Instructions for academics
This Open Educational Resource has been designed to complement undergraduate and postgraduate students in their study of human anatomy using a novel anatomical variation curriculum framework. It has been organised to provide a useful compendium of learning activities that can be embedded across a curriculum to strengthen student depth of understanding of anatomical variation and improve their application of anatomical variation knowledge in clinical contexts. Learning activities have been scaffolded into three ‘levels’ of learning: foundational, developmental and advanced, to align to advancing levels of cognitive learning demand with learning outcomes constructed with reference to Bloom’s taxonomy. Whilst each of these learning levels could be integrated into each year of a 3 year course, they could equally be sequenced through three or more subjects in a learning progression within a year of study depending on when students engage in their anatomy study.
Anatomical Variation Curriculum Framework aligned to each Part and Chapter of this eBook
| Theme | Learning Outcome | Part | Chapter |
| Theme 1: Categorise and describe a range of anatomical variation within the human body |
|
Defining Anatomical Variation | Introduction to Anatomical Variation |
|
Anatomical Variation Phenotypes | Cardiovascular Case Studies
Skeletal Case Studies Muscular Case Studies Nervous Case Studies Respiratory Case Studies Digestive Case Studies Urinary Case Studies |
|
|
Anatomical Variation Student Assessment Examples | 2022 Student Case Reports | |
| Theme 2: Theorise the implications of anatomical variation on patient outcomes and in professional contexts |
|
Defining Anatomical Variation | Relevance of Anatomical Variation in Professional Contexts |
|
Anatomical Variation Phenotypes | Cardiovascular Case Studies
Skeletal Case Studies Muscular Case Studies Nervous Case Studies Respiratory Case Studies Digestive Case Studies Urinary Case Studies |
|
|
Applying Skeletal Variation in Professional Contexts (under development) | Estimating a Biological Profile | |
| Theme 3: Investigate the process of anatomical variation formation and its potential causes |
|
Development and Causes of Anatomical Variation (under development) | Embryological and Subadult Development of Anatomical Variation |
|
Development and Causes of Anatomical Variation | Factors that affect Anatomical Variation |
It is recommended to introduce students to anatomical variation using the foundational level learning outcomes covered in Part 2: Defining Anatomical Variation, in the first year of student learning and/or in their first anatomy unit. Developmental level learning outcomes should then be embedded in the second year of student learning and/or in intermediary anatomy units. Part 3: Anatomical Variation Phenotypes has been specifically designed for this level of learning where a broad range of case studies have been created to allow students to explore examples of anatomical variation and investigate phenotypic variation between populations. In each case study students are encouraged to discuss the clinical significance of anatomical variation of the structure or organ. This part of the eBook draws on a breadth of primary research literature to provide a critical review of population diversity and highlights where possible anatomical variation reported in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori peoples.
Advanced level learning outcomes are recommended for capstone or final year anatomy units where students demonstrate application of their anatomical variation knowledge and critical appraisal of research literature in their interpretation of anatomical variation. Part 5: Applying Skeletal Variation in Professional Contexts; and Part 6: Anatomical Variation Student Assessment Examples demonstrates how these learning outcomes may be embedded. For example Part 6 includes examples of student assessment that could be adopted in your institutional context.
Throughout the textbook a range of self-drawn illustrations have been included which we encourage you to employ in your lectures or refer your students to the eBook during class discussions. Brief answers to the case study questions have also been provided to support student self-assessment.
As an open educational resource, we aim to continue to build this eBook by adding additional case studies, different examples of student assessment on anatomical variation, and recent publications to strengthen the utility of this eBook for student learning.
