Medical Anatomy & Experimental Pathology (MS)

The Master’s program in Medical Anatomy & Experimental Pathology provides training in human anatomy and the biology of disease and injury.  The program prepares students to pursue careers in the health professions, anatomy teaching, or related fields requiring knowledge of biological structure and disease. Research by our faculty employs imaging, genetics, and cellular, molecular and biochemical analyses to examine biological function in a range of organ systems.  These varied approaches provide insights into the complex phenomena of human biology and yield new understanding of disease mechanisms and treatments. We offer state-of-the-art instruction in the biological principles underlying human function and disease as well as current methods for visualizing anatomy and pathology in the human body.

The Program

Our program combines didactic study, hands-on laboratory instruction, and research experience, facilitated by multiple award-winning instructors and extensive facilities for dissection, imaging, and simulation.  Our faculty are engaged in research in cell and developmental biology, systems biology and informatics, bioimaging, neuroscience, and instructional methods in medical education, affording a wide variety of opportunities for the Master’s research project.

Academic Requirements

Required course work consists of a graduate seminar class Histology, Human Gross Anatomy, and Principles of General Pathology and Basic Disease Mechanisms.  The remainder of the curriculum is developed on an individual basis but, in general, comprises interdisciplinary courses, courses in areas relevant to the student's project and career objectives, and a substantial project prepared under the guidance of a full time department faculty member and committee selected by the student and faculty advisor.

Research or Special Project

A main requirement for the Master's degree in our program is completion a research thesis or capstone project.  The subject of the thesis must fall within the interests and expertise of program faculty, and the scope of the work generally represents the product of 2-3 semesters of effort.  Thus, completion of the program can be expected to take 2 years. 

Course Work

For the Masters program in Medical Anatomy & Experimental Pathology, a typical curriculum follows this pattern:

Year 1

Fall  Semester

  • Departmental seminar (1 credit)
  • Histology (5 credits)
  • Cell Biology or other advisor-mandated or elective course (3-4 credits)
  • Research (2-6 credits) – explore research topic(s) and identify thesis advisor

Spring Semester

  • Departmental seminar (1 credit)
  • Principles of General Pathology and Basic Disease Mechanisms (1 credit)
  • Other elective or advisor-mandated course (3-4 credits)
  • Research (6-10 credits) – begin focused work on thesis/project

Summer

  • Research

Year 2

Fall Semester

  • Departmental seminar (1 credit)
  • Human Gross Anatomy (6 credits)
  • Research (5 credits) – – continue thesis/project research

Submit "Application to Candidacy"

Spring Semester

  • Departmental seminar (1 credit)
  • Neuroscience 1 or Quantitative Neuroanatomy or other elective course (optional)
  • Research credits as needed to reach 30; complete thesis/project
  • Masters Defense

Contact Us

Director of Graduate Studies

Kolega, John

John Kolega, Ph.D.

Associate Professor / Graduate Program Director

Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences Jacobs School Room 4258 955 Main St Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: (716) 829-3527; Fax: (716) 829-2725

Email: kolega@buffalo.edu

Office Assistant 2

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