Over the past decade, the role of anatomical teaching in the undergraduate medical curriculum has changed considerably. At some medical schools, active dissection of cadaveric specimens is gradually being replaced by prosection-based methods and other resources such as e-learning. Warwick Medical School has recently obtained a large collection of plastinated prosections, which replace wet cadaveric specimens in undergraduate anatomy teaching. The aim of this study was to examine students' views on the use of plastinated prosections for their anatomical learning. A mixed method approach was employed using a questionnaire and focus group for data collection. The questionnaire was completed by 125 first-year medical students (response rate 68%). The majority of students (94%) rated plastinated prosections as a valuable resource for their anatomical learning. Various features of the specimens were highlighted, such as the detailed view of relevant anatomy, appreciation of relations between structures, and visualization of anatomy in real life. However, learning on plastinated prosections was perceived to be compromised because of limitations in terms of tactile and emotional experience. We conclude that plastinated prosections are an adequate resource for the early stages of undergraduate training, but that the learning experience may be further enhanced by providing opportunity for the study of wet cadaveric material.

As an enrichment activity for the periodic table unit, students used element symbols to spell their name or a common word. These element "words" were typed into a template using proper element notation, atomic mass, and atomic number. The resulting templates were then printed on iron-on t-shirt transfer papers using an inkjet printer. Students ironed the transfers onto t-shirts and wore the shirts to school in celebration of National Chemistry Week. Faculty and staff were pleased with the positive attitudes the shirts generated, even among students not taking a chemistry course. The supplemental material for this article provides a template for the t-shirt words.

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for your dedication, patience and guidance. Thanks to my thesis advisory panel, Christine Harrison and Eileen Green. I would like to gratefully acknowledge all the children who spoke to me and patiently answered my questions.I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to my husband, Ahmed for his love and support throughout this entire process. Thanks to Ave, for our many long discussions and for those many gruelling late nights when reading about robots superseded sleeping. Special thanks go to Nick and Nazira for proofreading and finally to Linda and Mitan for always being there.iv Declaration I confirm that this thesis is my own work. It has not been submitted for examination at any other university for any other award. Aspects of the work have been reported in: