Medical School Courses and the Division of Anatomical Education

The Division of Anatomical Education satisfies a need for centralization of administrative functions in support of anatomical education programs within the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences.  Administered from within the Division are all undergraduate medical education programs of the department.  The Division also supports a limited number of graduate medical education programs, research that utilizes cadaver material, and workshops and training sessions that utilize cadaver material. The Anatomical Gift Program, that provides support for the gross anatomical educational mission of the department, is included in the division.

Undergraduate Medical Teaching

The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology is responsible for the teaching of three core courses for freshman medical students - Gross Anatomy, Microscopic Anatomy and Neuroscience.

Gross Anatomy. This course is taught in conjunction with the medical school curriculum.  It uses lectures, discussion groups and supervised dissection to present the gross anatomy of the human body. Dr. Patrick Tank, Director, 6 credit hours.

Medical Neuroscience. This course is taught in conjunction with the medical school curriculum.  It focuses on the basic development, anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the brain.  It also considers the gross and internal morphology, pathways, and functions of the nervous system.  Basic principles of the nerve action potential and synapses, and of sensory, motor, and autonomic, limbic and higher systems are discussed.  Applications of neurology, pharmacology, pathology, toxicology, psychology and psychiatry are made. Dr. Bob Skinner, Director, 5 credit hours. 

Microscopic Anatomy. This course emphasizes the development, structure, and functions of the tissues and organs of the human body. Lectures, study of tissue sections using computer assisted instruction and closed circuit television are used. Dr. Gwen Childs, Director, 4 credit hours.