Overview
The Master of Science Program in Modern Human Anatomy (MHA) provides graduate level training and teaching experience in the physical and virtual anatomical sciences. The curriculum integrates 3D computer imaging and modeling with human cadaver dissection, neuroanatomy, histology, and embryology.
The Master of Science in Modern Human Anatomy (MHA) Program is innovative and unique, bridging an established anatomy/developmental biology curriculum with the foundations of digital imaging technologies now in use in medical care, biomedical research, medical illustration, and teaching. This program blends modern and classical approaches to anatomical study, with a goal of producing a new generation of anatomical professionals prepared for diverse careers. The program emphasizes an individualized, flexible approach to professional growth and career development through a student-designed capstone project. This two-year program will prepare graduates to work in a broad spectrum of educational and biomedical sub-specialties where creativity and innovation abound, and knowledge of human anatomy is highly valued.
Admissions Requirements
To apply for admission applicants must submit the following:
- Online Graduate School application
- Statement of Purpose: describe plans for graduate study, potential career choices, how the MHA will help reach goals, and comfort with technology.
- Resume or CV
- Past Work: describe aspects of background that will lead to success in this rigorous graduate program, describe past academic and non-academic educational experiences.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Test scores (recommended, not required): GRE, MCAT, and DAT accepted
- Application Fee: A nonrefundable application fee of $50.00 (U.S. dollars) for domestic applicants and $75.00 (U.S. dollars) for international applicants. Checks or money orders should be made out to the University of Colorado.
- Interview: After the application is complete, qualifying applicants are invited to participate in one of the MHA interview days. The applicant may choose an in-person or video interview, which will be arranged with the applicant and one faculty member plus a current 2nd year MHA student. The in-person interview days provide applicants with opportunities to learn more about the MHA program, speak directly with current students and faculty, meet other applicants, and participate in a Curriculum Overview and student-run Q&A session. To be considered for admission, applicants must participate in the interview process.
- Transcripts: One official transcript from all post-secondary colleges and/or universities should be sent directly to:
University of Colorado Denver Graduate Admissions
Campus Box 163
PO Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364
OR Electronic Transcripts should be sent to: graduateadmissions@ucdenver.edu
International students must meet ALL of the requirements above and those required by International Admissions.
Degree Requirements
Please note: Year 1 Summer, Year 2 Fall, and Year 2 Spring are flexible, and courses can be taken in many orders and combinations.
First Year
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ANAT 6205 | Imaging and Modeling | 4 |
| ANAT 6310 | Neuroanatomy | 4 |
| ANAT 6330 | Human Embryology | 3 |
| ANAT 6412 | Foundations of Teaching | 1 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| ANAT 6111 | Human Gross Anatomy | 8 |
| ANAT 6321 | Human Histology | 4 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| ANAT 6950 | MSMHA Capstone Project | 1-12 |
| Hours | 1-12 | |
| Total Hours | 25-36 | |
Second Year
| Year 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ANAT 6600 | Experimental Design and Research Methods | 1 |
| ANAT 6910 | Teaching Practicum | 1-4 |
| Elective (3 Credits) | ||
| ANAT 6950 | MSMHA Capstone Project | 1-12 |
| Hours | 3-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| ANAT 6950 | MSMHA Capstone Project | 1-12 |
| Hours | 7-18 | |
| Total Hours | 10-35 | |
Learning Objectives
The Master of Science in Modern Human Anatomy program trains graduate students to be capable and skilled scholars who are successfully able to:
1) Demonstrate a broad knowledge of human anatomy
- Develop an in-depth and thorough understanding of human anatomy at the macroscopic level, including systems-based and regional anatomy.
- Develop an understanding of neural systems organization, cellular neurobiology, and topographic and vascular anatomy of the spinal cord, brain, and cerebrum.
- Develop a microscopic-level comprehension of human tissue, including the structure, function, and organization of cells and tissues.
- Evaluate and assess the developmental process of human embryonic and fetal periods, analyze congenital abnormalities, and integrate embryology to adult human gross anatomy.
2) Understand and apply multiple imaging and modeling modalities
- Synthesize image characteristics, informatics, acquisition, processing, and analysis with an emphasis on 3D and dynamic data.
- Create and implement 3D anatomical models.
3) Teach anatomical sciences at a professional level
- Develop content-based instructional and pedagogical skills, understand frameworks for making curricular decisions, implement active learning techniques and investigate the impact of teaching for diversity in health science programs.
- Apply pedagogical theories to practice in a professional program.
