Advanced Anatomical Techniques module (CA51001)

Many of our MSc human anatomy graduates will use human cadavers or anatomical specimens in their future careers.

This module will provide you with an understanding and working knowledge of anatomical techniques used in the preparation and preservation of human material.

The following anatomical techniques and concepts are included in this module:

• embalming
• plastination
• anatomical legislation
• ethics of the use of human material

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about the process of embalming and plastination
• learn about osteological preparations
• explore the use of human tissue in clinical and surgical training
• the ethical issues surrounding using human tissue for teaching and research
• learn about anatomical and health and safety legislation

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• describe the practical process of embalming
• describe the differences between anatomical preparation techniques and when they are best used
• relate how surgical skills models are used to support clinical and surgical training and prepare human skeletal material to support anatomy education
• describe health and safety considerations in relation to embalming and human anatomical specimens
• understand the ethics and legislation related to human tissue use in Scotland

Assignments / assessment

• essay (50%)
• in-person written exam (50%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• in-person lectures
• online theory material for independent learning
• in-person practical sessions for human tissue preparations
• in-person observation of an embalming