About the programme
Unlike a basic anatomy course, this programme will allow you to develop a deep understanding of the complex nature of the human body and how that relates to clinical practice – so you can effectively evaluate, diagnose and treat illnesses.
You will also be trained in pedagogical techniques that will equip you with the skills to teach anatomy to students and healthcare professionals in your future medical career.
The programme is built around core dissection-based modules covering the whole body. You will carry out whole-body dissection in small teaching groups during formal dissection sessions, and at your own pace in your own self-directed learning time, using both Thiel embalmed cadavers that ensure material is as close to living tissue as possible, and Formalin embalmed cadavers that keep the material in defined anatomical relationships.
This programme also provides a comprehensive professional education that focuses on developing teachers and researchers of anatomy. You can choose from a range of Education electives, where you will study alongside students on the MSc in Health Professions Education programme, accredited by the Higher Education Academy. Your research project/dissertation will also cover an educational topic.
You will have the unique opportunity to learn from experts in their field who are at the forefront of new developments in clinical anatomy, visiting surgeons and consultants. As well as learning from their expertise, you will be challenged to think differently and learn skills to become a self-directed learner as you continue to develop your anatomy knowledge throughout your medical career – and ultimately make a difference to patients’ lives.
You will benefit from guest seminars from visiting surgeons and consultants, who will bring patient cases to share with you, so you can apply your knowledge to a clinical setting. These experts come from a range of specialities including plastic, thoracic and orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, radiologists and emergency medicine doctors.
You can choose to study full-time for one year, or part-time over two or three years to fit around your work and home life.
Modules
The programme is a 180 credit Master’s programme, with 4 core taught modules (20 credits each), a core research project/dissertation (60 credits) and a choice between optional taught modules (5 - 20 credits each for a total of 60 credits). You will need to choose at least two education elective modules.
Core modules
This module offers the opportunity to develop and advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the normal and variant clinical anatomy of the limbs, vertebral column and back; applying this to medical practice and clinical decision-making.
You will perform both tutor-led and self-directed dissection sessions and seminars. It further offers the opportunities to develop/refine dissection skills and manual dexterity.
Tutor: Dr Peter Bazira
Term: Autumn
Credits: 20
Assessment: Timed exam 40%, portfolio submission 45%, anatomy spotter examination 15%
This module introduces you to the basic principles in learning and teaching within a health profession and clinical environment.
The module will enhance your skills as effective clinical teachers with a good grounding in educational theory, and will equip you with basic teaching skills such as writing outcomes.
This process will be informed by a good knowledge based and practical experience of how learning can be supported by an appropriate learning framework and informed teaching and learning activities.
Tutor: Dr Paul Crampton
Term: Autumn
Credits: 20
Assessment: Group wiki project 10%, written assessment 90%
This module offers the opportunity to develop an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the normal and variant clinical anatomy of the human trunk (the thorax, abdomen and pelvis), applying this to medical practice and clinical decision making.
You will perform both tutor-led and self-directed dissection sessions and seminars. It further offers the opportunities to develop/refine dissection skills and manual dexterity.
Tutor: Dr Peter Bazira
Term: Spring
Credits: 20
Assessment: Time exam 40%, portfolio submission 45%, anatomy spotter examination 15%
This module offers the opportunity to develop an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the normal and variant clinical anatomy of the human head, neck and brain, applying this to medical practice and clinical decision making.
You will perform both tutor-led and self-directed dissection sessions and seminars. It further offers the opportunities to develop/refine dissection skills and manual dexterity.
Tutor: Dr Kat Sanders
Term: Spring
Credits: 20
Assessment: Timed exam 40%, portfolio submission 45%, anatomy spotter examination 15%
In this module, you will undertake an in-depth research project in a topic related to the programme. You will be encouraged to select a topic relevant to your own practice or developing interests.
With the support of your supervisor, you will review recent and significant literature, formulate a research question, write a detailed proposal, undertake original research, write up your research in a 15,000 word dissertation, and present your major findings as a 15 minute presentation.
Tutor: Dr Kat Sanders
Term: Summer
Credits: 60
Assessment: Project presentation 20%, dissertation 80%
Anatomy elective modules
By critically evaluating the detailed clinical anatomy of the brain in its topographical, developmental, functional and radiological context, you will acquire the spatial, analytical and technical skills for the application of neuroanatomical knowledge to decision making in clinical practice.
Tutor: Dr Kat Sanders
Term: Autumn
Credits: 10
Assessment: Essay 70%, spotter 30%
You will develop skills and expertise in the interpretation and evaluation of normal and variant anatomy in radiological images. The module will provide the basis for pursuing research in medical sciences based on experimental models involving structural imaging.
Tutor: Dr Kat Sanders
Term: Autumn
Credits: 10
Assessment: Practical workbook 60%, written exam 40%
Research skills elective modules
During this module you will learn quantitative data analysis techniques, use of SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), qualitative data analysis methods including interviews and focus groups and the process of research design, ethical issues and approval.
Tutor: Andrew Simpson
Term: Autumn
Credits: 20
Assessment: Research report 100%
This module will provide you with a robust introduction and overview of the philosophies, methodologies and key research methods in the area of pedagogic research.
You will be given enough foundational understanding to formulate a researchable question and choose an appropriate method to explore the question.
This module will facilitate the development of a substantive research protocol for the purposes of a dissertation in anatomical/medical education.
Tutor: Professor Martin Veysey
Term: Autumn
Credits: 10
Assessment: Group wiki project 10%, written assessment 90%
This module will equip you with expertise and skills in the theory and practice of geometric morphometrics, and prepare you for research in phenotypic and functional variation in human and comparative anatomy.
Tutor: Professor Paul O'Higgins
Term: Autumn
Credits: 5
Assessment: Laboratory workbook 100%
This module will equip you with expertise and skills in the theory and practice of modern imaging, modelling and visualisation methods ('virtual anatomies') and their application to research questions in human and primate anatomy and evolution.
Tutor: Dr Laura Fitton
Term: Autumn
Credits: 5
Assessment: Laboratory workbook 100%
Education elective modules
This module will prepare you to teach anatomy by introducing different pedagogic approaches, assessment methods that are unique to anatomy, and concepts relating to legislation, storage and preparation of cadaveric material.
Tutor: Professor Gabrielle Finn
Term: Spring
Credits: 20
Assessment: Essay 90%, group wiki 10%
This module provides theoretical awareness and takes you from educational theory and the context of teaching through to factors influencing curriculum reform and design.
The module addresses contemporary issues such as inter-professional education and simulation.
This module is the building block for student development as health professions and basic science educators.
Tutor: Dr Marie Cohen
Term: Spring
Credits: 20
Assessment: Group wiki project 10%, written assignment 90%
This module covers the key principles and practices underpinning effective assessment and feedback. It explores links between assessment and learning.
It recognises that assessment is a significant part of the curriculum and that assessment and feedback are ‘constructed’ by various stakeholders within a range of ideologies.
Tutor: Dr Andrew Brown
Term: Spring
Credits: 20
Assessment: Written assessment 90%, group wiki 10%