Academic Catalog

Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences

Office: 8374 Scott Hall; 313-577-1061
Chairperson: Linda D. Hazlett
http://www.anatomy.med.wayne.edu/

The Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences (OVAS) Program provides training in the study of dynamic biological processes using cellular, molecular, behavioral, and imaging approaches. Faculty members are active in an extensive array of research areas, including the visual sciences, neuroscience, cell and developmental biology, immunology and infectious disease. The department offers two graduate degrees, both of which require the successful completion of courses. For the Ph.D. degree, dissertation research is performed in the laboratory of a faculty member with all requirements generally completed in four to five years. The M.S. degree offers two tracks: Research (Neuroscience or Visual Sciences) and Teaching, either of which can be completed within two years. In addition, students admitted to the School of Medicine can pursue M.D./M.S. or M.D./Ph.D. degree, typically completed in five or seven years, respectively. While acceptance to the Ph.D. and M.S. programs is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School, applications are submitted directly to the Department of OVAS.

BERGER, ELIZABETH: Ph.D., Wayne State University; B.S., Michigan State University; Assistant Professor (Research)

BERKOWITZ, BRUCE: Ph.D., M.A., Washington University; B.A., University of Rochester; Professor

BRAUN, RODNEY D.: Ph.D., M.S., Northwestern University; B.S., Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Associate Professor

GOEBEL, DENNIS: Ph.D., M.S., Wayne State University; B.S., Central Michigan University; Associate Professor

HAZLETT, LINDA D.: Ph.D., Ohio State University; M.S., Medical College of Georgia; B.S., St. Mary's College; Professor and Chair

HOLT, AVRIL GENENE: Ph.D., M.S., University of Michigan; B.S., Stillman College; Associate Professor

ICHINOSE, TOMOMI: M.D., Hamamatsu University; Ph.D., Tokyo Medical and Dental University; Assistant Professor

INSOLERA, RYAN: Ph.D., Weill Cornell Medical College; B.S., University of Michigan; Assistant Professor

IRELAND, MARK E.: Ph.D., M.S., B.S., Wayne State University; Associate Professor

KOWLURU, RENU: Ph.D., Central Drug Research Institute and Kanpur University; M.S., Lucknow University; Professor

MCDERMOTT, MARK: M.D., B.S., University of Wisconsin, Madison; Professor

NANTWI, KWAKU D.: Ph.D., Wayne State University; M.S., B.S., Eastern Illinois University; Associate Professor

PAN, ZHUO-HAN: Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo; B.S., University of Science and Technology; Professor

PEDUZZI-NELSON, JEAN: Ph.D., Wayne State University; B.S., University of Michigan; Associate Professor

SINGH, LALIT: Ph.D., Indian Institute of Science; M.Sc., Gujarat University; B.Sc., D M College of Science; Assistant Professor

STEINLE, JENA: Ph.D., University of Kansas Medical Center; B.S., University of Bridgeport; Professor

SUVAS, SUSMIT: Ph.D., Jawaharlal Nehru University; Associate Professor

THUMMEL, RYAN: Ph.D., University of Kansas Medical Center; B.A., University of Notre Dame; Assistant Professor

VRANISH, JENNIFER: Ph.D., B.S., University of Arizona; Assistant Professor

WALKER, PAUL: Ph.D., Temple University; B.S., Albright College; Professor

OVA 7010 Human Gross Anatomy Cr. 8

Lectures and dissection of limbs, back, thorax, abdomen, head and neck, pelvis and perineum. Written and practical examinations. Offered Fall.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Anatomy & Cell Biology or Ophtho, Visual, Anatomical Sci; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

OVA 7030 Human Microscopic Anatomy Cr. 4

The microscopic structure of tissues and organs. Lectures and laboratory study. Offered Fall.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Anatomy & Cell Biology, Ophtho, Visual, Anatomical Sci or Pathology; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

OVA 7055 Biology of the Eye Cr. 3

An introduction to the structure and function of the human eye, the mechanisms underlying common ocular diseases, and emerging research and therapeutic strategies. The course draws on faculty across the Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences (OVAS) department and covers foundational topics in anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the visual system. Offered Fall.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Equivalent: BIO 7055, PYC 7050

OVA 7065 Mechanisms of Ocular Disease I Cr. 2

This course examines the foundational molecular and cellular mechanisms of ocular disease through critical analysis of primary literature. Students engage with a new mechanistic topic each week, select a disease-relevant primary research article, and participate in structured group discussion that connects bench-level mechanisms to ocular pathology. The course is designed to develop scientific literacy, critical thinking, and written and oral communication skills at the graduate level. Offered Winter.

