In the classroom


Our mission is to conduct world-class research in cell and developmental biology, to excel in undergraduate, graduate and medical education in biology and the anatomical sciences, and to serve the university through leadership in forums committed to graduate and professional school admissions and curriculum.

A Leadership Role in Education

Faculty members of the department teach several courses and take active leadership roles in the overall education of students.

Undergraduates:

  • Human Clinical Neuroanatomy (CHA/NEU 103, cross-listed)
  • Cell and Tissue Biology (CHA 102)
  • Human Anatomy (CHA 101) to undergraduates

For Professional Students:

  • Developmental, Gross and Radiographic Anatomy (CHA 400)
  • Cell and Tissue Biology (CHA 402)
  • Neuroscience (CHA 403)

Faculty also offer graduate-level courses through graduate groups, lead freshman seminars and offer research credit to undergraduates, graduate students and professional students.

Members of the department are leaders in the UC Davis Academic Senate and Academic Federation, and are active participants in graduate groups and faculty committees.

The Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy was recently recognized by the UC Davis School of Medicine for its “excellence in commitment to education.” The department congratulates its faculty on their numerous individual teaching awards.

Winners of the C. John Tupper Prize for Excellence in Teaching

The annual C. John Tupper Prize for Excellence in Teaching is the highest teaching award given by the UC Davis School of Medicine.

Recipients from the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy include:

Created by the founding dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine, this award is intended to recognize sustained and enduring contributors to education. Because the award is given by the School of Medicine for the educational contributions of a faculty member over a period of a career, successful candidates are expected to have attained at least the rank of full professor and to have had previous significant recognition (i.e., teaching awards) of their contributions to education at the School of Medicine.

Among the criteria used to judge nominees are:

  • Command of the subject matter and the ability to relate it to the students
  • Ability to stimulate thought
  • Ability to teach students how to learn so that they can develop an independent program of sustained learning
  • Contribution to improved teaching
  • Concern for the education and welfare of the students
  • Advising and mentoring
  • Facilitating the educational experience of students