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There is currently much interest in the organisation and function of the mammalian brain. The way in which neuronal pathways interact to produce given behaviours, emotions and desires, and capabilities such as sensation and awareness represents one of the hallmarks of today’s research. In addition, disorders of the central nervous systems (CNS) such as paralysis, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease are of increasing concern to our society. In addition, we shall consider various injury states and ways of treating neurological trauma. Topics such as these are introduced in lectures, and expanded upon by tutorials and practicals. Basic knowledge of CNS organisation and function is a prerequisite, as introduced in previous courses (2nd year anatomy and physiology courses, BM3006/SM3002).
The course consists of lectures, practical classes a tutorial and student seminars. AN4003 is examined by a dissection (10%), essay (10%), a practical exam (10%) and a 2-hour written exam (70%).
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Derek Scott (ext. 7566), d.scott@abdn.ac.uk and Prof. Bettina Platt (ext. 7402) b.platt@abdn.ac.uk
PLEASE NOTE: AN4003 may only be taken by students studying for the Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) degree. All other students who are studying Neuroscience with Psychology should be registered for AN4002 and follow instructions given in that course manual.
Course Aims and Learning Outcomes
1.Describe the general organisation of the human nervous system.
2.Describe malfunctions of the nervous system and their relation to neuroanatomy.
3.Discuss current research relevant to diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders.
4. Obtain the skills necessary to dissect nerves and other structures in human cadaveric material
Introduction (BP)
Introduction to the course and assignment of seminar topics.
Why is anatomy important? Relation to medical and biomedical research, relevance in the 21st century. Brief overview of the general organisation of the human nervous system. Main components and functions of forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord. Peripheral vs. central nervous system, afferents, efferents, autonomic nervous system (sympathetic, parasympathetic).
L1 Forebrain/Alzheimer (BP)
General arrangement of the forebrain. Cerebral hemispheres: functional & histological organisation of the neocortex. Higher cognitive function, intellect & reasoning, language & attention. Structures within the limbic system. Special consideration of the hippocampal formation, amygdala and septal areas in emotions, learning and memory, and conscious thought.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), background and research into the role of Aluminium in AD.
L2&L3 Motor Systems (GR)
Motor pathways and generation of motor responses. Premotor and motor cortex; pyramidal and extrapyramidal tract; cerebellum; basal ganglia (circuits and transmitters). Reflexes & voluntary movements. Parkinson’s disease & Huntington’s disease.
L4 Sensory Systems (DS)
Brief overview of the systems that regulate vision, hearing, balance, olfaction, taste, touch, pain and temperature, followed by a more in-depth discussion of the processes underlying the sensation of sight, sound and smell. Particular emphasis on the mechanisms of ‘topographical mapping’ of retinal axons to the brain and the specific projections from odorant receptors in the olfactory epithelium to the olfactory bulb, including a synopsis of leading recent research into these topics. Aspects of malfunction will involve blindness and hearing impairment.
L5 Spinal Cord (AR)
Structure and function of the intact spinal cord. What happens when it goes wrong?
Developmental defects (eg. spina bifida); physical and functional consequences of traumatic spinal cord injury; acute versus chronic injury.
Prospects for functional recovery, barriers to regeneration/recovery of function.
Model systems for studies of spinal cord injury: What have they taught us?
Current treatments & promising future therapies.
L6 Psychiatric Disorders (GR&LR)
Apart from the motor and cognitive disorders considered in previous lectures, less is clear about anatomical anomalies related to psychiatric conditions. Here, we will specifically consider mood disorders (incl. Major depression and bipolar disorders), together with anxiety disorders (phobias, generalised anxiety, post-traumatic stress, obsessive compulsive disorder) and schizophrenia. Autism spectrum disorders (such as Aspergers and Rett syndrome) are also considered. A common theme in all these diseases is the graded dysfunction of the limbic system, prefrontal and orbito-frontal cortices, basal ganglia and thalamus. Regional anatomical and functional changes will be considered.
Topics in Neurophysiology I & II (MAC)
Topics may include some or all of the following subject areas: cerebral circulation, migraine, stroke, stroke recovery touching on neuroplasticity. Pain, including diabetic neuropathic pain, phantom limbs, placebos etc.
Brain Swelling, Oedema and Intracranial Pressure (DAS)
Traumatic brain injury can lead to damage of the hard and soft tissues of the head. Brain swelling due to inflammation or oedema can crush the delicate tissue of the brain, and a rise in intracranial pressure (ICP) can result in reduced cerebral blood flow. This lecture will review traumatic brain injury and illustrate how normal anatomy may be disrupted and what interventions can be undertaken to restore normal structure/function.
The Vagus (DAS)
Many students only remember that the vagus is cranial nerve X and that it is involved in slowing heart rate, but there is far more to this major parasympathetic nerve! Vagus is Latin for “wandering” and the cranial nerve X truly deserves this name due to its extensive distribution through the body. This lecture will review some of the evidence that illustrates the many and varied functions of the vagus throughout the body.