Prerequisite: OVA 7055 with a minimum grade of C

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

OVA 7075 Mechanisms of Ocular Disease II Cr. 2

A collaborative, case-based curriculum designed to bridge clinical observation with translational research. Students work directly with clinical residents to identify and pursue critical research questions arising from weekly Grand Rounds. Offered Fall.

Prerequisite: OVA 7055 with a minimum grade of C

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

OVA 7130 Neuroanatomy Cr. 4

Lecture and laboratory study of the nervous system. Offered Winter, Spring/Summer.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Anatomy & Cell Biology or Ophtho, Visual, Anatomical Sci; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

OVA 7260 Special Dissection Cr. 2-10

This course is a continuation of Human Gross Anatomy (OVA 7010) for MS students enrolled in the Education Track. It is designed to cover the anatomical content of the second half of the medical gross anatomy curriculum, which is not included in OVA 7010 as taken by MS students in the fall semester. The course provides a full cadaveric dissection experience under the direction of gross anatomy faculty, supplemented by preparatory lectures on gross anatomy topics. The course focuses on the anatomy of the Head, Neck, Pelvis, and Perineum. Offered Every Term.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Anatomy & Cell Biology or Ophtho, Visual, Anatomical Sci; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Repeatable for 20 Credits

OVA 7270 Special Projects in Anatomy Cr. 2-10

Special Projects in Anatomy provide graduate students with the opportunity to gain experience teaching courses in the first year Medical Curriculum under faculty supervision. Enrolled students are expected to assist faculty in teaching first year medical laboratory courses in the disciplines of Gross Anatomy, Histology, or Neuroanatomy. Offered Every Term.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Anatomy & Cell Biology or Ophtho, Visual, Anatomical Sci; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Repeatable for 8 Credits

OVA 7890 Seminar Cr. 1

Biweekly departmental seminar. Offered Every Term.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Anatomy & Cell Biology or Ophtho, Visual, Anatomical Sci; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Repeatable for 4 Credits

OVA 7996 Research Cr. 1-15

This course provides graduate students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a research laboratory setting under the direction of a rotation or permanent advisor. Students will participate in ongoing research in OVAS Department laboratories, learn techniques, execute experiments, engage in laboratory activities, and develop critical thinking skills necessary for independent research. The research course is designed for students to evaluate potential labs for their subsequent dissertation research and build the research skills required for their eventual dissertation research. Offered Every Term.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Anatomy & Cell Biology or Ophtho, Visual, Anatomical Sci; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Repeatable for 30 Credits

OVA 8999 Master's Thesis Research and Direction Cr. 1-8

Original research leading to M.S. degree under Plan A. Offered Every Term.

Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a class of Candidate Masters; enrollment is limited to students with a major in Anatomy & Cell Biology or Ophtho, Visual, Anatomical Sci; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Repeatable for 8 Credits

OVA 9990 Pre-Doctoral Candidacy Research Cr. 1-8

Research in preparation for doctoral dissertation. Offered Every Term.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Repeatable for 12 Credits

OVA 9991 Doctoral Candidate Status I: Dissertation Research and Direction Cr. 3-9

Dissertation Research and Direction Offered Every Term.

Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a class of Doctoral Candidate; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Repeatable for 9 Credits

OVA 9992 Doctoral Candidate Status II: Dissertation Research and Direction Cr. 1-18

Dissertation Research and Direction Offered Every Term.

Prerequisite: OVA 9991 with a minimum grade of S

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Repeatable for 18 Credits

OVA 9995 Candidate Maintenance Status: Doctoral Dissertation Research and Direction Cr. 0

Doctoral Dissertation Research and Direction Offered Every Term.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Repeatable for 0 Credits

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