MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN ANATOMY

1. Introduction

The philosophy of the Department of Human Anatomy in developing this programme is guided by the need to connect with and inspire health professionals to provide leadership and stewardship in the anatomical sciences to enhance evidence-based clinical practice. We are also cognizant of the need to train anatomy educators with a strong grounding in the subject. This programme is offered to clinicians and educators so that they can have a deeper understanding of the structure of the human body, and acquire application skills for integration of a high level of knowledge and understanding of the human body to clinical practice and the teaching of anatomy at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The programme purposes to give hope and faith to students that they can excel in their clinical, academic and research areas with deep passion, moral responsibility and a sense of patriotism as they serve the larger Kenyan population with evidence-based practices.

2. Background

Human anatomy is a broad subject comprising topographic, microscopic, radiological, comparative developmental and clinical components. It entails the study of the structure or form of the human body and the body parts in their relationships with one another. Typically, this involves dissection/prosection of the body (Topographic Anatomy), examination of cells and tissues using microscopes (Microscopic Anatomy), formation and growth of the tissues (Developmental Anatomy), clinical presentations (Clinical Anatomy), functional or application of knowledge (Applied Anatomy), diagnostic (imaging Anatomy). All these areas are important for clinicians to have skills that enable them to utilize their knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of the human body to make informed decisions in the clinical area

3. Philosophy

The philosophy of the Department of Human Anatomy in developing this programme is guided by the need to connect with and inspire health professionals to provide leadership and stewardship in the anatomical sciences to enhance evidence-based clinical practice. We are also cognizant of the need to train anatomy educators with a strong grounding in the subject. This programme is offered to clinicians and educators so that they can have a deeper understanding of the structure of the human body, and acquire application skills for integration of a high level of knowledge and understanding of the human body to clinical practice and the teaching of anatomy at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The programme purposes to give hope and faith to students that they can excel in their clinical, academic and research areas with deep passion, moral responsibility and a sense of patriotism as they serve the larger Kenyan population with evidence-based practices.

4. Rationale

4.1. Needs assessment and situation analysis

All medical students must study basic human anatomy as a foundation course at the beginning of their medical training. As they delve into the clinical areas, this basic knowledge must be interpreted and translated into an application to the clinical scenarios that they encounter. There is a need for refresher learning on how to interpret, translate and apply their knowledge and understanding of human anatomy to their patients. This calls for clinician-scientists with a high level of knowledge, deeper understanding and application skills of the anatomical sciences who can not only teach but also conduct anatomical science research as part of the evidence-based clinical practice. It also exposes the need to have highly skilled trainers and researchers in anatomical sciences. This is also a doorway to current trends into translational research which requires well-trained clinician-scientists with a background in the pre-clinical sciences and particular anatomical sciences.

4.2 Stakeholders involvement

Input for the development of this programme from stakeholders was obtained through individual consultations, and group meetings and curriculum development workshops. The categories of stakeholders targeted included: current postgraduate students, former MSc anatomy graduates, students, anatomy lecturers, clinician practitioners and collaborators from both local and international universities.

4.3 Justification of the need for the program

The MSc. Anatomy course offers practicing clinicians the opportunity to grow in spatial, analytical and technical skills for the application of their knowledge of anatomy to decision making in their clinical practice. It also fills the gap for the ever-growing need for educators in anatomy for the growing number of medical and allied health schools. There is a need to develop skills and expertise in the interpretation and evaluation of normal and variant anatomy to the clinical presentations, to the choice of diagnostic investigations, to the interpretation of radiological images, to the choice of treatments, to the options in the management of complications that may arise. In-depth learning in anatomy together with enhanced skills in teaching, assessment, and communication in the anatomical sciences in this course is key to the development of highly skilled anatomy academicians and researchers in the anatomical sciences.

5. Objectives

The overall goal of the program is to produce highly skilled clinician-scientists with a deep understanding of the complex nature of the human body and how that relates to clinical practice, who can effectively translate this knowledge to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of clinical conditions. This program also aims to provide learners with opportunities for ongoing, self-driven learning of teaching practices and assessment purposed to improve student learning in the anatomical sciences. Graduates of this course will be expected to provide leadership in translational research teaching, assessment, and scientific communication.

