MSc Human Anatomy

Overview

The advantages of coming to Dundee include the following:

• the use of Thiel cadavers: a fantastic opportunity to study gross anatomy in a highly functional context due to their flexibility and realism
• the ability to combine your anatomy course with a variety of associated skills (anatomical preservation techniques, medical education)
• the opportunity to carry out self-directed original research in an anatomical field
• The adoption of the Thiel method has allowed Dundee to offer not only much more realistic anatomical training, but also a whole new range of research possibilities.
• Good relationships within the university allow research projects to be carried out in the fields of applied anatomy, embryology, histology, medicine, dentistry, or biomechanics, from staff who have international reputations in both practice and research.
• In recognition of its ‘world class excellence’, the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification was the recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education in 2013, one of the most highly-regarded awards for the UK’s universities and colleges.
• The award-winning staff of the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification are amongst the most experienced in the UK in the fields of human identification, forensic anthropology, craniofacial reconstruction and the study of the human body. 

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The University of Dundee has been given a Gold award – the highest possible rating – in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Read more about the Teaching Excellence Framework

What You'll Study

How you will be taught

There are two large modules of human gross anatomy, where you will have an opportunity to carry out full body dissection.

You'll also study relevant embryology and neuroanatomy, including dissection of the brain.

How you will be assessed

Coursework includes

• practical spot tests
• essays
• practical workbooks
• seminar presentations

Examinations at the end of each semester may include:

• multiple choice questions
• extended matching questions
• short answer questions
• essays
• practical spot tests.

The research project requires production of a dissertation.

What you will study

Both semesters 1 and 2 have a strong emphasis on gross anatomy through whole body dissection, where you will be working in groups of no more than four per cadaver. In Semester 1, you will also be studying embryology and developmental anatomy and will have a choice of one of three optional modules in either anatomical techniques, medical education or biomechanics. Semester 2 has modules in neuroanatomy and a creative module in a clinical topic.

Semester 3 allows students to focus on an independent and novel research project, either practical or literature based, in one of the following areas:

• Thiel cadaveric anatomy
• The anatomy of a specific region of clinical/surgical interest
• Functional anatomy
• Anatomy and biomechanics
• Education

The research project is normally carried out at the University of Dundee, but there may be opportunities to complete this at your home institution under certain circumstances.

Careers

Successful completion of the course will give you a solid grounding in anatomy, allowing you to work as an anatomical teacher, an anatomical technician, or, with further research experience, a well-qualified academic in the anatomical field.

Many of our graduates have continued their anatomical studies by continuing on to a PhD at the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, or elsewhere at the University of Dundee. It can also form a solid foundation for beginning study or return to careers in areas such as medicine, dentistry or physiotherapy.

Your Application

You apply for this course via the UCAS Postgraduate website which is free of charge. You can check the progress of your application online and you can also make multiple applications.

You'll need to upload relevant documents as part of your application. Please read the how to apply page before you apply to find out about what you'll need.

Visit the MSc Human Anatomy page on the University of Dundee website for more details!