Lead supervisor:
Dr Marcel Stoetzler 
Other supervisor(s):
- Dr Leah Jones
Start date: October 2024 (Full time)
Award: General
Subject Pathway:
Sociology / Science and Technology Studies
Thematic Cluster:
Society and Well-Being Cluster
Technology-led teaching of anatomy: does an absence of cadavers increase accessibility to the new medicine course in North Wales?
Historically, the study of anatomy has been taught often using cadaveric material. However, there has been a gradual shift towards teaching anatomy using technology. I want to uncover the impact from students in higher education learning anatomy from technology-enhanced educational methods in North Wales.
In September of 2024, Bangor University opened its new medical school. Whilst considering the additional challenges in teaching Anatomy using traditional cadaveric dissection, a decision was made to instead teach using the Anatomage table. The Anatomage table enables students to dissect digitally through a touch screen format, amongst various other functionalities. For my PhD thesis, I am undergoing an exploration of the similarities and differences in the student experience when learning from two main pedagogical practices; cadaveric, and technology-led.
To do this, I have chosen to visit three field sites in Wales; Swansea University and Cardiff University, both of whom have established medical schools that teach anatomy using a multimethod approach, including cadaveric based learning. The third site being Bangor University, who utilise a technology-based approach to teaching anatomy. My focus is from a sociological perspective; seeking to uncover phenomena relating to the sociology of emotion and the hidden curriculum when students are learning through their universities’ chosen pedagogy.
My thesis will be exploring these phenomena through an ethnographical approach. I shall be observing students’ first encounters with cadavers at both Swansea University and Cardiff University, then asking for interview and survey volunteers. At Bangor University, I shall be observing students’ initial use of the Anatomage table and performing an additional observation at the end of their first semester to assess any differences in usage, as one of the anticipated barriers to utilising this technology to its fullest capabilities lies in students’ ability to use the Anatomage table effectively.
Additionally, as Bangor University is my home university, I am more easily able to visit this field site. I shall also be asking for volunteers at Bangor University to be interviewed or to complete the online survey. To collect as much data as possible, I shall be revisiting all three field sites numerous times.
Research Impact
By producing research that explores students' emotional and social response to anatomy education, I hope that my thesis can be used to enhance anatomy curriculum.
Additionally, this research shall highlight the importance of a sociological approach to researching medical education.
Biography
I have a BA in Criminology where I studied at York St. John University, and an MA in Criminology and Sociology from Bangor University, where I am currently in the 2nd year of my PhD, living in North Wales.