91ÉçÇø

Anatomy and Cell Biology

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Anatomy and Cell Biology

Location

Location

  • Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
  • Strathcona Anatomy and Dentistry Building
  • 3640 University Street, Room 1/60
  • Montreal, QC H3A 0C7
  • Canada

About Anatomy and Cell Biology

About Anatomy and Cell Biology

In addition to laboratory-specific activities, students will attend weekly seminars presented by nationally and internationally recognized researchers (www.mcgill.ca/anatomy/seminar-series). Students will also present their results once a year to other students in the program in the Research in Progress seminar series.

Current research projects include:

  • cell biology of secretion
  • cell biology of endocytosis
  • signal transduction of cell receptors for growth factors and hormones
  • synthesis and migration of glycoproteins
  • subcomponents of the Golgi apparatus and their function
  • biogenesis and function of lysosomes
  • cell turnover in various tissues
  • control of cell growth and proliferation
  • molecular biology of extracellular matrix
  • structure, composition, and function of basement membranes and connective tissue microfibrils
  • cell and microfibrils
  • cell and molecular biology of spermatogenesis
  • genetic expression of proteins in the formation of cytoskeletal components of spermatozoa
  • role of endocytosis and secretion by epididymal cells in sperm maturation
  • molecular biology of Sertoli cell secretions and their interaction with germ cells
  • synchronization of sperm production
  • transferrin, transferrin receptors, and iron in germinal cells
  • differentiation of B lymphocytes in bone marrow in relation to mechanisms of humoral immunity, immunodeficiency states, and B cell neoplasias
  • control mechanisms and cytokines in B lymphopoiesis
  • in situ organization and stromal cell-interactions of B lineage precursor cells in bone marrow
  • microenvironmental regulation of hemopoiesis
  • differentiation and regulation of cells mediating natural tumour immunosurveillance
  • tumour cell biology
  • cell and molecular biology of the formation of dental enamel, dentin, and bone
  • structure of organic matrices and inorganic crystals of dental enamel
  • role of hormones and their binding sites with calcified tissues
  • secretion and degradation of the proteins of enamel matrix, hypothalamo-pituitary function and gonadotropin patterns in ovarian follicular development
  • polycystic ovarian disease
  • computer-assisted modelling of morphometric and kinetic data
  • cell biology and molecular genetics of aging
  • senescence and cell cycle-specific genes and their products
  • cryo-electron microscopy

The Human Systems Biology Stream is offered as a complementary stream to the existing M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs entailing a multidisciplinary approach to achieving an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Anatomy. The primary objective of this stream is to offer graduate students academic training in Human Systems Biology. This is an exciting and new multidisciplinary field that aims to understand molecular human diseases at the systems level.

Research in the Department investigates the dynamics and organization of molecules, organelles, cells, and tissues in several major systems of the body. The work makes fundamental contributions to a number of established and emerging multidisciplinary fields: cell and molecular biology, cellular immunology and hematology, reproductive biology, calcified tissue biology, tumour cell biology, developmental biology, neurobiology, and aging.

The Department offers contemporary facilities for the wide range of techniques currently employed in research. Modern methods of cell and molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry are used in conjunction with specialized microscopy in a variety of experimental systems. Techniques used by Department members include:

  • labelling with radioisotopes and other tracers
  • radioautography
  • immunocytochemistry
  • histochemistry
  • cryo-immune microscopy
  • fluorescence microscopy
  • high-resolution electron microscopy
  • scanning electron microscopy
  • backscattered electron imaging
  • confocal microscopy
  • 3D cryo-electron microscopy
  • microinjection
  • video-microscopy in living cells
  • X-ray microanalysis
  • electron diffraction
  • freeze-fracture replication
  • computer reconstruction and quantitation
  • chromatography
  • subcellular fractionation
  • recombinant DNA technology
  • in situ hybridization
  • tissue grafting
  • cell and tissue culture
  • mutant and transgenic mice
  • hybridomas
  • monoclonal antibodies

The Department has one of the largest and best-equipped electron microscope facilities in the world. Currently in use are four modern electron microscopes, including a Tecnai F20 and a Titan Krios. Combined with some of these microscopes are computer-aided analytical equipment capable of elemental microanalysis, histomorphometry, reconstruction, and quantitation. The high-voltage microscope is particularly useful for certain analytical electron optical procedures such as electron diffraction, lattice imaging, and three-dimensional electron microscopy.

