About Synthetic Anatomy

Welcome to the Synthetic Anatomy Module (5BBA2031)

This module is co-organised by the Department of Anatomy in the School of Bioscience Education and the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine.

Synthetic Anatomy is a module in two parts: the first involving learning about data sets and 3D printing, and the second about applying these skills to a project that will involve printing a series of speculative anatomies. These can range from imagined adaptations of the future human brain or skeleton to idealized joints for baseball pitchers to the developmental series of an extinct vertebrate. The goal is to explore and take risks. The philosophy of the course is failed print, frustrating team conversation, disagreement about the aims of a project are all equally valuable as “success” if a lesson are taken on board and applied.

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To ensure “freedom to fail” students are assessed on an individual online reflective pin-board “padlet”. The group project will be assessed using a “table display” of 3D prints and attempts at 3D prints.  These modes of assessment require a different approach to thinking about study. Reflection on the choices made in working towards the goal and their effectiveness is the basis of an excellent grade rather than the completeness of the final project.

The module consists of a variety of teaching and learning sessions throughout the year. The main components of the module are:

  • 3D printing sessions
  • Artists sessions
  • Project related sessions

Module learning outcomes:

  • Recover and process data from digital resources
  • Compute 3D data sets by accessing image databases, 3D scanning or through design
  • Apply 3D printing technology and software
  • Critically review structural, functional, developmental and/or evolutionary relationships within Anatomy
  • Reflect on effective strategies for collaborative research
  • Deliver and utilise constructive feedback
  • Summarise and present learning to peers and tutors using effective communication skills

Module aims:

  • To equip students with emerging and advanced approaches to anatomy
  • To explore anatomical structure in a choice of possible contexts: development, evolution, structure and function. To develop reflective approaches to learning
  • To develop teamworking skills