Arts & sciences
Cadaver lab enhances curriculum
A
s part of the biology labs in the newly renovated Ummel Technology Building, Missouri Southern’s first cadaver laboratory has been a welcome addition for students and faculty. The idea to use space in the Ummel Technology Building came about as part of a discussion that focused on ways to offer more sections of anatomy courses in order to meet the needs of students. A close look at the available space indicated that in addition to new anatomy and physiology labs, there would be adequate space for a cadaver lab. This was exciting news to many students and faculty. As soon as students heard of the possibility of the cadaver lab, faculty began hearing questions: “Is it true? Are we really going to have a cadaver lab? When will it be open? Will it be part of my class? What can I do to participate in the cadaver lab?” Student excitement was definitely evident at this time, long before the cadaver lab was actually completed. We have been using the cadaver lab for the past two semesters, to great success. The lab houses two cadavers, one male and one female. The lab is designed to be used with all human anatomy courses, including combined courses such as human anatomy and physiology. While students also use anatomical models and software programs, the ability to study anatomy using an actual cadaver has increased their depth of study and awareness. It has been very rewarding to
see students completely focused. In many ways, faculty have been just as excited as the students. Dr. Brian Davis, assistant professor of biology and environmental health, recently described a lab session for one of his courses in this way: “Imagine 20 students huddled around two cadavers. I wish I could have taken a picture; it was exactly the reason having a cadaver lab is such a great resource.” It has taken a lot of work on the part of faculty to restructure courses to allow for implementation of the cadaver lab. In addition, faculty worked hard to make sure the cadavers are prepared in time for lab sessions. Regardless, faculty found the extra work has been worth it to see the realization of a longawaited goal. The careful planning and implementation of this lab was done in less than a year. This was not an easy feat to accomplish and was done so by the tremendous joint efforts of multiple parties, both on and off campus. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and the highest climate control and ventilation standards. It has been designed with the student in mind, allowing the best possible visualization of the cadavers and for hands-on activities as well. The cadaver lab is a resource that Missouri Southern can be proud of. It will provide a stronger educational foundation for any student that will study human anatomy as part of their curriculum. — Dr. Crystal Lemmons, Head, Department of Biology and Environmental Health
Dr. Alla Peters (right), assistant professor of biology, leads a discussion in the new cadaver lab for her human anatomy and physiology class, which includes Savannah Merideith (left), freshman nursing major, and Lindsey Bragg, sophomore biology major. — Photo by Rhonda Clark, ’00
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