Neuroendocrinology (DAS)
This lecture will review the interactions between the endocrine and nervous systems that control so many important body processes. We will review why sex steroids, thyroid hormone, pituitary hormones and other adrenal secretions have significant effects on neurological function and development.
Historical Perspectives of Neuroanatomy (DAS)
The first known written record of a study of neuroanatomy is the Edwin Smith Papyrus. This was later enhanced by the work of Alcmaeon, who determined that the brain coordinated the body (and not the heart).This lecture will review their contributions to our understanding of neuroanatomy and also consider the input of Galen and other ancient scientists to this subject. We finish by reviewing the renaissance in brain research which resulted from the work of Vesalius, Willis and others.
1.Human brain dissection (BP/PB): This ‘wet’ practical offers the unique opportunity to dissect donated human brain material. Brain structures will be identified in situ. We will also discuss ethical issues related to the use of human material for teaching and research. Please bring a lab coat.
2.Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) (DAS)
The practical work for AN4003 will involve an Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE for short!), which some of you will have experienced before in subjects such as anatomy or medicine. However, this style of assessment at multiple stations during a strict time limit is also similar to the job interviewing methods used by many employers.
The practical runs over 3 weeks (see timetable). In week 1, ALL students will attend and have an opportunity to practice the skills which will be assessed. During this day, staff will be on hand to demonstrate and answer questions, and students will be directed towards what they should revise for the assessment. Given that students will have little other coursework at this time, their preparation for the assessment should not be too onerous. Many of you will be already familiar with some of the practical skills assessed. Please note – IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU ATTEND THIS LABORATORY PRACTICAL SESSION.
In either week 2 OR 3, students will be scheduled to attend the practical laboratory for a one hour long slot, during which time they will undertake their assessment. Students cannot pick and choose when they attend, appointments will be issued by staff. Allocated groups will be available on the MyAberdeen course website. Attending at the correct time is one of the professional skills that will be assessed! During your one hour slot, you will be assessed at several stations on how well you complete the practical skills. In addition, the students’ professionalism as scientists and potential employees will be graded and students will also have to submit a short written assignment.
A major benefit of this practical is that, in addition to brushing up your practical skills, it can also provide practice for future interviews for jobs or academic positions. It will also prepare you in the generic skills needed for the Honours projects you will all be undertaking in the second half-session after Christmas.
The practical coordinator for AN4003 is Dr Derek Scott (d.scott@abdn.ac.uk). The OSPE will contribute 10% towards your final course mark.
For these classes a laboratory coat should be worn at all times in the laboratory. The University and Department safety rules must be adhered to at all times. Students may find it useful to bring a calculator to the laboratories in order that the required calculations can be made.
3.Practical Anatomy dissection component
This part of the course provides you with an introduction to the practical skills necessary to carry out dissection of human cadaveric material. It acts as a guide to the practical anatomy component of AN4301 Developmental Neuroscience (with Anatomy) (4 x 2 hours classes) in which you will be required to prepare a dissection of an aspect of the nervous system and where many of the marks available will be for quality of the dissection prepared. Although marks are available for the dissection element of this course (AN4003) these will be more awarded for effort rather then the quality of the end product.
In these classes, you will be guided in stages through the preparation of a dissected human cadaveric part including superficial (cutaneous) nerves and a deep nerve branch. Each class will be of two hours duration and will be guided by a member of staff. Emphasis should be on care and precision – it is not a speed exercise. (If you do not finish the task for the class you can continue after the class time, subject to staff availability for supervision.) You will complete a portfolio each week which will form part of the assessment
Summary of dissection classes
Practical dissection class 1
Introduction to activity, aims of programme.
Removal of skin
Practical dissection class 2
Superficial structures (veins, cutaneous nerves)
Practical dissection class 3
Exposure of superficial muscles (photo for assessment)
Practical dissection class 4
Deep nerve/vascular/joint exposure (photo for assessment)
In-course Assessment
•OSPE – 10%
•Essay relating to dissection – 10%
•Dissection and portfolio - mainly effort/attention to detail – 10%
Dissection Essay with Labelled Photograph(s) (10%)
You will take a digital image of your dissection (using a departmental camera only) which will be loaded onto the departmental graphics computer. You will prepare the photograph as if for publication/presentation in a lecture.
On no account should the photograph include any features that could be used to reveal the identity of the donor (eg cadaver number, tattoo, skin mole/mark/scar).
The photograph should have a suitable legend with arrows/labels identifying at least 5 structures which are referred to in the “description of photo content”. This can be done within Powerpoint or Photoshop. Assistance will be given with these software packages if necessary. This photo should be used as part of your essay.
The dissection essay should relate to the structure you dissected and you must include peer-reviewed references at appropriate places in the text. The essay should be approximately 1000-1200 words in length. Further detailed instructions for the essay will be provided on MyAberdeen during the course.
