Programme Structure

“Basic Human Anatomy, Imaging, Embryology 1” and "Basic Human Anatomy, Imaging, Embryology 2" make up the majority of the degree.   The theoretical and practical aspects of teaching anatomy to undergraduate and postgraduate students are covered in both semester one and semester two.

Semester 1 (Sep – Dec) 

Basic Human Anatomy, Imaging and Embryology 1 (40 credits) 

This course will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the upper/lower limbs and thorax, incorporating; gross anatomy, surface anatomy, medical imaging, and embryology. 

Anatomy Law and Ethics (10 credits)  

This course is divided into 3 parts:  

• Health & Safety of anatomy and body handling 
• The legislation that governs the activities of anatomy departments both in Scotland and throughout the UK 
• The ethics of using human material for the teaching of anatomy. 

Semester 2 (Jan – May) 

Basic Human Anatomy, Imaging and Embryology 2 (40 credits) 

This course will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the abdomen, pelvis and head & neck, incorporating; gross anatomy, surface anatomy, medical imaging, and embryology. 

Neuroanatomy (10 credits) 

This course covers gross anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems, sensory and motor pathways, cranial nerves, spinal cord, spinal nerves and autonomic nervous system. 

Please note that attendance on campus is expected from Monday to Friday (9 AM - 5 PM) in Semester 1 and Semester 2. Video recording of the lectures pertaining to this programme is prohibited.

Semester 3

Summer period: Dissertation Project 

The Dissertation Project combines a 10,000-word dissertation and oral presentation. 

The dissertation will be either:  

• a Library dissertation on a topic related to the course e.g., teaching methods, historical or legal aspects, or 
• an anatomical, morphological or surgical-related, laboratory research project and dissertation. 

A wide range of topics are suitable for these dissertations, and potential projects and supervisors will be provided. You may have your own ideas and contacts and are welcome to discuss these with us. 

My dissertation project involved working in a tissue engineering lab, investigating the effects of ultrasound on the speed of bone development. I had no previous lab experience but received thorough training and learned lots of new skills.

Steven Buddle, Class of 2016 

You can find out more about the courses you will study on the University Degree Programme Table.

Course information

How will you learn?

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials. Courses are assessed by a combination of oral examinations, essays, multiple choice question exams, extended matching question exams, presentations and practical anatomy exams.  

Diploma or Masters 

You have the option to finish after the second semester graduating with a Diploma in Human Anatomy, or to gain your masters by completing a summer dissertation project that can be either library-, practical- or laboratory-based. 

During my MSc dissertation, I examined the developmental regulation of synaptic vulnerability in an ex-vivo model of traumatic nerve injury. Following dissection of the muscles in mice hind limbs, neuromuscular junctions were analysed by immunohistochemistry techniques. This project primed me for a career within neurological research.

Alex Ahl, Class of 2015