Graduate Courses Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (ANAT 509): Fall Semester, 4 lecture hours, 4 credits. Designed as an interdisciplinary introduction to the cellular and molecular aspects of central nervous system function. The basic principles of neuroscience including neuronal structure, electrical properties of single neurons, cell biology of neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic function will be discussed, followed by intracellular signaling in neurons, gene regulation, transgenic model systems, glia, neuronal development, basic neurochemistry and molecular and cellular aspects of motor, sensory and integrative function. The course will conclude with lectures on various aspects of neural injury and disease, including traumatic brain injury, Parkinsons and Alzheimer's disease. Course Directors:   Les S. Satin, Ph.D. (Pharmacology and Toxicology) John W. Bigbee, Ph.D. Gross and Developmental Anatomy (ANAT 609): Fall semester course, 4 lecture hours and 10 laboratory hours, 8 credits. A dissection and macroscopic study of the human body, with clinical correlations. Course Directors: Richard J. Krieg, Ph.D. and Raymond J. Colello, D. Phil. Neuroanatomy (ANAT 610): Spring semester course 4 lecture and 2 laboratory hours, 5 credits. A study of the structure, connections and function of the central nervous system. Laboratory sessions complement lecture presentations, emphasizing light microscopic and ultrastructural neurohistology, gross and sectional anatomy of the brain and tracing of functionally related CNS connections. Course Director: George Leichnetz, Ph.D. Histology (ANAT 611): Fall semester course, 4 lecture and 2 laboratory hours, 5 credits. A study of the basic light and electron microscopic structure of cells, tissues and organs. Emphasis on correlating structure with function. Course Director: Randall E. Merchant, Ph.D. Advanced Studies in Anatomy (ANAT 613): 1-6 credits. Advanced Studies in Anatomy and Neurobiology (ANAT 613): 1-6 credits. An in depth course in specific areas of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy. Techniques in Neuroscience and Cell Biology (ANAT 615) : Fall semester course, 2 lecture hours, 2 credits. Practical and theoretical presentations of current methods used in Neuroscience and Cell Biology. Course Director: John W. Bigbee, Ph.D. Developmental Neurobiology (ANAT 617) : Fall semester course; 4 lecture hours. 4 credits. The course is designed to expose students to the fundamental mechanisms underlying the development of the central nervous system, including patterning, birth and death of neurons, axon guidance, formation, maintenance and plasticity of synaptic connections and glial biology. Emphasis will be on the cellular and molecular aspects of these topics. Course Director: Babette Fuss, Ph.D. Techniques in Neuroscience and Cell Biology: Spring semester course, 2 lecture hours, 2 credits. Practical and theoretical presentations of current methods used in Neuroscience and Cell Biology including a discussion of the principles of each technique and a laboratory demonstration. Course Director: John W. Bigbee, Ph.D. Seminar (ANAT 690): Fall and Spring semester course; 1 credit. A course consisting of faculty and student-led seminars presenting current research in neurobiology and cell biology. Course Director: Randall Merchant, Ph.D. Co-Directors: John W. Bigbee, Ph.D. and Raymond Colello, D. Phil. Scientific Writing (ANAT 691): Semester course; 2 credit course. This course offers practical training in how to prepare and review scientific papers and grant writing and the review process. Course Director: Linda L. Phillips, Ph.D. Directed Research (ANAT 697): 1-15 credits: Research leading to the MS or PhD degree and elective research projects for other students. Elective courses offered through other departments: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOC 503-504): Fall and Spring semesters, continuous course; 5 lecture hours, 5 credits. A comprehensive introductory course that describes basic biochemistry and reviews current concepts of modern cell and molecular biology. Immunobiology (MICR 505): Fall semester course, 3 lecture hours, 3 credits. A survey of immunobiology as a total host response to foreign agents, covering the nature of antigens and antibodies, antigen-antibody reactions, immunocompetent cells, allergic reactions, tumor immunology, transplantation immunology, immunological diseases and immunogenetics. Mammalian Physiology (PHIS501): Fall semester course, 5 lecture hours, 5 credits. A comprehensive study of the function of mammalian organ systems, designed primarily for graduate students. Cell Physiology (PHIS 604): Spring semester course, 4 lecture hours, 4 credits. This course is to provide an understanding of the cellular physiology of excitable tissues. Topics covered include the resting membrane potential and action potential, communication between excitable cells, sensory transduction mechanisms and contractile tissues. Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology (PHTX 536): Spring semester course, 5 lecture hours, 5 credits. A comprehensive course in pharmacology covering mechanisms of action of major classes of pharmacologically active agents and basic principles of pharmacology. Topics include drug absorption, distribution, and metabolism; chemotherapy; endocrine pharmacology and principles of toxicology/immunotoxicology. Neurochemical Pharmacology (PHTX 632): Spring semester course, 3 lecture hours, 3 credits. Investigates the mechanisms of drugs action on the central nervous system in relation to the effects on endogenous neurochemical systems. Examines the milieu in which drugs act upon the the central nervous system, experimental techniques frequently used in neuropharmocology, specific neurotransmitter systems, as well as the mechanisms of action of specific drugs. Statistical Methods (BIOS 543): Fall semester course, 3 lecture hours, 3 credits. Basic concepts and techniques of statistical methods, including: the collection. Continuing Medical Education The Alton D. Brashear Postgraduate Course in Head and Neck Anatomy A five-day course entitled "The Alton D. Brashear Postgraduate Course in Head and Neck Anatomy" will be held at Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, March 11-15, 2002. In memory, the course bears the name - The Alton D. Brashear Postgraduate Course in Head and Neck. The primary teaching method is the dissection of the head and neck. Lectures, demonstrations and audiovisuals demonstrating specific anatomical relationships of organs and organ systems, will augment the laboratory dissections. The School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. The course is approved for 43 credit hours by the Academy of General Dentistry. Hugo R. Seibel and Milton M. Sholley, Co-Course Directors Admission The course is open to any individual who holds one of the following degrees: M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D., or equivalent. The class size will be limited to 36. Tuition and Application The tuition for the course for practitioners is $450.00, and for students in residency programs $300.00. The first $10.00 of either fee represents a non-refundable registration fee. For more information and to obtain a registration form contact: Dr. Hugo R. Seibel Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Anatomy P.O. Box 980709 Richmond, VA 23298-0709 804/828-9791 or 804/828-9623 Fax: 804/828-5115 or 804/828-9477 Contact John W. Bigbee for questions, comments regarding this site. Responsible unit - Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology Virginia Commonwealth University