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Cell Biology (Thesis) (45 credits)
Graduate research activities leading to the presentation of the M.Sc. thesis involve original experimental work in one of the areas being actively investigated by the Department's research supervisors. Our graduate program offers training in a personal, unique, and multidisciplinary environment in the top Canadian university with worldwide recognition. The thesis-based master training is intended for students with a B.Sc. or B.A. degree in life sciences from a university of recognized reputation. Candidates with an M.D., D.D.S., or D.V.M. degree are also welcome. The students are trained in how to address biological problems with an integrative understanding of cell biology by conducting hypothesis-driven projects. The training provides all the tools required for a competitive career, in academic settings as well as in industry or other fields.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Cell Biology
Graduate research activities leading to the presentation of the Ph.D. thesis involve original experimental work in one of the areas being actively investigated by the Department's research supervisors. Our graduate program offers training in a personal, unique, and multidisciplinary environment in the top Canadian university with worldwide recognition. The thesis-based Ph.D. training is intended for students with a B.Sc., B.A., or M.Sc. degree in life sciences from a university of recognized reputation. Candidates with an M.D., D.D.S., or D.V.M. degree are also welcome. The students are trained in how to address biological problems with an integrative understanding of cell biology by conducting hypothesis-driven projects. The training provides all the tools required for a competitive career, in academic settings as well as in industry or other fields.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2012-2013 (last updated Jul. 24, 2012) (disclaimer)

Anatomy and Cell Biology Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Anatomy and Cell Biology Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Revision, October 2012. Start of revision.

M.Sc. and Ph.D. Programs

  1. A B.Sc. degree in life sciences or any of M.D., D.D.S., or D.V.M. degrees from a university of recognized reputation.
  2. Evidence of a high academic achievement with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on 4.0 as indicated in the general guidelines set up by GPS at 91ÉçÇø.
  3. Students must follow the guidelines for English Language Proficiency at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply/prepare/requirements/proficiency.
  4. M.Sc. and Ph.D. students are supported financially, at a minimum of $15,000 and $17,000 respectively, per year.

Graduate students are also expected to apply for the various internal and external fellowships. Detailed information is available at www.mcgill.ca/anatomy/graduate/fellowships. Graduate students are responsible for the payment of tuition fees to 91ÉçÇø. Detailed information about these can be found at www.mcgill.ca/student-accounts/tuition-charges/fallwinter-term-tuition-and-fees/graduate-fees. For international students registered in the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs, differential fee waivers up to $5,000 will be allocated to a maximum of eight students through the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, for the first year, with a possibility of renewal.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

91ÉçÇø’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See Application Procedures (for All Admissions Starting Summer 2013) for detailed application procedures.

Application for admission to graduate studies for the degrees of M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Anatomy should be made to the Chair of Graduate Studies, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.

Program guidelines are detailed at www.mcgill.ca/anatomy/graduate.

All applicants must first make arrangements with a faculty member of the Department for acceptance into his/her laboratory to carry out the thesis research (www.mcgill.ca/anatomy/graduate/appproc).

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
  • Agreement of a faculty member to act as Thesis Supervisor

Dates for Guaranteed Consideration

Dates for Guaranteed Consideration

Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: June 1 Fall: March 15 Fall: Same as Canadian/International
Winter: Nov. 15 Winter: Sept. 30 Winter: Same as Canadian/International
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: N/A
Note: We are not willing to consider any applications to be admitted for the Summer term.

Revision, October 2012. End of revision.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2012-2013 (last updated Sep. 24, 2012) (disclaimer)

