Abstract:

The knowledge of anatomy, structure and function of the organs is a fundamental and essential aspect for Biology students. In fact, many subjects studied along the Degree in Biology address the functioning of cells (from a structural, functional and molecular point of view), as individual units and as a part of higher levels of organization such as organs and tissues. Traditionally, the centers of higher education have used models of plaster, mud, paper mache or wax. A further step has been the creation of didactic models from real organs by plastination. Through this technique, developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, they have managed to preserve organs, structures and even real complete bodies, guaranteeing models of extraordinary utility, versatility and realism. The plastinated pieces show some characteristics that turn them into powerful didactic tools and with which can be obtained a deeper degree of detail. With these advantages, it should be considered the ease of preservation, since it does not require any special preservation regime. The current proposal focuses on a Teaching Innovation Project (TIP) based on the use of plastinated animal organs as a tool to support the practical teaching in Biology’s degree. The implementation of this Proyect is especially usefull in those subjects where the study of animal cells, tissues and systems are the main objective (Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry, etc.). Plastination may help to understand how different cellular structures are grouped to form organs and systems.. Thus, plastination is postulated as a novel technique with a practical approach. The 3D organs, obtained by plastination techniques, would be a very useful tool to visualize the integration of cells and tissues to form organs. In addition, the fact that each student can manipulate and visualize the plastinated models at first hand, will suppose an improvement in the quality of the educational process. It is well known that sometimes theoretical contents eclipse practical work, a relevant part of teaching where the student takes an active position and ceases to be a mere passive subject in the training process. Part of this project would be carried out by specialists from the Plastination Laboratory, Parque de las Ciencias (Granada), in collaboration with teachers and researchers from the University of Granada. To start the project, teachers from different subjects will decide which animal organs would be more representative and interesting for the study, making this tool multidisciplinary. The use of plastinated organs for practical teaching will encourage students to acquire a global and integrating vision of animal systems. The easy preservation of these models will allow establishing a permanent collection of organs for didactic purpose in the Degree of Biology at University of Granada.

Keywords:

Anatomy, Biology's degree, plastination, 3D visualization.