Histology and Embryology discipline is the main field of science that describes the microscopic and molecular structure-related functions of different cell types. While histology and embryology is one of the basic areas of biological sciences, it is included in the multidisciplinary concept formed by its cell structure, genome, and biochemistry, it also provides clinical services for conducting diagnostic electron microscopic examinations.

Our department was established in October 1998 with the appointment of the first faculty member. Our department has graduated 15 master's and 10 doctoral students so far. It operates with 4 faculty members, 1 lecturer, 2 research assistant doctors, 8 assistant doctors, 1 technician, and 1 doctoral student.

Departmental Facilities

A sufficient number of study offices, seminar rooms, a student practice laboratory, light microscopes, a fluorescence microscope, a transmission electron microscope, and a cell culture laboratory in our department are used for undergraduate and graduate education and scientific research. With the existing facilities, it is possible to identify cell and tissue structures by light and electron microscopy, to apply and develop histochemical, immunohistochemical, electron microscopic and cell culture techniques, and to plan and carry out research that can play a role in explaining basic cellular molecular mechanisms. Moreover, scientific research and thesis projects are carried out with the Experimental Animals Research Laboratory within our university and Mersin University Advanced Technology Education, Research and Application Center (MEİTAM) possessing high-level equipment.

Opportunities Provided for Students

In our department, undergraduate (Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry), graduate and doctorate (Institute of Health Sciences) and medical residency (Faculty of Medicine) training are provided. All laboratories and equipped devices in our department can be used not only in undergraduate and graduate education but also research projects and dissertation studies. In addition, these studies are supported by the theoretical and practical contributions of our academic staff and faculty members. Working areas and research equipment (computer, computer equipment and internet, textbooks) for graduate students are also available.

Postgraduate Educational Opportunities

• MSc Program

The Histology and Embryology Graduate Education Program, which is affiliated with the Mersin University Institute of Health Sciences, trains students with general histology and embryology knowledge, gains the basic laboratory skills and competences to work in the field of health sciences. While the physical working environments are provided to the students that started their graduate education in our department, their education is continued with a training program (theoretical and practical courses, seminars and article presentation trainings) that will provide sufficient academic knowledge. In addition, students contribute to their academic development by participating in research projects. The academic and physical infrastructure support are provided for the students who complete the course period and conclude their theses successfully.

• PhD Program

The Histology and Embryology Doctorate Training Program, which is affiliated with the Mersin University Institute of Health Sciences, aims to educate scientists who know in the field of Histology and Embryology and who have the knowledge and skills to carry out laboratory responsibilities. While the physical working environment is provided for the students who start their doctoral education in our department, their education is continued with an intensive training program that includes theoretical and practical courses, seminars and article presentations. Students who are actively involved in research projects during their education can increase their manners, knowledge and skills about the planning, execution and conclusion of scientific studies. Students who complete the doctoral proficiency exam after the course period can be successfully planned and finalized their theses with the support of the academic and physical infrastructure provided by our department.

Congresses and Courses Organized by MEU Histology and Embryology Department

- 7th National Histology and Embryology Congress (18-21 May 2004)

- Applied Advanced Light Microscopy Techniques Course (18-19 October 2008)

- 21st National Electron Microscopy Congress (International Participation) (28-31 May 2013)

Services

One of the most important steps among academic activities in the Department of Histology and Embryology is to provide postgraduate education to medical school graduates and graduates of different biological sciences. For this purpose, it is aimed to train experts and scientists who are suitable for the needs of the Department of Histology and Embryology, sufficient in terms of knowledge, skills and behavior, and respectful of ethical values.

Many scientific research and thesis projects are still ongoing within our department, our faculty and our university. In addition, tissue and organ biopsy samples from many patients are examined with an electron microscope. In our electron microscope laboratory, diagnostic analyses of skin, muscle, blood, nasal mucosa, liver, small intestine, and peripheral nerve samples, most of which are kidney biopsies, are performed. Patient tissues are also sent to our institution from external centers for this service, which is performed in a small number of centers in our country.