Involves a major writing exercise during the last two years with the student's research committee dealing with submission, rewrites, and final approval of the thesis. A public oral presentation of the work is also required. Students receive a firm foundation in the normal development of the human embryo and fetus supplemented by the study of animal embryos in the laboratory. This leads to an understanding of the variations from the normal and medical considerations associated with congenital malformations. A foundational course in the understanding of gross anatomy, histological anatomy and physiology.
Dissection is supplemented by the use of x-rays, anatomical models and lectures.
Emphasis is placed on structure-function relationships at the cell and tissue levels. Functions including water relations, photosynthesis, metabolism and hormonal regulation of growth and development. Examined from an environmental, medical and basic research perspective. Fundamentals of microbiological organisms and principles of disease and pathogenesis. A review of human anatomy with reference to drug delivery and basic mechanisms of disease.