Throughout this programme you will explore the scientific principles and the design of experiments which underlie investigations into

• the form and function of the human body
• the development of a foetus from an embryo
• neuroanatomy.

Traditional viewpoints of applied and clinical anatomy will also be reassessed in the light of current opinion and technology.

Year 1

In your first year you will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and encouraged to acquire general scientific skills.

Year 2

In second year, you will be introduced to the study of human physiology, human anatomy, pharmacology and neuroscience. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of other courses.

Years 3 and 4

If you progress to Honours (years three and four) you will investigate more fully the methods used by anatomists today, including

• imaging techniques
• light, electron and confocal microscopy
• immunohistochemistry
• tissue culture.

In third year the courses will provide you with basic practical skills and a broad-based knowledge and understanding of the subject. Practical work is very important and you will have the chance for genuine hands-on experience. You will also be encouraged, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, to make presentations of your findings, allowing you to develop your skills as a competent communicator.

In fourth year a major component of your studies is an independent research project. Conducted under the supervision of a member of academic staff, you will plan, execute and evaluate an original piece of research.

You will also study certain topics in depth by taking four five-week Honours option courses. These specialist topics include

• clinical applied anatomy
• problems in mammalian reproduction
• advanced neuroanatomy.

As the anatomical sciences represent a fast-moving discipline in which advances are constantly being made, much of the reading material is from original research papers and review articles.

You can take Anatomy as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year. This is normally spent doing research in industry or some other organisation such as a research institute. Placements are usually in the UK, but can also be taken overseas. They happen between third year and the final year of the degree.

You will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad. There are currently two options available: the Erasmus Exchange Scheme and the International Exchange Programme.

Under the Erasmus scheme you will study at a major European university, for three to ten months. As this exchange programme is partly funded by the European Union you will receive additional financial support from the EU, to cover additional travel and living costs.

The International Exchange Programme allows you to spend a year or semester in one of our partner institutions in the following countries: Australia, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, USA.

100% of our Anatomy graduates from 2009 are either in work or further study.

Our graduates are employed in biomedical laboratories (in both industry and hospitals) and in forensic science. Others have entered the paramedical services, publishing and teaching, while many have continued in postgraduate training, or have become graduate entrants into medicine or dentistry.