MSc in Anatomical Sciences

The Masters of Anatomical Sciences program is a 16-month (September to December of the following year) comprehensive program, preparing its students to be well equipped in both their anatomical knowledge, research experience and practice of teaching. This program is structured around three pillars of competency: content, pedagogy, and inquiry. This is done firstly through the study of the three tenets of anatomy (gross anatomy, histology, and neuroanatomy). Building upon this knowledge, students also get the opportunity to teach these topics to undergraduate students through both teaching assistant and lecture opportunities, as well as conduct a research project of their choosing.

Program Contacts

Program Director
Dr. Leslie Mackenzie
Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

Program Assistant
Alexa Ward:

mscas.admin@queensu.ca

Application Deadline: February 15th

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Candidates will be required to have completed a recognized B.Sc. degree with a background in Biology or Health Sciences or the equivalent professional degree (BNSc, BSc, in Physiotherapy, etc.). The minimum entrance average is set at B+ in the 2nd through 4th year of study.

How to Apply

Prior to applying, please ensure you have the following documents prepared for your application:

Two references to submit a professional reference form
Academic transcripts
CV (to be sent to mscas.admin@queensu.ca )
Statement of interest (max. 4000 characters)
a list of relevant courses taken
English language proficiency scores (if required)

Start your application through the School of Graduate Studies

Create an account
Fill in all necessary fields
Submit reference contact information and required documents
Submit application

Application deadline: February 15th

Faculty Members

Dr. Leslie MacKenzie, Program Director

Dr. MacKenzie is Associate Professor and the Director of the Pattern II MSc Program in Anatomical Sciences. Over the past decade, Dr. MacKenzie has distinguished himself as an outstanding educator in Anatomy. Dr. MacKenzie was the recipient of the 2009 Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching at Queen’s University, attesting to his commitment and innovations in undergraduate education in Anatomy.

Dr. Charles Graham

Professor and Former Head of the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology. His research group studies various aspects of cancer progression and the biology of the human placenta and pregnancy complications. Their cancer studies have led to the discovery of mechanisms by which the local tumour microenvironment contributes to the acquisition of metastatic behaviour, ability to evade immune destruction, and resistance to therapy in malignant cells. Their research on pregnancy aims for a better understanding of how adequate placentation is important for a healthy pregnancy; they also study the role of maternal inflammation in the development of pregnancy complications and how complications of pregnancy contribute to increased risk of disease in later life. Dr. Graham has coordinated the Anatomy and Cell Biology graduate program for several years and also coordinates the graduate field in Reproduction and Development.

Dr. Tiziana Cotechini

Dr. Cotechini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences. She is a dedicated educator with extensive experience teaching both undergraduate and graduate level courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Cancer Biology, and Immunology at Queen’s University. Her research endeavours integrate reproductive biology, cancer biology, and immunology. Currently, Dr. Cotechini’s main research program focuses on understanding the role of pregnancy and pregnancy complications as risk modifiers for breast cancer diagnosis and metastasis in young women diagnosed with breast cancer during the postpartum decade.

Program Courses

BMED 804 Clinically Oriented Anatomy
A detailed study of the gross and functional anatomy of the human body with emphasis on clinical application. The course is given jointly with part of Phase I of the medical curriculum. Additional work prescribed for graduate students. Lectures, laboratories and tutorials. Fall and Winter terms.

BMED 805 Microteaching in Anatomical Sciences*
Microteaching as a technique for new and experienced teachers will involve the presentation of a series of 3 minute micro lectures with video recording and feedback sessions. Fall, Winter & Summer Terms.

BMED 806 Advanced Topics in Embryonic Development*
This half credit course will be offered to students who have completed ANAT 417 in their undergraduate studies in the Queen's Life Sciences Program. Through a series of tutorials and seminars, the course will focus on the most up to date discoveries in three areas of developmental biology. The areas reflect the expertise in the department. Winter term.

BMED 812 Advanced Neuroanatomy*
This course includes the study of the structure and general function of the nervous system and is given jointly with ANAT 312. Special topics assigned for seminars and essay projects. Lectures, laboratories and seminars. Fall term.

BMED 817 Human Embryology*
Overview of human embryology using online modules, group learning activities, assignments, and inquiry-based learning, to enable students to explore the stages of normal human embryonic and fetal development, as well as some of the underlying mechanisms involved in common congenital or developmental abnormalities. Offered jointly with ANAT 471. Students submit a major essay and give a seminar from a selected list of topics. Weekly two hour in-person tutorial. Winter term.