Dissection and portfolio (10%)
Your dissection will be marked at the end of each class. An emphasis will be placed on effort to achieve the aims of the class, rather then solely on the quality of the work produced. Some material is easier to work with than others and this will be allowed for. Effort will therefore be considered alongside quality. The dissection will be marked each week, then an average calculated. The marking schemes will be published on MyAberdeen.
Safety and Security
Safety Guidance
The cadavers present no particular known health hazard and the levels in the atmosphere of toxic chemicals used in the embalming process of the cadavers is well within the limits set by Health and Safety regulations. Note, however, that the fluid provided to keep the cadavers in good condition is <1.0% formaldehyde in water. It is an irritant and if it splashes into your eyes, wash it out immediately with lots of cold water.
Spillage of fluid on to the DR floor represents a hazard. Any spillage should be wiped up at once; staff will direct you as necessary.
The door outside the entrance to the DR is an Emergency Exit. The corridor in front of this exit must be kept clear at all times. All your personal items must therefore be deposited in the locker room. Familiarise yourself with all routes of exit and the location of fire alarms.
Your course includes dissection activity which will involve the use of sharp instruments (scissors, scalpel etc). You will be advised about the correct procedure for fixing and removing scalpel blades from their holder, and their proper disposal in the “sharps bin”.
Sharp instruments must not be disposed of in the general waste bins or left lying around the work area.
When using sharp instruments use a technique which protects yourself from being cut. Be aware of your working surround and ensure no-one else is in your immediate vicinity: do not wave your hands about whilst holding a scalpel!
Tidy up after you have completed each class and ensure that all instruments are cleaned and safely packed away – you must not leave discarded scalpel blades or other sharp instruments lying around the work area.
Wash you hands before you leave the classroom.
Minor injuries should be washed immediately with soap and water and protected with an adhesive dressing. The latter are available from the DR office. Advice should be sought from departmental staff in the event of more serious injury. All injuries should be notified to a member of staff.
Security
STUDENTS MUST NOT REMOVE HUMAN MATERIAL (soft tissues and bones); ANATOMICAL MODELS OR ARTICULATED SKELETONS FROM THEIR LOCATION. All the models, bones and skeletons are security marked - should any go missing during the course of the year, the University will treat the matter as theft with all the consequences that implies. Students, as well as the staff, are responsible for ensuring the security of the learning resources.
Security of anatomical material does not only include its retention within the licensed areas but also the security of any photographic or digital images (including those captured by mobile phone). It is an offence under The Anatomy Act to capture an image without permission having been given by the donor – we do not have such permissions at the present time or under specially agreed guidelines requiring direct approval of the Licensed Teacher of Anatomy (currently Dr Ian Stewart). In any event, the identity of the donor must remain confidential with no identifying features being displayed – failure to ensure this confidentiality is in itself a breach of the Act irrespective of any permissions obtained.
In the same way, it is unacceptable to discuss activities in the dissecting room in public places (eg the bus going home). This lacks the respect due to donors as required under the Act and would make any such individual(s) liable to disciplinary procedures by the University, and under the Act.
Students are reminded that most of you will be going on to enter a profession in which there will be codes of conduct and practice which must be adhered to. Failure to adhere to those codes may well result in you being “struck off” and unable to carry on with your chosen profession. Proper respect for the requirements of The Anatomy Act must be regarded in the same way with any breaches which result in disciplinary action also potentially bringing your chosen career to an untimely end.
Seminars/Tutorial Work
During the course, students will undertake a problem-solving tutorial relating to Histology, Radiology & Pathology (HRP). This exercise is designed to help you improve your problem-solving skills in readiness for the data analysis and problem examination during your final examinations.
In addition, a tutorial exercise with clinical staff is likely to be arranged. Details of what this will entail and when it will occur will be issued to students during the course.
There is a regular programme of seminars given throughout the academic year by invited specialists from within the broad field of biomedical research.
These are usually held on Thursdays from 12noon -1pm in the IMS Building at Foresterhill (check the School or IMS websites for specific locations of seminars).
As you are studying within research-driven disciplines, we strongly feel that you should attend these whenever possible, with a view to broadening your appreciation of medical sciences. You will also be directed to attend any other relevant seminars when they arise.
•D. Richards / T. Clark / C. Clarke. The human brain and its disorders. Oxford University Press 2007.
•E. R. Kandel/ J. H. Schwartz / T. M. Jessel. Principles of neural sciences. Prentice Hall Intl.
•M.F. Bear / B.W. Connors / M.A. Paradiso. Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
•A. K. Afifi / R.A. Bergmann. Functional Neuroanatomy. McGraw-Hill.
•Crossman, A.R. & Neary, D. Neuroanatomy. Churchill Livingstone, 1998.
NB. Departmental dissection manuals and anatomy atlases will be available in the dissecting room to support the practical dissection classes
The University has strict regulations on plagiarism. If you are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism read the University guide on plagiarism at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/writing
Copying or plagiarising another persons work, either from other students or published material in books or papers and submitted as your own for assessment is considered a form of cheating. This is considered by the University to be a serious offence and will be penalised according to the extent involved and whether it is decided there was an attempt at deliberate deception, or whether bad practice was involved. If you do use information or ideas obtained from textbooks or other published material you must give a precise reference to the source both at the appropriate point in your narrative and in a list of references at the end of your work. Direct quotations from published material should be indicated by quotation marks and referenced in the text as above.
