Anatomy & Neurobiology

As one of the leading anatomy & neurobiology departments in the country, our mission is two-fold. We conduct a vigorous research program in systems neuroscience, from the level of molecular signaling in neurodegenerative disease to the socioaffective biology of autism. We are also renowned for our teaching in biomedical sciences, and through our Vesalius Program, we provide a unique opportunity for graduate students to receive formal training in teaching.

Degree Programs and Pathways Offered
for PhD, MA, or MD/PhD

• Neurobiology
• Anatomy
• Anatomy & Neurobiology

Neurobiology Track

Leading to the PhD in Anatomy & Neurobiology (also earns the combined PhD degree in Biomedical Neuroscience)

This doctoral program includes core courses in Systems Neurobiology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Methods in Neuroscience, and Neuroanatomy, as well as a number of advanced courses in Neurobiology within our department and related departments at the Medical School.

Anatomy & Neurobiology Track

Leading to the PhD in Anatomy & Neurobiology

This doctoral program includes courses in Anatomy & Neuroscience within the Medical School curriculum as well as a number of advanced courses within our department and related departments at the Medical School. This program is designed to produce well-rounded biomedical scientists who expect to include teaching and research in their career portfolio.

Anatomy Track

Leading to the PhD in Anatomy & Neurobiology (also earns the Certificate in Biomedical Instruction through our nationally recognized Vesalius Program)

In addition to a dissertation research project, this doctoral program emphasizes formal training and mentored practical experience in teaching as part of our Vesalius Program. This program is designed to emphasize instruction and training in the subjects and skills needed by future faculty members who expect teaching to be a major component of their career.

MD/PhD Program

Medical students who are interested in pursuing a combined MD/PhD degree usually begin the doctoral part of their program after completing 1.5 or 2 years of the Medical School curriculum. Thus they have already completed many of the courses required for the PhD in Anatomy & Neurobiology. After completing the doctoral program, they return to the Medical School curriculum and receive the combined degree when their entire program is completed.

Master of Arts (MA) in Anatomy & Neurobiology—The Vesalius Program

The master’s program is designed to give students a solid exposure to the core areas of expertise in our department. Students choose a core curriculum that includes one of our anatomy courses: Gross Anatomy or Histology, one of our Neurobiology courses, and either Cell or Molecular Biology. Master’s students who desire formal training and mentored experience in teaching also have the option of completing our Vesalius module.

The Vesalius Certificate

Our department offers formal instruction in pedagogy, and mentored practical teaching experience for graduate students who are interested in a career that includes teaching in the Biomedical Sciences. This 6-credit program can be incorporated into any of our graduate student pathways.

Courses

We offer a wide range of courses for graduate students in Systems, Cognitive, and Developmental Neuroscience, the Anatomical Sciences, Neuroimaging, and Teaching Methods. In addition, our students have opportunities to assist or teach in the first-year medical and dental school courses in Gross Anatomy, Microscopic Anatomy, and Neuroscience. Our department also co-sponsors the program in Behavioral Medicine & Mental Health Counseling and the program in Bioimaging. These programs include a variety of state-of-the art courses—all of which are available to our students.

Application and Financial Aid

Applications for admission to our graduate programs are accepted on a rolling basis from early fall through the spring. For more information on admissions, and to receive an online application, please contact the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences.

Graduate Student Guidelines

The graduate student guidelines provides a comprehensive set of requirements and policies for the MA, PhD, and MD/PhD degrees awarded by the Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology. This set of guidelines serves to supplement the Boston University Division of Graduate Medical Sciences guidebook.