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Expanding the scope of anatomical sciences: The case of “Human evolution: The fossil evidence” course at the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel‐Aviv University
Author(s) -
Notzer Netta,
Abramovitz Ruth
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
anatomical sciences education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.126
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1935-9780
pISSN - 1935-9772
DOI - 10.1002/ase.1266
Subject(s) - tel aviv , scope (computer science) , psychology , mathematics education , medical education , medicine , library science , computer science , programming language
The Anatomy Department at Tel‐Aviv University Medical School offers its students an elective course of 26 didactic hours on human evolution. The course is open to students from all faculties, who must fulfill all academic requirements, without a prerequisite of a background in anatomy. Approximately 120 students attend annually, a third of them are nonmedical students who major in philosophy, archeology, and sociology. This article discusses the course's contributions to students' understanding of a scientific concept that a scientific theory can be contradicted by new evidence, because facts govern science. Also, research methods of applying scientific principles establish the understanding of the human body, which evidently contributes to health and medicine. In the classes, the students are divided into mini‐groups of 2–3 students, while the lecturer moves among students to examine fossils. In addition, analogies, open‐discussions, and explanations accompany the tangible experiences. The lecturer of the course is an experienced anthropologist–anatomist researcher. He is a role‐model and a mentor, sharing with the students his belief that a scientist should be persistent in his research to overcome difficult circumstances. Students, regardless of their backgrounds, express high appreciation of the course in their feedback questionnaires. The message conveyed by this course is that not only knowledge counts but also its integration with scientific principles. This course teaches us that science can bring students from different areas to study together and share ideas. In conclusion, this is a unique course in the eyes of the faculty and students alike. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.