The dissection essay and the dissection itself (see above) contributes 20% to the final mark. Marks will be deducted for late hand-ins out of fairness for those students who hand in on time. The OSPE will contribute 10%. The written exam makes up 70% of the mark. The exam consists of a two hour written examination in the May/June diet.
Dr Prem Ballal
Prof Mary Cotter
Prof Bettina Platt
Dr Ann Rajnicek
Prof Gernot Riedel
Dr Derryck Shewan
Dr D Scott, Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy Coordinator) Dr Lianne Robinson (LR), Biomedical Sciences
If students have difficulties with any part of the course that they cannot cope with alone they should approach the staff member who is teaching that part of the course without delay. If the staff member is unable to help, students should arrange to see the Course Co-ordinator. Such students may also find it helpful to talk to the Course Student Representative(s) or to their Adviser of Studies.
The practical work required in this course may present difficulties to students with special educational needs. For such students, alternative arrangements will be made. Any student with special needs should make these known to the Course Co-ordinator when registering for the class, and should then also discuss their needs with the SMS Disabilities Co-ordinator, Dr Derryck Shewan, to ensure that they have the best possible outcome.
Support Available to Students
The University is keen to help you successfully complete your studies. If at any time you feel you need assistance, there is a range of support services available to help you. These include support to assist with unexpected and/or exceptional financial difficulty, support for disabled students and academic learning support through the Student Learning Service. Further details about all these services area available at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/studenthelpguide/.
Transition into level 4 and beyond
As students progress through their degree programme, they will notice a change in the style and approach of teaching and the expectations upon them as learners. Expectations again change as students progress into Honours year, where they are expected to become more independent and self-directed in their learning. To help with this transition, a variety of activities will be planned to address any new challenges faced by students at level 4. The level 4 retention co-ordinator - Dr Steve Tucker (s.j.tucker@abdn.ac.uk; 01224 437491) will organise such events and is a point of contact for any level 4 SMS students facing any kind of difficulty. Regular activities and workshops will be designed around key issues faced by Honours students much in the same way as it was at level 3. In addition, Dr Tucker will hold regular, advertised drop-in surgeries for students to raise any issues face to face and all level 4 SMS students will have access to a MyAberdeen site that will offer information, feedback, guidance and discussion forums designed to ease students through to the completion of their degree.
We value students’ opinions in regard to enhancing the quality of teaching and its delivery; therefore in conjunction with the Students’ Association we support the operation of a Class Representative system.
The students within each course, year, or programme elect representatives by the end of the fourth week of teaching within each half-session. In this school we operate a system of course representatives. Any student registered within a course that wishes to represent a given group of students can stand for election as a class representative. You will be informed when the elections for class representative will take place.
What will it involve?
It will involve speaking to your fellow students about the course you represent. This can include any comments that they may have. You will attend a Staff-Student Liaison Committee and you should represent the views and concerns of the students within this meeting. As a representative you will also be able to contribute to the agenda. You will then feedback to the students after this meeting with any actions that are being taken.
Training
Training for class representatives will be run by the Students Association. Training will take place in the fourth or fifth week of teaching each half-session. For more information about the Class representative system visit www.ausa.org.uk or email the VP Education & Employability vped@abdn.ac.uk. Class representatives are also eligible to undertake the STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Award, further information about the co-curricular award is available at: www.abdn.ac.uk/careers.
Monitoring Students’ Progress
The University operates a system for monitoring students' progress to identify students who may be experiencing difficulties in a particular course. If the Course Co-ordinator has concerns about your attendance and/or performance, the Registry will be informed. The Registry will then write to you (by e-mail in term-time) to ask you to contact the Senate Office in the first instance. Depending on your reason for absence the Senate Office will either deal directly with your case or will refer you to your Adviser of Studies or a relevant support service. This system is operated to provide support for students who may be experiencing difficulties with their studies. Students are required to attend such meetings with their Adviser of Studies in accordance with General Regulation 8.
Set criteria are used to determine when a student should be reported in the monitoring system. You will be asked to meet your Adviser if any of the following criteria apply for this course:-
either (i) if you are absent for a continuous period of two weeks or 25% of the course (whichever is less) without good cause being reported;
or (ii) if you are absent from two small group teaching sessions e.g. (laboratory/tutorial classes) without good cause;
or (iii) if you fail to submit a piece of summative or a substantial piece of formative in-course assessment by the stated deadline
If you fail to respond within the prescribed timescale (as set out in the e-mail or letter) you will be deemed to have withdrawn from the course concerned and will accordingly be ineligible to take the end of course assessment or to enter for the resit. The Registry will write to you (by e-mail in term-time) to inform you of this decision. If you wish consideration to be given to reinstating you in the course you will be required to meet the Convener of the Students' Progress Committee.
