciplinary course integrates clinical and basic science topics related to the normal function and diseases of the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems. The biochemistry and physiology of nutrient metabolism in health and disease will also be covered.
Brad Bendiak, PhD (Lecturer)
Rytis Prekeris, PhD (Lecturer)
IDPT 7004 is a required Phase III course that provides advanced clinical, translational basic science and threads that are vital to doctoring but underrepresented in the clinical blocks.
Advanced Studies - Phase IV
IDPT 8005 Integrated Clinician’s Course (Feb-March/2 weeks, Phase 4)
IDPT 8005 is a required Phase IV course that provides learning opportunities in advanced clinical skills/content, translational basic science and threads. Material is presented in didactic sessions, small groups and independent learning with content developed for different career paths.