Undergraduate Course: Anatomy of the head and neck (BIME10048)
Course Outline
| School | Edinburgh Medical School |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course provides students with advanced knowledge of clinically relevant head and neck anatomy, with emphasis on skeletal structures, cavities, musculature, neurovascular supply, neck viscera, and the special sensory organs. Associated cranial nerve anatomy and relevant neuroanatomy are also addressed. Teaching is delivered through tutorials, lectures, and practical sessions (including dissection). Guided independent study is an essential component, enabling students to consolidate and extend their understanding. Students will apply their anatomical knowledge to the critical evaluation of anatomical variation and pathology of the head and neck. In addition, they will undertake an independent research project alongside anatomy learning. The course concludes with a summative SPOT test.
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| Course description |
This course provides students with advanced knowledge of clinically relevant head and neck anatomy, with emphasis on skeletal structures, cavities, musculature, neurovascular supply, neck viscera, and the special sensory organs. Associated cranial nerve anatomy and relevant neuroanatomy are also addressed. Teaching is delivered through tutorials, lectures, and practical sessions (including dissection). Guided independent study is an essential component, enabling students to consolidate and extend their understanding. Students will apply their anatomical knowledge to the critical evaluation of anatomical variation and pathology of the head and neck. An independent research project will be undertaken alongside anatomy learning. The course concludes with a summative SPOT test.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of head and neck anatomy.
2. Apply anatomical knowledge critically and evaluate its broader implications.
3. Identify, analyse, and interpret scientific literature relevant to head and neck anatomy.
Teaching and learning approach
Guided practical sessions using cadaveric specimens (prosection and dissection), together with lectures and tutorials, will facilitate self-directed learning and support advanced comprehension of head and neck anatomy. Student progress will be monitored by anatomy staff, with feedback provided throughout the course.
Student effort
As a 20-credit course, 200 hours of student effort are expected. This includes attendance at lectures and practical sessions (all participants are expected to engage in dissection), independent study, and assessment preparation.
Course breakdown
¿ Weeks 1¿2: Skeletal anatomy, muscles, and vascular supply
¿ Weeks 3¿4: The neck (muscles, triangles, and contents)
¿ Weeks 5¿7: Cranial nerves and special sensory organs (eyes, ears)
¿ Weeks 8¿10: Aerodigestive tract (nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx)
¿ Week 11: SPOT exam
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Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2025/26, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 12,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 40,
Formative Assessment Hours 2,
Summative Assessment Hours 1,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
141 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
60 %,
Practical Exam
40 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Practical exam (40%), Clinically-related research report (60%)
Practical- SPOT examination where an understanding of anatomy structure and function will be assessed (proposed week 11)
Research report - a 2,000 word report demonstrating critical appraisal of scientific literature concerning the clinical relevance and application of specific head and neck anatomy/surgery/pathology
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| Feedback |
Students will be given a mock spot exam which allows students to get formative feedback on the practical spot examination. Feedback on a draft of the final research will also be provided. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- nstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of head and neck anatomy.
- 2. Apply anatomical knowledge critically and evaluate its broader implications.
- 3. Identify, analyse, and interpret scientific literature relevant to head and neck anatomy.
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Reading List
| Course organiser and contributors will provide guidance on further reading throughout the course. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
This course will allow students to develop transferable skills in the following areas:
1. Critical review and consolidation of knowledge
2. Oral and written communication of a complex region
3. Ability to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate level
4. Critical review of scientific literature
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| Keywords | Anatomy,developmental biology,project,head and neck |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Mr Sameer Dhumale
Tel: (0131 6)50 2924
Email: Sameer.Dhumale@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Philip Horey
Tel: (0131 6)50 3160
Email: philip.horey@ed.ac.uk |
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