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The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology offers training for investigation of biological and biomedical problems using molecular, cellular, and morphological approaches. Faculty members are active in a diversity of research areas. Major areas include vision science and neuroscience with additional interest in cell and developmental biology as well as reproductive biology. Specific areas of vision research include mechanisms of immunity and inflammation in the cornea; the physiology and neurochemistry of retinal neurons; and blood flow, oxygen transport, and intracellular signaling cascades in ocular tissues. Neuroscience research includes studies of injury and plasticity in brain and spinal cord, neurotransmitter interactions in health and disease, and the development and function of glial cells. More about the Research Faculty
During their first year, doctoral students participate in the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences curriculum, which includes students from other basic science departments in the School of Medicine. Courses in cellular and molecular biology provide a solid background for future research work and offer opportunities for interactive participation with faculty members in a small-group setting. Seminars and elective courses broaden the exposure to clinically relevant areas of research. Research rotations allow students to become acquainted with the diverse research interests of the faculty and to obtain hands-on experience in selected techniques. By the end of the first year, students are encouraged to select a research advisor who will assist in the development and implementation of a dissertation research project. Advanced courses in select areas of anatomy and cell biology and in related fields widen the area of expertise and seminars provide exposure to clinically relevant areas of research. Study for the Ph.D. degree includes thesis research in the laboratory of a faculty member and can generally be completed in four to five years.
In addition to the Ph.D. in Anatomy and Cell Biology degree, the department now offers the option of obtaining a Concentration in Vision Science. This program was developed with the support of a Graduate Program Enhancement Award from the Office of the Provost. Students wishing this specialization take courses on the Biology of the Eye and Mechanisms of Ocular Disease in conjuction with their own research in a vision laboratory.
The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology is located in the Gordon H. Scott Hall of Basic Medical Sciences and the adjoining Lande Medical Research Building. These are part of the 230-acre Detroit Medical Center, one of the largest in the country, which contains six major hospitals as well as the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, the Kresge Eye Institute, and the Karmanos Cancer Institute.
The department is well equipped for molecular and biochemical techniques, cell and tissue culture, computer-based morphometric and image analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, animal surgery, neurophysiology, immunocytochemistry, and immunology. The Shiffman Medical Library adjacent to Scott Hall contains more than 100,000 volumes and receives over 700 scientific periodicals annually. Additional resources for graduate study include the Science Library and the Computer and Information Technology Center located nearby on the main campus of Wayne State University .
All applicants are automatically considered for graduate assistantships. These assistantships provide an annual stipend of $19,300 and also cover the cost of tuition and health insurance. The stipend is increased after advancement to degree candidacy. Some students may be supported by faculty grants or training grants which are administered by individual investigators. Other sources of financial support include Wayne State University Graduate Professional Scholarships which cover tuition and are administered by the Graduate School.
Cost of Study
Tuition for residents of Michigan is approximately $6,000 per year for residents of Michigan and $12,000 for nonresidents. Tuition is waived for all recipients of graduate assistantships.
Living and Housing Costs
A wide variety of housing accommodations are available, including University accommodations, privately operated apartments, and off-campus houses. Rental costs range from $400 to $600 for a one bedroom apartment. Several housing subsidies are available.
Student Group
Graduate enrollment in the department averages about 15-20 students with 3-5 new students admitted yearly. There are approximately 300 students in the basic science departments located in Scott Hall and students have many opportunities for interaction. A major event is the annual Graduate Student Research Day which features poster and platform presentations by current students.
Student Outcomes
Many recent Ph.D graduates have completed postdoctoral fellowships at major universities or the National Institutes of Health and then moved on to academic positions. Others with combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees have entered medical residences. Several graduates have accepted teaching positions at the college level.
Located in the heart of a great metropolitan center, Wayne State University is close to numerous cultural, social, athletic, and recreational activities. Several theaters, concert halls, art museums, and sports arenas are located in close proximity. Nearby lakes, rivers, and parks provide settings for outdoor recreation. The university is only 3 miles from the bridge and tunnel to Windsor, Ontario, Canada, which offers numerous other social and cultural opportunities.
The University
Wayne State University is nationally recognized as both a research institution and a major urban university. It ranks among the largest universities in the country with a total student body of more than 30,000. Of these, nearly one third are enrolled in graduate or professional programs. The main campus of the University is part of the city's Cultural Center, providing easy access to the Detroit Main Public Library , Detroit Institute of Arts , Detroit Science Center , Detroit Historical Museum , International Institute, and the Museum of African-American History.
Interested students are encouraged to submit an on-line pre-application form . The information contained on this form will allow us to offer assistance prior to proceeding to the level of the Graduate School application.
Further information about the department and opportunities within the School of Medicine Graduate Programs can be found at http://www.med.wayne.edu/gradprog/.
Students may also feel free to contact the Graduate Program Director directly by mail or by e-mail:
Paul D. Walker, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Director
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Wayne State University School of Medicine
540 East Canfield Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48201
pdwalker@med.wayne.edu
When you are ready to begin the admissions process, please submit the following information:
1.Official Transcript(s). Obtain Official Transcripts from the Records Office of all institutions that you have attended. The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology is looking for students with undergraduate (B.S) or graduate (M.S.) degrees in physical or life sciences. Students with master's degrees may obtain approval for transfer of up to 30 credits. The student's academic performance should show a minimal GPA of 3.0 overall (on a 4.0 scale) with strong performances in science courses such as general biology, cell and molecular biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
2.Graduate Record Exam. This score is derived by summation of Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical or Creative writing sections. Although completion of the Subject Test (e.g. Biology, Biochemistry) is not required for admission, a good score in this area will enhance your application. An official GRE Report of Scores must be included in your application.
3.Letters of Recommendation. Prospective students should obtain three letters of recommendation from faculty at undergraduate institutions who can provide an accurate and fair assessment of your performance and abilities. Letters of support from individuals outside of the scientific profession receive less weight, but are still considered. These letters should be submitted in sealed envelopes along with your application package with each envelope signed across the seal by the person who authored the letter.
4.Personal Statement. The personal statement should reflect your desire to pursue a scientific career. It should provide information on your long-term goals and show how you have begun to investigate what a career in the life sciences is like. The personal statement should be no longer than 2 pages.
5.Evidence of Prior Research Experience. Although not required for admission, prior research experience is highly advantageous. You should highlight manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations to which you have contributed.
6.WSU Application for Graduate Admissions Form. The official WSU Graduate Application form and instructions for completion of the form are available at the Admissions Office website . This application form and payment for a processing fee must be part of your application package. There are two separate forms: one for domestic applicants and one for international applicants. The fee for processing applications is $50, payable to Wayne State University by check or money order. International applicants may postpone payment until after arrival.
7. International Applicants Only. In addition to the above materials, international students must provide the following:
a) Official scores from a Test of English as a Foriegn Language (TOEFL). A minimal score of 600 (260 on the computer version) on the TOEFL is required for for admission consideration.
b) Evidence of financial resources (financial statements or bank documentation of financial resources).
c) Official English translations of transcripts and official degree certificates.
Students should have their applications completed by February 1 to increase the probability of obtaining financial aid. Late applications are reviewed as they arrive, but support may not be available. IMPORTANT!!! DO NOT SEND ANY APPLICATION MATERIALS TO WSU GRADUATE ADMISSIONS. This office is separate from the School of Medicine and its graduate program. Therefore, your application will not be processed in time for review if sent there. SEND ALL MATERIALS IN ONE PACKAGE TO:
Paul D. Walker, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Director
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Wayne State University School of Medicine
540 East Canfield Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48201
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