Welcome to Hull York Medical School
Continuing professional development

Clinical Anatomyof the Trunk

Course length

12 weeks part-time

Start date

September 2026

Location

Hull campus

Apply now
Clinical Anatomy students

Develop advanced knowledge and practical understanding of the clinical anatomy of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis through a rich combination of human donor dissection, seminars, tutorials and independent study.

This Level 7 CPD short course is ideal for those who want to strengthen their spatial, topographical and relational understanding of anatomy and apply it in clinical, educational or research settings. You will explore normal and variant anatomy in detail while examining its relevance to disease, injury, function and clinical presentation.

Key areas include:

  • Clinical anatomy of the thorax
  • Clinical anatomy of the abdomen
  • Clinical anatomy of the pelvis and perineum
  • Anatomical variation and its clinical significance
  • Structural and functional basis of disease and injury
  • Radiological and functional anatomy
  • Practical dissection skills and laboratory techniques

The course brings together guided dissection and clinically focused teaching to support a deeper understanding of regional anatomy and its application in practice. This integrated approach helps you connect anatomical structure with clinical assessment, reasoning and decision-making.

You will also have the opportunity to develop practical dissection skills, manual dexterity and anatomical observation, while building a more critical and applied understanding of the trunk.

Learning activities include:

  • Guided practical dissection of Thiel-embalmed human body donor
  • Self-directed dissection and anatomical investigation
  • Clinician-led seminars and tutorials
  • Preparatory reading and structured tasks through the virtual learning environment
  • Independent study to develop clinical, functional, radiological and anatomical knowledge
  • Portfolio-based learning and reflection

Students will be encouraged to engage critically with regional anatomy, anatomical variation, functional relationships and the clinical relevance of the structures they study.

You will receive 20 Level 7 credits on completing this short course, including passing the assessment.

Contact Us

postgraduate@hyms.ac.uk 01904 321690
Dr Anju Albert
Dr Anju Albert, Lecturer in Clinical AnatomyView profile
Lauren Clunie
Dr Lauren Clunie, Senior Lecturer in Clinical AnatomyView profile
University of Hull - Hull York Medical School

Who is this short course for?

This course is suited to healthcare professionals, clinicians in training, anatomy educators, demonstrators, allied health professionals and researchers seeking to enhance their applied knowledge of trunk anatomy.

It is also suitable for those wishing to refresh or deepen their anatomical knowledge for professional practice, teaching, specialist development or further study.

Eligible applicants may take this course as a standalone CPD option or as part of the PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Clinical Anatomy and Education or PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Clinical Anatomy.

Teaching and assessment

What you will learn

You will examine the clinical anatomy of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineum, alongside anatomical variation, radiological and functional anatomy, and the structural basis of disease and injury. The course supports the development of spatial, analytical and technical skills in applied anatomy.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Apply detailed anatomical knowledge of the trunk to clinical and professional practice.
  • Explain the anatomical basis of selected diseases, injuries and clinical presentations.
  • Recognise and interpret anatomical variation in clinically relevant contexts.
  • Develop practical dissection and anatomical observation skills in the laboratory.
  • Critically evaluate the role of anatomy in modern healthcare practice and decision-making.

How is this short course delivered?

The programme combines tutor-led and self-directed human body donor dissection with seminars, tutorials and guided independent study. Practical sessions focus on detailed dissection of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis, supported by structured preparatory learning and guided tasks.

Alongside the practical work, seminars explore the clinical, surgical and applied dimensions of the region. You will benefit from direct interaction with tutors and facilitators from anatomically relevant clinical and non-clinical disciplines, helping you connect your learning to your own professional or specialist interests.

Structured preparatory activities and learning resources are provided through the virtual learning environment to support independent study throughout the course.

Time commitment

As a 20 credit level 7 module, the total time commitment, including contact time and self-directed learning, is 200 hours. Across the module, this is approximately 16 hours per week, including timetabled sessions.

Assessment

Learning is assessed through a written portfolio that incorporates academic content and reflective elements. This provides a structured opportunity for students to consolidate their learning, demonstrate depth of understanding and reflect on the development of their anatomical knowledge and skills.

Anatomical knowledge is assessed through a practical anatomy spotter (or spot-test) examination.

Applying

Entry requirements

An undergraduate (strong 2.2 or above) or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject containing significant anatomy, such as:

  • Anatomy, Medicine, Medical Engineering, Physician Associate Studies, Veterinary Medicine
  • Biological or Biomedical Science and related programmes (Zoology, Bioengineering), with significant evidence of anatomy study (curricular or extra-curricular)

Applicants are encouraged to highlight previous anatomical experience in the application.

Fees and funding

Tuition Fees

The fee for this short course for the academic year 2026/27 is

  • Home (UK): £1,951
  • International (including EU): £4,782

Fees are reviewed annually and may change.

University of Hull - Hull York Medical School

applying

How to apply

Applications for this short course will be accepted soon. Sign up for our Continuing Professional Development newsletter to be informed when applications open.

The deadline for applications is 30 August 2026.

If you have any enquiries, please email postgraduate@hyms.ac.uk.

Get our continuing professional development newsletter Subscribe now