Absence from Classes on Medical Grounds
Candidates who wish to establish that their academic performance has been adversely affected by their health are required to secure medical certificates relating to the relevant periods of ill health (see General Regulation 17.3).
The University’s policy on requiring certification for absence on medical grounds or other good cause can be accessed at:
www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix7x5.pdf
You are strongly advised to make yourself fully aware of your responsibilities if you are absent due to illness or other good cause. In particular, you are asked to note that self-certification of absence for periods of absence up to and including eleven weekdays is permissible. However, where absence has prevented attendance at an examination or where it may have affected your performance in an element of assessment or where you have been unable to attend a specified teaching session, you are strongly advised to provide medical certification (see section 3 of the Policy on Certification of Absence for Medical Reasons or Other Good Cause).
Attendance
Attendance at lectures, practicals and seminars is compulsory and will be monitored. Any predicted absence must be discussed in advance with relevant staff. Absence on medical grounds must be confirmed by a medical certificate, handed in to the School Offices as soon as possible. Attendance below 75% for all course elements will be considered to be insufficient.
Class Certificates
Students who attend and complete the work required for a course are considered to have been awarded a ‘Class Certificate’. Being in possession of a valid Class Certificate for a course entitles a student to sit degree examinations for that course. From 2010/11 class certificates will be valid for two years and permit a total of three attempts at the required assessment within that two year period i.e. the first attempt plus up to two resits.
You will receive a University e-mail account when you register with the University Computing Centre. The University will normally use e-mail to communicate with you during term-time. These e-mails will be sent to your University e-mail account, which you can access using Eudora or SquirrelMail.
It is your responsibility to check your e-mail on a regular (at least weekly) basis and to tidy the contents of your e-mail inbox to ensure that it does not go over quota (see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/diss/email/mailquota.hti for guidance on managing your e-mail quota). It is recommended that you use your University e-mail account to read and respond to University communications. If you already have a non-University e-mail account that you use for personal correspondence, it is possible to set up automatic forwarding of messages from your University e-mail account to your personal e-mail address (see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/local/mail.forward/) but, should you do so, it is your responsibility to ensure that this is done correctly. The University takes no responsibility for delivery of e-mails to non-University accounts.
You should note that failure to check your e-mail or failure to receive e-mail due to being over quota or due to non-delivery of an e-mail forwarded to a non-University e-mail account would not be accepted as a ground for appeal (for further information on appeals procedures, please refer to http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x17.hti).
Code of Behaviour and Practice in the Dissecting Room (DR)
What follows is a code of practice for your work involving human material. READ IT AND REMEMBER IT – FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS CODE OF PRACTICE WILL RESULT IN YOU NOT BEING ALLOWED TO ATTEND PRACTICALS AND, THUS, YOU WILL FAIL TO OBTAIN A CLASS CERTIFICATE.
Much of the course work is carried out in the Dissection Room (DR) at Marischal College. You will need to provide and wear a clean white lab coat in the DR
YOU MUST ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LAB COAT WHEN IN THE DR.
You will be allocated a locker for your possessions but you will need to bring a padlock to secure it. Note that YOU CANNOT TAKE BAGS, COATS, ETC., INTO THE DR - they should be locked safely in your locker.
The Anatomy Act
All work carried out in Anatomy at the University of Aberdeen involving the use of human cadaveric material is carried out under The Anatomy Act 1984 as amended by The Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006 and its regulations.
Under The Act, human cadaveric material may only be used in premises that are licensed for the purpose and by people with an interest and need to study the material.
Under The Act, its Regulations and Code of Practice, and local rules, you are:
1.Not allowed to be in possession of human cadaveric material outside of premises licensed under The Act.
2.Not allowed to bring any friends/relatives into the Anatomy Department irrespective of their background and interests.
3.Not allowed to take photographs or any form of electronic images, including mobile phone images, of human cadaveric material or the layout of licensed premises.
4.Required to properly respect the human cadaveric material donated for your study.
You are advised that any breaches to the above will make you liable for University disciplinary procedures and, in addition, may be a criminal offence under The Act.
Respect for donated human material
Practical anatomy involves students in the examination of human subjects. This privileged opportunity relies on the generosity of local people who recognise the value to science and medicine that the practical study of human anatomy can provide, and generously make their bodies available for that purpose.
It is important that, at all times, you respect that generosity and behave accordingly.
Eating or drinking are not permitted in the Dissecting Room, Science Lab, Anatomy Museum or in any other area where anatomical specimens may be located.
Mobile phones must be switched off when you are in the Dissecting Room, Science Lab, Anatomy Museum or in any other area where anatomical specimens may be located – it is not sufficient to switch it to silent mode.
For most users, photography, or other forms of image capture, are not permitted in the Dissecting Room, Science Lab, Anatomy Museum or in any other area where anatomical specimens may be located. Your course requires some photography for coursework but this must be limited to the coursework and follow the strict guidelines that will be given to you before you commence the activity.