Anatomy and Cell Biology Faculty

Anatomy and Cell Biology Faculty

Chair
Craig Mandato
Emeritus Professors
Gary C. Bennett; B.A., B.Sc.(Sir G. Wms.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)
Yves Clermont; B.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(McG.), F.R.C.S.
Dennis G. Osmond; C.M., B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B., D.Sc.(Brist.), M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., F.R.S.C.
Hershey Warshawsky; B.Sc.(Sir G. Wms.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)
Professors
Chantal Autexier; B.Sc.(C'dia), Ph.D.(McG.)
Philip Barker; B.Sc.(S. Fraser), Ph.D.(Alta.) (joint appt. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)
James R. Brawer; B.S.(Tufts), Ph.D.(Harv.)
Miguel Burnier; M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Brazil) (joint appt. with Ophthalmology)
Samuel David; Ph.D.(Manit.) (joint appt. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Louis Hermo; B.A.(Loyola), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)
Timothy Kennedy; B.Sc.(McM.), M.Phil., Ph.D.(Col.) (joint appt. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Nathalie Lamarche-Vane; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.)
Marc D. McKee; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appt. with Dentistry)
Peter McPherson; B.Sc.(Manit.), Ph.D.(Iowa) (joint appt. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Sandra C. Miller; B.Sc.(Sir G. Wms.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)
Carlos R. Morales; D.V.M.(U.N., Argentina), Ph.D.(McG.)
Barry I. Posner; M.D.(Manit.), F.R.C.P.(C) (joint appt. with Medicine)
Dieter Reinhardt; M.S.(Kaiserslautern), Ph.D.(Munich) (joint appt. with Dentistry)
Alfredo Ribeiro-da-Silva; M.D., Ph.D.(Oporto) (joint appt. with Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Charles E. Smith, D.D.S., Ph.D.(McG.)
Wayne Sossin; S.B.(MIT), Ph.D.(Stan.) (joint appt. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Stefano Stifani; Ph.D.(Rome), Ph.D.(Alta.) (joint appt. with Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Dominique Walker; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Geneva) (joint appt. with Psychiatry)
Associate Professors
Orest W. Blaschuk; B.Sc.(Winn.), M.Sc.(Manit.), Ph.D.(Tor.) (joint appt. with Surgery)
Eugene Daniels; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Manit.)
Elaine Davis; B.Sc., M.Sc.(W. Ont.), Ph.D.(McG.)
M.F. Lalli; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Bowling Green), Ph.D.(McG.)
Craig Mandato; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Wat.)
John F. Presley; B.A., Ph.D.(Texas)
Hojatollah Vali; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Munich) (joint appt. with Earth and Planetary Sciences)
Assistant Professors
Fiona Bedford; B.Sc.(Birm.), Ph.D.(Lond.)
Justin Kollman; Ph.D.(Calif.-San Diego)
Isabelle Rouiller; Ph.D.(UK)
Associate Members
John J.M. Bergeron; B.Sc.(McG.), D.Phil.(Oxf.)
Albert Berghuis (Biochemistry)
Colin Chalk (Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Jean-François Cloutier (Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Claudio Cuello (Pharmacology & Therapeutics)
Giovanni DiBattista (Medicine)
Alyson Fournier (Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Janet Henderson (Medicine)
Robert Scott Kiss (Biochemistry)
Bartha Knoppers (Human Genetics)
Svetlana Komarova (Dentistry)
Stephane Laporte (Medicine)
Andréa Leblanc (Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Tommy Nilsson (Medicine)
Christian Rocheleau (Medicine)
Edward S. Ruthazer (Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Michael Sacher (Biology)
Philippe Seguela (Neurology & Neurosurgery)
Peter Siegel (Medicine & Biochemistry)
Thomas Stroh (Neurology & Neurosurgery)
David Y. Thomas (Biochemistry)
Jacalyn Vogel (Biology)
Xiang-Jiao Yang (Medicine)
Adjunct Professors
Michel Cayouette; Ph.D.(Laval)
Frédéric Charron; B.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(McG.)
Miroslaw Cygler; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Lodz, Poland)
Daniel Cyr; B.Sc., M.Sc.(C'dia), Ph.D.(Manit.)
Michel Desjardins; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.)
Jacques Drouin; B.Sc., D.Sc.(Laval)
David Hipfner; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Qu.)
Artur Kania; Ph.D.(Baylor)
André Nantel; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Laval), Ph.D.(Chapel Hill)
Alexei Pshezhetsky; Ph.D.(Russia)
Joseph Schrag; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Ill.)
Atilla Sik; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Hungary)
Pierre Thibault; Ph.D.(Montr.)
Faculty Lecturers
Ayman Behiery; M.B., Ch.B.(Cairo)
Geoffroy P. Noël; Ph.D.(Br. Col.)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2012-2013 (last updated Jul. 11, 2012) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Cell Biology (Thesis) (45 credits)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Cell Biology

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Cell Biology.

Faculty of Medicine—2012-2013 (last updated Jul. 24, 2012) (disclaimer)
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