BMED 827 Advanced Topics in Neuroanatomy*
This half credit course will be offered to students who have completed ANAT 312 in their undergraduate studies in the Queen's Life Sciences Program. Through a series of tutorials and seminars, the course will focus on the most up to date discoveries in three areas of neuroanatomy. The areas reflect the expertise in the department. Fall term.

BMED 828 Advanced Histology and Staining Techniques
An advanced mammalian histology course including advanced staining protocols in demonstrating various components of Histological techniques. Winter and Summer terms.

BMED 831 Cell Structure and Basic Tissues
For those with no histology background, an outline of basic vertebrate tissues. Extra assignments will be given to graduate students. Fall term. Lectures and laboratories in common with ANAT 309 in Fall Term.

BMED 834 Principles and Techniques in the Teaching of Anatomical Sciences*
A series of lectures and workshops illustrating modern teaching philosophy and technique specifically designed for teaching Anatomy in the Health Sciences. Fall, Winter and Summer terms.

BMED 847 Research Projects in Anatomy and Cell Biology
An investigation into concepts and techniques in selected areas of research offered in the Department of Anatomy. Research projects carried out under the supervision of a staff member. Fall, Winter and Summer terms.

BMED 889 Practicum

BMED 898 Master's Independent Project Report
As a component of the curriculum for the Pattern II Program in Anatomical Sciences, students will complete an independent studies project under the supervision of departmental faculty member. Students will summarize their work in a written report that will be reviewed by a committee and orally defended.

* Enrolment will be determined based on previously taken undergraduate courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Supervisor required for admission?

A supervisor does not need to be confirmed prior to acceptance in the program. At the beginning of the program primary and research supervisors will be determined.

What are the number of teaching positions required as a Queen’s MSc Anatomical Sciences student?

You will be required to TA at least two in-lab courses by the end of the program, this guarantees at least 2 TA opportunities throughout the 4 semesters. MSc Anatomical Sciences students can always apply to other TA positions and can be accepted the same as any other qualified master's student.

Are there opportunities to collaborate with peers within the program?

While a substantial portion of the program consists of individual work, students in the program will also be working together on a semester-long group dissection, and will take part in group projects throughout their time in the program.

How does the program help with professional development?

Not only does the Anatomical Sciences program help further students’ knowledge and expertise in anatomy, but students get opportunities to teach, build lectures on their own, and work in research labs – all of which can be useful in a CV, teaching dossier, as well as help with individual development of one’s professionalism.

Does the Anatomical Sciences program offer an Autopsy Rotation?

Currently, the program does not include an Autopsy Rotation.

Examples of Thesis Projects

Below are examples of thesis projects for students in the program.

Shape Variability in the Human Knee and Shoulder: Implications of Locomotor Constraints on Joint Morphology: Looking at low degree of freedom joints (knee) and high degree of freedom joints (shoulder), and examining how variations in their relative shape affect injury. Assessing knee and shoulder morphologies associated with injury and determining how they differ from the mean asymptomatic shape.

Development of a Multimodal, Online Interactive Learning Module of the Reproductive System: A Dynamic Approach to Reproductive
Anatomy: Developing an online educational module on the reproductive system! My thesis consists of me combining textbook images of gross anatomy with cadaveric and histological images to create a comprehensive module that will have levels of information for undergraduate students, graduate students and medical students.

Effects of Prophylactic β-Glucan Administration Against Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Looking into the impact of an alternative immunological therapy, β-glucan administration, on the growth of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer tumours and the overall tumour immune microenvironment in a female mouse model.

Role of Alterations in Rheologic Properties of Erythrocytes in the Pathophysiology of Hematologic Disorders in Female Cancer Patients Before and After Chemotherapy: Investigating the pathophysiology of endometriosis.

Direct Activation of Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons by Gut Bacterium B. vulgatus, Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Research on abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its interaction with the gut microbiome. More specifically, looking at the impact of a low FODMAP diet and probiotic treatment on abdominal pain in IBS patients and their interactions with the gut microbiota.

Underrepresentation of Body Diversity in Anatomical Teaching Material Imagery and its Relationship with Student Course Experience: Working in collaboration with the ATLAS lab at the University of Toronto to investigate and cultivate visual diversity of representations of the human form in anatomy education.

The breadth of opportunities I have had the privilege of experiencing so far in the program has been amazing. I’ve been able to expand my anatomy knowledge and passion through courses, dissection, lecturing, being a learning facilitator for undergraduate anatomy courses, and unique hands-on experiences in the Anatomy Learning Centre. The staff and faculty involved with the program are incredibly supportive and eager to help you learn and grow as an anatomist. As I begin my second semester, I can’t wait for the many more experiences coming my way in this program, such as doing my thesis, observing an autopsy, creating my own anatomical specimens, and learning advanced histological techniques. - Deirdre Finnigan, Class of 2024