The Vesalius Program has two components, designed to train graduate students to become effective teachers in the Biomedical Sciences.

The first component, GMS AN804 is a 2 credit course in which students learn how to generate course materials (syllabi, outlines, exam questions, course evaluations), which teaching methods work best for different learning styles and venues, and begin to hone their presentation skills. This course is currently being re-designed for Spring of 2006, and will be open to all graduate students at the Medical Center.

The second component of the Vesalius Program is a mentored teaching practicum experience, GMS AN805. Following the formal course described above, students choose several teaching experiences from a wide variety of offerings that include designing and presenting a lecture, leading small group sessions, laboratory teaching, designing a course, or co-leading a graduate seminar course. They identify an experienced faculty mentor and work over several weeks or a semester to become proficient at their chosen activity. Credit given for these activities is variable, depending on the nature of the involvement. At least 4 credits of practicum experience are necessary for completion of the "Vesalius module." The practicum experience is currently restricted to graduate students in the Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology (all degrees and pathways) and is available all semesters.