Human Anatomy – (M.Sc.)

On the basis that a sound knowledge of gross anatomy including neuroanatomy is essential for the teaching of anatomy, a core component of the course is the dissection of the entire body over the two semesters; the quality of the dissections produced will be assessed throughout.

Complementing the gross anatomy will be a lecture based embryology course which will give an understanding of normal human development as seen by dissection, how normal development can go wrong and how this manifests itself in commonly observed congenital abnormalities.

Also covered in this part of the course are the health and safety and legal aspects of handling the body as well as an introduction to the ethics of using bodies in medical education.

The teaching component of the course will introduce students to the various methods used in the teaching of anatomy and their effectiveness.

It will involve, under supervision, the preparation of material for a teaching session for both small and large groups and the delivery of this material to undergraduate students. Methods of assessment will also be considered.

Those wishing to work towards an MSc will be required to complete a project during the summer vacation period.

This can be either a library based or practical/laboratory based project of the student's choosing, under the direction of a member of the academic staff.

Key features of the programme include:

* the opportunity to learn the anatomy of the human body by dissection;
* to gain a comprehensive knowledge of normal anatomy;
* to safely handle the body from its arrival to its final disposal;
* record keeping and the law;
* effective teaching, and assessment methods in anatomy.

Students who successfully complete this programme of study will be able to demonstrate:

* a sound knowledge of gross human anatomy and neuroanatomy;
* to relate normal development to the anatomy observed by dissection;
* an appreciation of the Health and Safety aspects of handling the body;
* a thorough understanding of the use of bodies and the law;
* an understanding of the ethics of using bodies for medical education;
* an appreciation of the various ways of teaching anatomy and its assessment;
* an ability to organise and deliver teaching material to both small and large groups;
* an ability to work independently on an anatomically based research project