A History of Excellence

Established as the Anatomy Department in 1868, when The University of Iowa College of Medicine was first approved by the trustees, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology has experienced extensive growth over its history. Originally, it had one lecture hall that could accommodate 100 students, plus one room dedicated to microscopic anatomy and another to dissection. Since that time the department has expanded and moved several times. In 1997, it was given its current name, which better reflects its mission and research.

Who We Are

Education

Research

Deeded Body Program

Anatomy and Cell Biology Seminars

Biology PhD Dissertation Seminar: "Immune system involvement in spiral ganglion neurodegeneration after inner ear hair cell loss" promotional image

Biology PhD Dissertation Seminar: "Immune system involvement in spiral ganglion neurodegeneration after inner ear hair cell loss"

Monday, April 13, 2026 10:00am
Biology Building East
Adrianna Caro, a PhD candidate in the Integrated Biology (iBio) Graduate Program, will be defending her dissertation on Monday, April 13, at 10:00am in Room 106, Biology Building East (BBE), and via Zoom (see attached flyer for Zoom link).
Biology Master's Thesis Seminar: "Divergence in the Physiological and Transcriptional Response to Phosphate Starvation between Related Yeast Species" promotional image

Biology Master's Thesis Seminar: "Divergence in the Physiological and Transcriptional Response to Phosphate Starvation between Related Yeast Species"

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 2:00pm
Biology Building East
Emily O'Brien, a Master's candidate in the Integrated Biology (iBio) Graduate Program, will be defending her thesis on Tuesday, April 14, at 2:00pm in Room 401, Biology Building East (BBE).
ACB Seminar Series - Dr. Kristen Kwan promotional image

ACB Seminar Series - Dr. Kristen Kwan

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building

Dr. Kristen Kwan, Professor of Human Genetics & Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences from the University of Utah will present a seminar titled "Cellular and Molecular Dynamics Shaping the Vertebrate Eye."