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 two tracks within the program leading to the PhD Degree.  The goal of the two tracks in this program is to train promising students for careers in research and teaching. Expected time for completion of the PhD 4-5 years.

The two tracks leading to the PhD include (1) Developmental, Cell, and Neurobiology (DCN) and (2) Clinical Anatomy (CA).

Areas of concentration in the DCN are cellular and molecular biology, developmental biology, and neurobiology. 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.  Students in the DCN program complete foundational courses offered by the Interdisciplinary Program including Biochemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology and become involved in ongoing research projects during the first year through laboratory rotations that allow the selection of a mentor and research project for their dissertation. In the second year, students take advanced courses that are tailored to their research concentration, and the curriculum for obtaining the PhD can be tailored to the needs of each student.  The minimum (core) requirements can be found at the link below. 

The curriculum requirements for the CA track are listed in the link below.

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.