The wearing of baseball caps, “hoods” and other forms of casual headwear are considered disrespectful and are inappropriate in the Dissecting Room, Museum and other teaching areas.
PLEASE NOTE THAT NO ONE, OTHER THAN THOSE AUTHORISED TO DO SO, IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE DR.
All students who study on Anatomy courses are expected to pay their respects to those who donated their bodies at the annual Memorial Service in King’s College Chapel on the first Thursday in May. There is a limit on the number of people who can attend as the chapel is usually full to capacity and courses which include only a small amount of Anatomy teaching using cadaveric material are normally represented by the course co-ordinator. Students on this course would normally have attended the service when they were in second year but any who were not available at the time, or who have joined the Anatomy course at level 3, should attend during the current academic year. You will be advised of the arrangements for the Memorial Service nearer the time.
Care of Cadavers
Preserved human material requires to be kept moist to save it from spoiling. Please follow instructions to protect this valuable material and cover the specimens after you have examined it – do not rely on others to do it for you.
DO:
•Wear a clean, white laboratory coat.
•Use gloves.
•Handle specimens with care and respect.
•Follow the ‘Care of Cadavers’ procedure.
•Work safely with regard to yourself and others.
•Cover the cadaveric material when you have finished.
•Leave your working area clean and tidy.
•Wash your hands before leaving the Dissecting Room.
DO NOT:
•Bring friends or relatives into the Dissecting Room.
•Smoke, eat or drink in the Dissecting Room.
•Handle specimens (including the articulated skeletons and anatomical models) roughly.
•Move material from one dissection table to another.
•Let the body cloths hang off the dissection tables.
•Remove anything from the Dissecting Room or from any other teaching location.
•Take your white lab coats from the Dissecting Room for use elsewhere.
•Use mobile phones within the Dissecting room, Museum, Science lab or any other licensed area.
•Take photographs, or any image capture on any device other than using the departmental camera AND under the specific authorisation and direction of a member of Anatomy staff. Such images are only to be downloaded onto the Anatomy graphics computer.
Requirements for the Award of an Honours DegreeAll students who are admitted to an Honours programme, in or after 2004/05, will be required to achieve 480 credit points, including at least 180 at levels 3 and 4, of which at least 90 must be at level 4. This change to the requirements for the award of an Honours Degree was made by the Senate to ensure that Honours degrees are awarded in compliance with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). This is a common national Framework for all awards in Scotland. Further information is available at www.scqf.org.uk.
Accordingly, students failing to meet this credit requirement at the first attempt will require to make up this credit shortfall before graduating. General Regulation 21, as outlined below, sets out the procedures available to enable students to make up this credit shortfall.
In the case of a candidate who has failed to complete satisfactorily an element of Honours degree assessment at the time prescribed by Regulation 9.3, then the appropriate procedure from (a) to (e) below shall apply:
a)If, but only if, the failure is on account of illness or other good causes, the candidate shall be required to submit themselves for assessment at the next available opportunity, and shall be permitted to count the result of that assessment towards Honours classification.
b)If the failure is the result of absence or non-submission of any other cause, the candidate shall be awarded zero for the assessment concerned and shall be required to submit themselves for assessment at the next available opportunity, but shall not be permitted to count the result of that assessment towards Honours classification.
c)For courses at level 4 and above only, if the candidate has completed the assessment but been awarded a mark on the Common Assessment Scale between 6 and 8 inclusive, they shall be awarded the same amount of unnamed specific credit, not exceeding 30 credit points in total, at level 1.
d)If the candidate has completed the assessment, but the course is at level 3, or the course is at level 4 or above and the mark awarded on the Common Assessment Scale is less than 6, the candidate shall be required to submit themselves for assessment at the next available opportunity, but shall not be permitted to count the result of that assessment towards Honours classification. Alternatively, for courses at level 4 and above only, such candidates may elect to attend and submit themselves for assessment in another course of equivalent credit value, which may be at any level.
e)If any options (a), (b) or (d) above would normally apply, but medical advice indicates that it would be unreasonable to require a candidate to appear for assessment on a subsequent occasion, and if the candidate’s past record provides sufficient evidence that they would have obtained Honours, the examiners may recommend the award of an Aegrotat degree, but only after obtaining the consent of the candidate. The award of an Aegrotat degree will debar candidates from counting towards Honours degree assessment any result achieved thereafter.
Notes (i) For courses at level 4 and above, the timing and format of the assessment required under any of sub-sections (a), (b) or (d) above shall be determined by the Academic Standards Committee (Undergraduate) on the recommendation of the Head of the relevant School.
