Effects of the human dissection experience on subsequent related course work

This pilot study was conducted to determine whether or not it is necessary for an occupational therapy (OT) student to dissect a human cadaver in order to gain the knowledge of human anatomy required for subsequent course work in neuroanatomy, kinesiology, and occupational therapy theory and practice in physical dysfunction. Junior students were permitted to select either an anatomy course in which they dissected human cadavers or one in which prosected models were used. Similarity of the academic ability of students in each of the two groups was assured by comparing cumulative grade point averages at the end of the sophomore year. Final grades in neuroanatomy, kinesiology, and the OT course were used as criteria for comparing the effects of the two anatomy course formats. Results indicate that when students are permitted to select the anatomy class of their choice, there is no significant difference in grades in subsequent related course work.