Max Rady College of Medicine

Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science

Established in 1883, the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science has a long-standing tradition of excellence and innovation in education. It is a major contributor to the health professional programs in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Our department has a vibrant research community and offers a well-rounded graduate program that trains future biomedical researchers and anatomy professionals. Our interdisciplinary research and education activities are guided by our core values of respect, collaboration, collegiality, and integrity.

Join us to begin your career in the biomedical and anatomical sciences.

Close up of human cell.
More about the department

Training takes place in the state-of-the-art Dr. George Yee Laboratory of Anatomical Sciences. Here, we combine the traditional approach of dissection with leading educational technologies to foster an interactive and collaborative learning environment.

Students have the rare opportunity of a close contact with dissected human bodies, generously donated by individuals to whom we are eternally grateful.

Students can also virtually explore 3D-rendered bodies on 80” touchscreens and gain hands-on imaging experience with portable ultrasound devices. We facilitate clinical procedural practice using highly realistic cadaveric models, allowing trainees to hone their skills in a low-stake setting.

Exemplary research training

    We offer high-quality graduate training at both the MSc and PhD levels. Our students have the opportunity to pursue courses in a wide array of subjects related to anatomy and cell science, while developing their scientific skills in a supportive and collaborative research environment.

    Our faculty conduct cutting-edge research in:

    • cancer biology
    • cardiovascular sciences
    • musculoskeletal health
    • neuroscience

    Cutting edge techniques

    Graduate students have opportunity to use a variety of contemporary techniques such as:

    • 3D imaging
    • Autoradiography
    • Electrophoresis
    • Immunocytochemistry
    • In situ hybridization
    • Light and electron microscopy
    • Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
    • Morphometrics
    • Radioimmunoassay
    • Tissue culture and transplantation
    • Transgenics
    Professor standing next to a large anatomical graphic
    Close up of a cancer cell.
    High resolution imaging of cells.

    Departmental programs

    Our graduate program offers a wide range of research opportunities from experimental biomedical research to functional brain imaging and medical education research.

    Our graduate courses provide fundamental skills in research methodology. We offer training in range of classic anatomical disciplines from gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, embryology and neural development, histology, neuroimaging and morphological techniques.

    Department research

    Our unit has a vibrant research community with established excellence in the neurosciences, cancer biology, cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal functions.

    Researchers in Human Anatomy and Cell Science lead innovative research streams within the University of Manitoba and beyond with successful collaborations and research exchange both nationally and internationally.

    Our researchers

    Search UM's expert directory

    Featured researchers

    Portrait of Dr. Saeid Ghavami.

    Saeid Ghavami, BSc, MSc, PhD

    My research career has been focused on the importance of cross talk of three key cellular responses to intra- and extracellular stress in regulation of cellular phenotype including apoptosis, autophagy and unfolded protein response (UPR). We investigate how cellular phenotype is involved in lung cancer metastasis, and chemotherapy response in Glioblastoma and Rhabdomyosarcoma. Our research identifies how autophagy/UPR/apoptosis determine metastatic phenotypes of lung cancer via Bcl2 family proteins. In addition, we address the importance of these three pathways in regulation of chemo-sensitivity of Glioblastoma and Rhabdomyosarcoma cells to different chemotherapy agents.
    /medicine/faculty-staff/saeid-ghavami
    Dr. Alexa Hryniuk.

    Alexa Hryniuk, PhD

    Dr. Hryniuk is an educator for multiple disciplines for the Health Sciences Faculty. Her teaching specialties include the anatomical sciences with a focus on human anatomy and embryology. Dr. Hryniuk’s research focuses on medical education and learning. This research is mainly focused on medical education pedagogy and curriculum design. This has included developing and determining the effectiveness of innovative instructional designs, learning tools and assessments that promote learning and critical thinking in the medical education curriculum.
    Dr. Hassan Marzban.

    Hassan Marzban, PhD

    As a cerebellar developmental biologist, his research is focused on unraveling the molecular mechanisms that drive cerebellar development in health and disease.
    Profile
    Dr. Jerry Vriend

    Jerry Vriend, PhD

    Currently I am using publicly available datasets to investigate the role of the ubiquitin proteasome system in cancers. With colleagues I am investigating genes that encode ubiquitin conjugases and ubiquitin ligases related to the proliferation of cancer cells. We are attempting to identify potential therapeutic targets in various cancers, including subtypes of medulloblastoma, ovarian cancer and glioma.
    Profile
    Portrait of Dr. Saeid Ghavami.
    Dr. Alexa Hryniuk.
    Dr. Hassan Marzban.
    Dr. Jerry Vriend

    Histology services

    The histology platform provides services for researchers and students to process tissues and calls for histopathological examination. We offer paraffin, cryo and electron microscopy techniques including processing, embedding, sectioning, staining and imaging.

    Explore histology services

    Current student resources

    Graduate student guide

    The Graduate Student Guide contains a wealth of information and has general guidelines for all department members. To request an electronic copy, email martha.ericastilla@umanitoba.ca.

    Awards and scholarships

    As a department, we provide the highest quality education in fundamental and advanced anatomical sciences to learners in various professional programs in the health sciences.

    Departmental graduate scholarships

    • HACS Merit Award
    • Ralph A. Mann Memorial Scholarship Award
    • University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
    • Hollenberg Award 

    Annual scholarship/awards offered to UGME students

    • The Dr. Joseph & Dr. Dorothy Hollenberg Memorial Fund Award

    Explore Max Rady College of Medicine awards

    Search our awards database

    Student working with a test-tube.

    Undergraduate Research Awards

    Each year, the University of Manitoba provides a multitude of unique learning opportunities through the undergraduate research awards. This program allows undergraduate students to interact with the best minds and research leaders in their fields. This experience opens them up to new possibilities for a research career in either government, academic or industry sectors.

    Body donation program

    Through the body donation program, students gain a deeper understanding of human anatomy through first-hand experience. At the same time, the program gives donors the opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to the advancement of health sciences.

    Making advance arrangements can help relieve some of the stress your loved ones will face after your passing. Your advance plans will help your family decide what to do next during a very difficult time.

    Learn more about the body donation program

    Faculty and staff

    Our highly motivated expert faculty and staff aspire to take the anatomical education of the next generation of scientists and health professionals to the next level.

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    Contact us

    Human Anatomy and Cell Science
    130 Basic Medical Science Building
    745 Bannatyne Avenue
    University of Manitoba
    Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9 Canada

    204-789-3411
    204-789-3920