(ii) The options to achieve or be awarded credit under (b), (c) and (d) above shall be available to candidates who have accumulated less than 90 credit points at level 4 or who have failed to complete satisfactorily the assessment for a course which, on the recommendation of the Head of the relevant School, has been prescribed by the Academic Standards Committee (Undergraduate) as compulsory for the award of a degree with Honours. Such candidates will be able to qualify for a non-Honours degree only. Further guidance is also available in the Guidance Note for Students who either Fail, or who Fail to Attend or Complete, and Element of Prescribed Degree Assessment which can be accessed at:
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix7x6.pdf
Honours Degree Classification (Grade Spectrum)
All Honours Degrees are classified using the University’s Grade Spectrum which is available at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix7x4.pdf. The Grade Spectrum, an extract of which is outlined below, is used to determine degree classification on the basis of the CAS mark awarded for each element of Honours Degree Assessment.
First: Marks at 18 or better in elements constituting half the total elements and
Marks at 15 or better in elements constituting three quarters of the total elements and
Normally marks at 12 or better in all elements
2i:Marks at 15 or better in elements constituting half the total elements and Marks at 12 or better in elements constituting three quarters of the total elements and Normally marks at 9 or better in all elements
2ii:Marks at 12 or better in elements constituting half the total elements and Marks at 9 or better in elements constituting three quarters of the total elements
Third:Marks at 9 or better in elements constituting three quarters of the total elements.
The Grade Spectrum defines the threshold standards against which the different classes of honours degree are awarded. The Examiners, however, have discretion (in the circumstances defined in Note 4 of the Grade Spectrum) to depart from this and may choose to award a higher degree than that indicated by the Grade Spectrum.
TurnitinUK
TurnitinUK is an online service which compares student assignments with online sources including web pages, databases of reference material, and content previously submitted by other users across the UK. The software makes no decision as to whether plagiarism has occurred; it is simply a tool which highlights sections of text that have been found in other sources thereby helping academic staff decide whether plagiarism has occurred.
As of Academic Year 2011/12, TurnitinUK will be accessed directly through MyAberdeen. Advice about avoiding plagiarism, the University’s Definition of Plagiarism, a Checklist for Students, Referencing and Citing guidance, and instructions for TurnitinUK, can be found in the following area of the Student Learning Service website www.abdn.ac.uk/sls/plagiarism/.
Feedback Framework
Feedback on assessment:
The University recognises that the provision of timely and appropriate feedback on assessment plays a key part in students learning and teaching. The guiding principles for the provision of feedback within the University are detailed in the Institutional Framework for the Provision of Feedback on Assessment available at:
www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix7x8.pdf
The University recognises both the importance of providing timely and appropriate feedback on assessments to students, and of enabling students to voice views on their learning experience through channels such as Student Course Evaluation Forms and Class Representatives. FAQs, guidance and resources about feedback can be found on the University’s ‘Enhancing Feedback’ website at: www.abdn.ac.uk/clt/feedback
Appeal and Complaints
The University’s appeals and complaints procedures provide students with a framework through which to formalise their concerns about aspects of their academic experience or to complain when they feel that standards of non-academic service have fallen short of that which they expected.
The process has been designed to make the appeals and complaints process as accessible and simple as possible and to provide a robust, fair mechanism through which to ensure that all appeals and complaints are considered in the appropriate way at the appropriate level.
A major feature of the process is the emphasis it places on early or informal resolution. All students should note that there is an expectation that they will take responsibility for seeking resolution of their academic or non-academic concerns by raising and discussing them at the earliest possible stage with the relevant individuals in an academic School or administrative Service.
Further details of the processes for making an appeal or complaint, including where to find further help and support in the process, is given at:
www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/appeals
Transcripts at Graduation
It is anticipated that students who commenced their studies in, or after, 2009/10, will receive a more detailed transcript of their studies on graduation. The increased details will include a record of all examination results attained. For students graduating in 2012/13 transcripts will show details of all CAS marks awarded, including marks which are fails. Where a resit has been required as a result of medical circumstances or other good cause (MC/GC) this will not be shown, but all other circumstances (i.e. No Paper ‘NP’) will be included.
MyAberdeen (the University of Aberdeen’s Virtual Learning Environment)
MyAberdeen replaces WebCT as students’ virtual learning environment. This is where you will find learning materials and resources associated with the courses you are studying.
MyAberdeen also provides direct access to TurnitinUK, the online originality checking service, through which you may be asked to submit completed assignments.
You can log in to MyAberdeen by going to www.abdn.ac.uk/myaberdeen and entering your University username and password (which you use to access the University network).
Further information on MyAberdeen including Quick Guides and video tutorials, along with information about TurnitinUK, can be found at: www.abdn.ac.uk/students/myaberdeen.php.
Information about academic writing and how to avoid plagiarism can be found at www.abdn.ac.uk/sls/plagiarism.
Aberdeen Graduate Attributes
Graduate Attributes are a wide-ranging set of qualities which students will develop during their time at Aberdeen in preparation for employment, further study and citizenship.
There are four main areas of the Graduate Attributes:
• Academic excellence
• Critical thinking and communication
• Learning and personal development
• Active citizenship
Students have many opportunities to develop and achieve these attributes. These include learning experiences on credit-bearing courses and co-curricular activities such as work placements, study abroad and volunteering. In accordance with the University’s commitment to Equality and Diversity, students can request support with any aspect of the Graduate Attributes framework.
