BIOLOGY 447 - PROSECTION

Professor: Jim Swan

Office: Nurs-Pharm. Bld. Rm B16D

Phone 272-5380

e-mail [email protected]

Lab Location: Nurs-Pharm. Rm. B11

What is Prosection:

Prosection is the dissection of human cadavers prior to their instructional use by the undergraduate anatomy and physiology classes. The class teaches dissection techniques and gives students the opportunity to work independently and in teams on several dissection projects. Students learn anatomy in a much more detailed way than was possible in their A&P I and II. They also learn responsibility and organization by directing dissection teams and through presentations to the group.

Requirements for Prosection:

Biology 447 does not teach basic human anatomy. Prosectors must have taken both A&P I and II, or the equivalent, and their corresponding labs, with grades of A or B. Ideally these courses will have used cadavers as specimens. At a minimum some dissection experience is necessary. Related experience such as in the OMI, other pathology labs, etc. is helpful but not necessary. Related science coursework is also helpful. MOST IMPORTANT is motivation: the desire to learn anatomy by working with cadavers, and the willingness to work at odd hours of the day and night, under less than ideal conditions. The reward is knowledge and a sense of accomplishment. A recommendation from a TA or professor is also important.

Course Expectations:

Students can expect to spend an average of nine hours per week dissecting. These hours will be unevenly distributed, with some weeks being very busy and others not. Students will direct two dissections with two or three other students working on their team. They will also be on two or three other teams. Dissections will be assigned according to personnel needs but will take into consideration the student's interests. These dissections are presented to the class at weekly meetings. A clinical application is also presented, and is included in a written summary turned in following each dissection. Prosectors also take two lab practical examinations covering all anatomical structures.

The prosection class begins the week before regular classes start. Meetings are on Mondays at 11AM and last about two hours. Most dissection time is scheduled at the student's convenience and is often on weekends and at night.

Camaraderie abounds in the Prosection Lab

Grading:

Grade is based equally on the two dissections and the lab practical exams, with points for teamwork and other participation components. Written summaries of the dissections and the clinical applications are required and comprise half of the dissection components.

How to Apply for Prosection:

An application is used to be certain that prosection students are qualified. Applications are obtained from the student's TA or from Jim Swan [272-5380, e-mail [email protected]]. The student should obtain a recommendation from a TA or other individual who can attest to the student's abilities and other qualities.

Now Available - [Online Application]

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