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 Seminar: "The genetic basis of mimetic convergence in bumble bees and strategies to support these bees in peril" promotional image

Biology Seminar: "The genetic basis of mimetic convergence in bumble bees and strategies to support these bees in peril"

Friday, May 1, 2026 3:30pm
Biology Building East
The Department of Biology’s seminar speaker on Friday, May 1, is Heather Hines, PhD, a Professor in the Departments of Biology and Entomology at The Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Hines is an alumna of the UI Department of Biology (B.A. in Biology and Anthropology) and was an undergraduate student in the Hendrix Lab. Her seminar will be held at 3:30pm in Kollros Auditorium (Room 101), Biology Building East (BBE).
ACB Seminar Series - Dr. Meilian Liu promotional image

ACB Seminar Series - Dr. Meilian Liu

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building

Dr. Meilian Liu, a Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of New Mexico will present a seminar titled "Adipose Tissue as an Immunometabolic Signaling Hub."

Biology Seminar: "Zinc: an ancient and versatile regulator of animal fertilization" promotional image

Biology Seminar: "Zinc: an ancient and versatile regulator of animal fertilization"

Friday, May 8, 2026 3:30pm
Biology Building East
The Department of Biology’s seminar speaker on Friday, May 8, is Anne Carlson, PhD, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. Her seminar will be held at 3:30pm in Kollros Auditorium (Room 101), Biology Building East (BBE).