The ACHIEVE website offers resources that enable students to assess and reflect upon their present skills and development needs. The website also contains resources to help students to improve their skills and links to a range of university services such as the Careers Service and the Student Learning Service. Students can access ACHIEVE from their MyAberdeen site in the ‘My Organisations’ section. More information about Aberdeen Graduate Attributes and ACHIEVE can be found at www.abdn.ac.uk/graduateattributes.
The Co-curriculum
The co-curriculum enhances a student’s employability and provides opportunities to develop and achieve Aberdeen Graduate Attributes. Co-curricular activities complement a student’s degree programme and include: work placements, study abroad, enterprise and entrepreneurship activities, the BP Student Tutoring Scheme, career mentoring and the STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Award initiative. Below are examples of credit-bearing co-curricular activities. It is anticipated that these types of activity will be included on an enhanced transcript for students graduating in, or after, 2012/13
ERASMUS is an exchange programme funded by the European Commission which enables students to study or work in another European country as part of their degree programme. Eligible students will receive a grant to help with extra costs while abroad and a number of our partner institutions teach through English. For more information, visit www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmus/. The University also has opportunities for students to study in a non-European country as part of their degree through the International Exchange Programme. International partners include universities and colleges in North America, Hong Kong and Japan (www.abdn.ac.uk/undergraduate/international-exchange.php). The University aims to ensure full academic recognition for study periods abroad, therefore the credits gained from study abroad will count towards the Aberdeen degree programme for students participating in both ERASMUS and the International Exchange Programme.
Work placements can also form an integral part of a degree programme and attract academic credit. Placements are available locally, nationally and internationally, lasting from a few weeks to a full year and are generally paid. Visit the Careers Service website for further placement information and to find available work placements.
Further information about the co-curriculum is available at: www.abdn.ac.uk/careers
School of Medical Sciences - Guide to Citing and Referencing
This guide should be used to assist you when completing any work for disciplines in the School of Medical Sciences. All work should include citations at appropriate places in the text, with a complete reference list at the end of the assignment. If diagrams/ graphs/ tables are copied or adapted from other publications/ websites, the sources must also be cited in the legend for that item, and included in your reference list.
Good citing and referencing not only improves the quality of your work, but it gives credit to the authors of original work, and makes it less likely that you can be accused of plagiarism. Further guidance on writing and plagiarism may be found at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/writing/ . When you submit work for marking, you are declaring that YOU are the author, that you have not copied it or plagiarised any material from other sources, AND that all sources of information have been acknowledged in your text. Students may be penalised by the University if found guilty of plagiarism.
Students are warned to be careful if using websites as sources of information. These may be inaccurate and are often not peer-reviewed. You are strongly encouraged to use advanced textbooks, peer-reviewed papers or reviews as the sources of your information in your work. Students are also advised to avoid quoting chunks of text in their work. Just because you put quotation marks around some text does not mean that you have not plagiarised it. Try and explain ideas and concepts in your own words.
The referencing style used here is Harvard, similar to that recommended by the University Library (see their factsheet for further information on referencing). Students must use this style of citing and referencing for all work. Other styles are not acceptable. Marks may be deducted if students do not cite or reference properly (see specific marking schemes for details).
Citing references within the text
You must provide citations in the text at the appropriate places by putting the author’s surname and year of publication in round brackets immediately after the relevant text (author, date method).
Author, date method
Jones et al. (1999) has argued that….
Studies have produced conflicting results…..(Bloggs, 2000; MacDuff et al., 1993)
Smith stated (1990)…..and then later work confirmed this (2003)…..
Bloggs (2001) investigated…..
One author (Bloggs, 2000)
Two authors (Smith & Jones, 1982)
Three or more authors (Chesterfield et al., 1995)
If the same author(s) wrote two or more papers in the same year Thwaites et al. stated (1990a)…..and then provided further evidence (1990b)…..
N.B. “et al.” should be in italics, as should all other Latin words/phrases in your text (e.g. in vitro). There is also a full stop after “et al.”, since it is an abbreviation of “et alia” (“and others”).
Listing your references at the end of your work
Your list of references must place the surnames of the first authors in alphabetical order. List all authors of a piece of work unless there are a large number.
Format of references at the end of your work
Book - whole Rang, H.P., Dale, M.M., Ritter, J.M. & Flower, R.J. (2007) Pharmacology. 6th Ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Book – article or chapter within Johnson, D. & Smart, J.S. (1983) Advanced techniques in measuring athletic performance. In: S. Roberts, ed., Sports Science in the Laboratory. London: Macmillan, pp. 3-28.
Journal – article within Furchgott, R.F., Zawadzki, J.V. (1980) The obligatory role of endothelial cells in the relaxation of arterial smooth muscle by acetylcholine. Nature. 288(5789), 373-6.
Website Department for Education and Employment (2000). Student loans: guidance on terms and conditions from April 2000. [online]. Available from: http://www.dfee.gov.uk/loan2000/index.html [Accessed 23rd March 2006]
