Cell Biology and Anatomy, PhD

Carmen Canavier, PhD
Professor and Head
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy

The Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy offers programs leading to PhD Degrees. The department has one program: Developmental, Cell, and Neurobiology (DCN) and Clinical Anatomy (CA). Areas of concentration in the DCN are cellular and molecular biology, developmental biology, and neurobiology. The goal of the program is to train promising students for careers in research and teaching. Students in the DCN program are encouraged to develop broad expertise in the disciplines of neuroscience, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, and genetics. Students receive close, individual training in laboratory technique and scientific acumen from the graduate faculty. Departmental Graduate Admissions Committees evaluate applications for these programs. Admission is based upon the Graduate Record Examination (optional), undergraduate transcripts, previous research experience and goals, and two letters of recommendation.

Expected time for completion of the PhD 4-5 years. Students in the DCN program become involved in ongoing research projects during the first year in a laboratory rotation format and are encouraged to identify a dissertation advisor during this time, or shortly thereafter. DCN students are required to take many courses offered by the Interdisciplinary Program including Biochemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology. Students should refer to the courses listed below for required coursework. Cell Biology and Anatomy Faculty members are integrally involved with the LSUHSC Neuroscience Center of Excellence, the LSUHSC Eye Center, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center, the Center for Oral and Craniofacial Biology, and the Center for Molecular and Human Genetics. Interaction with members of these centers is encouraged.