A field trip to explore high-tech anatomy and physiology tools gave graduate students of chemistry and biochemistry deeper understanding of the human body.

The experiential learning field trip to the Dr. Murray O’Neil Medical Education Centre, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry-Windsor Campus, allowed hands-on exploration of medical dissection through the Anatomage table, three-dimensional models, and human cadaver physiological organ systems.

Student Victoria Kis especially enjoyed the Anatomage table, a digital tool that enables users to analyze and examine human anatomy with the touch of a fingertip.

“I felt very excited and fortunate to be able to use the Anatomage table to take a look into the pregnant body and see the different organs and related systems,” Kis says.

The demonstrations — facilitated by Master of Medical Biotechnology program co-ordinator Tranum Kaur and Anna Farias and Terri Lawrence of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry — covered such topics as the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, and abdominal organs.

Dr. Kaur notes experiential learning opportunities are high-impact practices imparting deep learning and enabling students to apply their knowledge beyond classroom walls.

“This exploration provided 3D simulated medical learning where learners interacted in fun and engaging ways with the innovative and technologically advanced medical educational tools used for human physiological systems,” she says.

“Notably, these real-life experiences create deeper interest in medical related careers and programs. In addition, the field trip was instrumental in making meaningful connections with the human physiological topics covered in the Medical Biotechnology program.”

Medical biotechnology student Tasfia Tahiat says working with the models allowed her to go beyond textbooks: “My understanding of anatomy was expanded by the three-dimensional element, which made it possible for me to see and engage with anatomical structures in ways that static pictures could never do.”