4) Complete a novel work or project that contributes to field of anatomical sciences
- Select a project or pursue an area of research that includes the investigation of one or more sub-disciplines in anatomical sciences, including areas such as: anatomical education, educational technology, clinical applications, and imaging and modeling.
- Demonstrate scientific literacy by critically evaluating your work in the context of published literature.
- Develop aims and establish a methodology for achieving the desired outcomes.
- Present the project publicly.
- Submit a final paper, outlining the project aims, methodology, and outcomes.
5) Develop an emphasis area within anatomy, anatomy education, and/or imaging and modeling
Courses
The Human Gross Anatomy course examines the form and function of the human body at a macroscopic level. Systems-based and regional anatomy lectures are complemented by full-body cadaver dissection. Medical imaging labs provide the opportunity to learn ultrasound skills. Requirements: Must be a degree-seeking student in MS Modern Human Anatomy program.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course covers major medical and scientific imaging modalities with an emphasis on 3D scientific and medical visualization. Students will also receive instruction in advanced digital image processing and 3D modeling using industry-standard software such as MATLAB and Maya. Prerequisite: Only ANAT degree-seeking students
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Introduction to the applications and technical “hands on” details of the procedures involved in 3D printing for the anatomical sciences and education. Students will learn approaches to acquiring and processing 3D imaging data along with strategies for printing and finishing objects using fused-deposition modeling and stereolithography. ANAT 6205: Imaging & Modeling
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Structure & Function in the Human Nervous System. Basic neuroanatomy & neural systems with workshop focus employing facilitated discussions & problem-oriented cases. Laboratory sessions will employ brain specimens, models & image sets. Team-based projects are in-depth exploration of topics with development of collaborative presentations. Requisite: Restricted to ANAT students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
Histology is the study of the tissues. By exploring the human structure, function and organization at the histological level, students will gain important pattern recognition skills to integrate microscopic knowledge with macroscopic gross anatomy and other foundational anatomical sciences. (Will replace ANAT 6320) Prereq: Restricted to ANAT students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall.
This graduate level, introductory human embryology course will emphasize developmental aspects of adult anatomy and congenital malformations. Educational value of three-or-four-dimensional models and other ancillary learning resources for human embryology will also be explored. Requisite: Restricted to ANAT students only.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course will provide students with training, practice, and constructive feedback in effective teaching skills in order to be successful in the biomedical professions. Topics include learning objectives, the neurobiology of learning, assessments, and effective communication within and outside the classroom.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course offers a hands-on, supervised experience as an anatomical sciences educator. Readings and discussions will enhance your understanding of educational pedagogy. You will apply these skills as you develop and deliver lecture and lab content in a classroom setting. Instructor consent required.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
In this course, students will foster and apply strategies that enable critical evaluation of any published research (including basic, clinical, and educational), as well as develop the skills necessary to conduct and appropriately analyze their own research data.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall.
This course is offered in a variety of technical and thematic areas in modern human anatomy. The specific topics vary from year to year. Note: This course includes lectures, discussions and workshops.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
This course enables the student to pursue an investigation in a modern human anatomical field of choice toward completion of a capstone project with relatively minor supervision from faculty advisors.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Hands-on teaching course in which students apply pedagogical theories to practice in a professional program as a teaching assistant, lecturer or other instructional position. Prereq.: ANAT 6412. Course restricted to ANAT majors.
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail Only
Repeatable. Max Credits: 4.
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Hands-on teaching course in which students apply pedagogical theories to practice in a professional program as a teaching assistant, lecturer or other instructional position. Pre-requisite: ANAT degree-seeking student; ANAT 6412
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 4.
A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
The internship provides hands-on learning opportunities and practical experience for graduate students in institutions related to anatomical sciences, imaging, technology/biotechnology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Restricted to ANAT students only
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
The Capstone project is a scholarly and/or research-based pursuit of knowledge and content development in the area of anatomical sciences, modern imaging and modeling technologies, and educational science completed as part of the MS in Modern Human Anatomy. Prerequisite: Must be ANAT degree-seeking student.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 12.
Additional Information: Report as Full Time.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Contact Us
Jennifer Thurston, MPA
Academic Services Program Director
Jennifer.thurston@cuanschutz.edu
303-724-5902
Thomas E. Finger, PhD
Professor, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology
Executive Director, Modern Human Anatomy Program
Tom.finger@cuanschutz.edu
303-724-3436
Maureen Stabio, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology
Vice Executive Director, Modern Human Anatomy Program
Maureen.stabio@cuanschutz.edu
303-724-7461