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Alternatives Database
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Vertebrate dissection Guides - the Pigeon
Review
By Dr. MP Vinardell mpvinardellmh@ub.edu
Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, SPAIN (commissioned by eurca)
Summary
The CD-ROM is a good example of an alternative to the polemical practice of dissection. Firstly, there is a comparative presentation of the differences between vertebrates. Secondly, there is a presentation of the external features of the pigeon followed by the dissection of a pigeon filmed by a video. It shows the skills required to perform this dissection and presents the anatomic characteristics of the various systems (for example, digestive, circulatory, reproductive...)
Comparison of the alternative resource with a real animal model in the laboratory
The video presentation of the program allows the student to see the real procedure in the laboratory with the advantage of reducing the use of animals and the ethical problems associated with dissection. It is a very good video of dissection performed by skilled experts, in contrast to the unskilled students who perform a dissection in laboratory practice. The video shows viewers how to perform the dissection and how to use the scalpel in such a way as not to damage the tissue. The quality of the sound and the visual image is very high.
The explanations of the voice ‘on – off’ are similar to the explanations of the teacher in the laboratory and it has the advantage that it is possible to stop and repeat when a student has not understood something.
In some systems (for example, the reproductive system) there is also a schematic explanation of the different parts, paying special attention to the differences between birds and mammals. Another advantage of this resource over real animal dissection is the possibility of highlighting some anatomic parts that are often difficult to see (for example the aorta and vena cava in the abdominal cavity).
Using the alternative resource
This program runs automatically as soon as the CD is inserted. It is easy to navigate with hyperlinks and it is possible to stop and start as often as is needed. The explanation of the speaker are very clear, even for students whose mother tongue is not English.
As a supplementary resource the CD includes diagrams (pdf) in both labelled and unlabelled versions, which can be use for students to do exercises, filling them in with the names of the different structures seen in the video. These diagrams can also be used to make acetates for overhead projection, as indicates in the note for teachers.
Contribution of the alternative to the 3Rs
The program can reduce and replace the use of animals. Even inexperienced students can work independently and learn the anatomic characteristics of pigeon. The classical dissection practice has been highly criticized by students who have ethical objections to performing it, and the use of this resource will avoid this important problem.
It the objective of dissection is that students should learn the anatomic situation of different parts of the body, the program achieves this objective without any doubt.
Applicability in teaching situation
The program is suitable for undergraduate students at University in biological and veterinary sciences (1st & 2nd year). The explanations are clearly enough to allow independent use by students.
Visual appearance
The dissections are very well demonstrated by the video, in a similar way as in a dissection made by the teacher.
Service provided by the supplier
In case of technical problems or questions related to the contents you can contact the developers at the University of Portsmouth by email or by telephone (supplied in the CD).
If you are an author or supplier of this alternative and you would like to write a response to this review please contact eurca with your reply.
Designed and produced for eurca by The Learning Technology Section, The University of Edinburgh. ©2001-2005 eurca