 

6. Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, the learner will be able to:

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomical sciences necessary for instruction to undergraduate and postgraduate  level students.
3. Apply the developed advanced knowledge and critical understanding of anatomy to academic work, teaching, and clinical decision-making.
4. Undertake and disseminate in-depth research in anatomical sciences.
5. Develop a culture of  using analytical and critical approaches in reading research literature as part of independent and collaborative learning

 

7. Schedule of In takes

September every year

 

8. Mode of Delivery

The mode of delivery will be through face to face sessions, open learning, online modules, self-directed learning, and bedside teaching and blended learning (simulated learning.

1. Face To Face Mode

This will involve lectures, seminars, tutorials and conduct of relevant research projects. Students will have the opportunity for guest seminars from visiting experts, who will bring patient cases to share with them so that the student applies knowledge to a presented clinical setting. The experts may also rely on real clinical scenarios at the bedside. The students will also engage in supervised and mentored teaching experiences with medical students and graduate students.

2. Odel Model

2.2.1 Self-directed Learning Mode

This will be a student-centric program where the students will be guided on the relevant areas to research and the results evaluated after a presentation with colleagues and faculty.

2.2.2 Online Modules

The students will be expected to take advantage of the online modules developed for the various course units.

3. Format

 This program will be offered on a full-time basis and in the English language.

 

9. Application information

Application Procedure

• When To Apply

• Applications open in April every year and you should try to submit an application as soon as possible after that date.

 

• Application Fees

• An application fee must be paid for every application, except in the case of most graduates of UON. Please refer to the fee structure for more information.

 

• Submitting Results And Documents

• Current learners at school must make sure that all examination results from class 8 tp form four are submitted.
• Transferring students should submit all transcripts and academic records as early as possible.

 

• Monitor Your Application

• It is a good idea to monitor the status of your application. You can do this online.

 

10. Notable Alumni

Prof. Julius Ogeng’o (DVC Academic Affairs), UoN

Prof. Peter Gichangi (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research and Extension), Technical University of Mombasa

 

11. Attachment Opportunities

INTRODUCTION

The department of Human Anatomy is committed to providing the students with opportunities to acquire, sharpen their knowledge and gain technical/practical skills to complement their studies in order to enhance their employability in line with the Kenya vision 2030. Attachment is provided to students from recognized learning institutions during their final year of year preceding the final year of study.

 

ATTACHMENT Eligibility and Duration

· The department of Medical Physiology attachment program runs on a yearly basis and intakes are in the Month of JANUARY.

· Only attachees from Government recognized Training Institutions shall be eligible for intake.

· Attachments opportunities shall be offered to Bachelor’s degree students during their 3 rd OR 4 th year of study or 2 nd year Diploma students.

· Attachment shall be undertaken only once during the course

 

ATTACHMENT Application Requirements

· Students are required to make applications at least one (1) month prior to the attachment period by sending a hard copy application letter or an email to dept-humananat@uonbi.ac.ke and attach the following documents: -

1. Valid letter from leaning institution,
2.  Day time telephone contact
3. Application letters to be addressed to: The Chairman Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi. (RE: APPLICATION FOR ATTACHEMENT). Due to the large pool of applicants only selected students are contacted

12. Career

1. Teaching human anatomy.

2. Further training in anatomical fields.

3. Research in human and translational anatomy

 

13. Contact of support Persons

 

1. Prof. Moses Obimbo  

Chairman, Dept. of Human Anatomy & Physiology

P.O.Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel       :254734510541, Mobile :254721585906, Email   : moses.obimbo@uonbi.ac.ke

 

2.Dr. Paul Odula

Coordinator, PhD Programmes

P.O.Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel       : 254734510541, Mobile :254722773025, Email   : odula@uonbi.ac.ke

 

3. Dr. Charles Githinji

Coordinator, Physiology Programmes

P.O.Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel       : 254734510541, Mobile :254722785517, Email   :daktgithuuah@gmail.com