Ph.D. in Functional Anatomy and Evolution
The FAE graduate program offers a Ph.D. in Functional Anatomy and Evolution and provides individualized support by world-leading professors for each student in a close-knit department with an excellent faculty-to-student ratio. Our primary focuses are independent research and teaching human gross anatomy, with research areas covered by faculty and students that range from vertebrate fossils to primates to recent humans. As a result of the interdisciplinary training of the FAE graduate program, our graduates are well-equipped to face the challenge of today's academic job market. For more information on requirements for entry to the program, see our requirements for admission.
Research
All students are required to engage in independent research which begins soon after their arrival. Research may utilize our large collection of fossil and extant vertebrates as well as departmental research equipment. Research is further facilitated by our proximity to the collections of recent and fossil vertebrates held at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., which can be accessed by a one-hour journey on public transportation. Baltimore's excellent location offers ease of access to other major museums on the East Coast, as well as several international airports to travel to museums and collections around the world.
Teaching Opportunities
Teaching opportunities are primarily centered around training students to teach human anatomy in a medical school or allied health setting. Students act as laboratory instructors for both the School of Nursing Human Anatomy course as well as the School of Medicine Human Anatomy course. These are cadaver-based courses, allowing for the highest level of dissection-based experience. The School of Medicine course is taught at the beginning of the third year of the Ph.D. program, while the School of Nursing course is taught at the end of both the first and second years. Further teaching opportunities are available through undergraduate courses offered by the departmental faculty.
Prerequisites
The Functional Anatomy and Evolution (FAE) Program will admit well-qualified students to the program for work leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Applicants should have thorough training in organismic biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Fellowships
Every student admitted to the program is supported by a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and a stipend renewable through the student’s fifth year in the program.
Admissions and program contact information can be accessed here: PhD Program – Functional Anatomy & Evolution.
Program Requirements
Requirements established by the FAE Program, which must be met by all candidates, are as follows:
- Resident graduate students should be registered as full- time to receive the full five-year funding.
- Students must fulfill an ethics requirement by completing the Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research course in year 1 (listed below).
- Starting in year 1, complete annual meetings with their thesis committee.
- Complete annual meetings with their faculty advisor on the student's academic progress and professional development plan, also known as the student's Individual Development Plan (IDP).
- Demonstrate evidence of achievement and promise in a comprehensive oral examination administered by the Doctoral Board, usually at the end of the second year of residence.
- Demonstrate preparedness to carry out independent research by completing predissertation research within years 1 and 2.
- Write a dissertation embodying findings worthy of publication, and certified to be a significant contribution to knowledge by at least two referees from within the department and two referees from outside.
- Present a final departmental seminar in the field of the dissertation research.
Core Courses
Students must achieve a B- or better in Human Anatomy, Organ Histology, Method and Theory in Evolutionary Functional Morphology I & II, and Statistics.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ME.130.602 | Human Anatomy: Functional, Clinical, and Developmental Perspectives | 12 |
| ME.130.747 | Introduction to Histology | 2 |
| ME.130.800 | FAE Advanced Work and Research 1 | 1 - 18 |
| ME.130.754 | Method & Theory in Evolutionary Functional Morphology I | 1.5 |
| ME.130.755 | Method & Theory in Evolutionary Functional Morphology II | 3 |
| ME.800.811 | Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| PH.140.615 | Statistics for Laboratory Scientists I | 4 |
| PH.140.616 | Statistics for Laboratory Scientists II | 4 |
| ME.130.700 | Advanced Study and Teaching | 1 |
| ME.130.738 | Advanced Training and Undergrad Teaching in Human Anatomy |
- 1
Repeat fall, spring, and summer starting year 3 until graduation.
Elective Courses
The PhD curriculum requires students to complete at least two elective courses. The identity of these courses should reflect the interests and needs of the individual student and should be selected in consultation with the primary advisor and/or graduate program director.
Examples of Elective Courses in which FAE PhD students have recently enrolled include:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AS.020.374 | Comparative Physiology | 3 |
| AS.020.363 | Developmental Biology | 3 |
| AS.020.612 | Introduction to the Human Brain | 3 |
| AS.410.633 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 4 |
| AS.270.350 | Sedimentary Geology | 4 |
| AS.200.208 | Animal Behavior | 3 |
| ME.440.699 | Neuroscience Elective | 3 |
| PH.260.613 | Techniques in Molecular Biology | 3 |
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Functional Anatomy PhD program will be able to:
1. Demonstrate Mastery of Human Anatomical Science
- Exhibit comprehensive and integrative knowledge of human gross anatomy, histology, embryology, and structural‑functional relationships across organ systems.
- Critically evaluate current research and emerging discoveries in anatomical science to contextualize them within the broader biomedical landscape.
2. Conduct Independent, Original Research in Anatomical Science or Anatomy Education
- Formulate impactful research questions and design rigorous experimental, qualitative, or mixed‑methods studies relevant to functional anatomy or anatomy education.
- Demonstrate mastery in data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation using appropriate scientific methodologies.
- Produce original scholarship that advances the fields of anatomical science, biomedical imaging, structural biology, or educational research.
3. Perform Advanced Cadaveric and Laboratory Techniques
- Execute expert‑level dissection and laboratory procedures in human anatomy with precision, safety, and ethical integrity.
- Apply advanced imaging, histological, or computational methods to investigate structural‑functional relationships in the human body.
4. Demonstrate Excellence in Scientific Communication
- Communicate research findings effectively in peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, classroom settings, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Translate complex anatomical and research concepts into clear, accessible formats for diverse learners and audiences.
5. Apply Evidence- in Anatomy Instruction
- Design, implement, and evaluate high-quality instructional materials and learning experiences using principles of evidence‑based teaching.
- Deliver effective instruction in gross anatomy, histology, and related biomedical sciences, incorporating inclusive teaching strategies and best practices in assessment and feedback.
6. Uphold Ethical and Professional Standards in Research and Anatomical Education
- Adhere to ethical guidelines for research involving human specimens, data integrity, and publication practices.
- Demonstrate professional behavior, responsible conduct of research, and respect for human donors, consistent with program‑required RCR and bioethics training.
7. Lead and Collaborate in Interdisciplinary Scientific and Educational Environments
- Work effectively within diverse research and teaching teams that may include clinicians, scientists, educators, and allied health professionals.
- Apply leadership strategies to support collaborative inquiry, laboratory oversight, curricular development, and broader institutional goals.
8. Demonstrate Readiness for Advanced Academic or Professional Careers
- Produce a dissertation that demonstrates original, meaningful, and publishable contributions to the anatomical sciences or anatomy education.
- Exhibit the scholarly independence, methodological expertise, and teaching competencies required for careers as faculty, researchers, anatomical educators, or scientific leaders.