Graduate Programs
Master’s Curriculum
For admission to the Master’s degree program in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, students should apply to the VCU School of Medicine Pre-medical Health Sciences Certificate Program. The curriculum for the degree includes the core courses for the certificate program with specific electives as indicated below.
The Master of Science degree takes approximately two years to complete. Students conduct an original laboratory research project, which is written into a thesis and then defended in a final oral exam.
First Year
Fall semester:
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOC 503)
- Mammalian Physiology (PHIS 501)
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (NEUS 609)
- Seminar (ANAT 690)
Spring semester:
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOC 504)
- Systems Neuroscience (ANAT 610)
- Laboratory research rotations (ANAT 697)
- Seminar (ANAT 690)
Summer following first year
- Directed Research (ANAT 697) work in the research laboratory their chosen thesis advisor.
Second Year
Fall semester:
- Scientific Integrity (MICR 510)
- Research Presentations (ANAT 630)
- Directed Research (ANAT 697)
- Seminar (ANAT 690)
Spring semester:
Students must pass all courses with a grade of B or better. Students who fail to achieve a B will be required to re-take that course. The student must maintain a 3.0 overall cumulative grade point average to continue in the Master’s program.
There is no expectation of the time required to complete the Master’s degree, usually two years of study are necessary to complete the requirements. At the appropriate time in their research, the student will prepare a thesis and schedule a Final Oral Defense of the thesis. The Final Oral Examination (defense of the thesis) will cover the subject of the candidate’s dissertation and related basic science coursework.
