Anatomy Demonstrator - Institute of Clinical Sciences

Position Details

Institute of Clinical Sciences

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Grade 6

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £27,025 to £29,515. With potential progression once in post to £33,199 a year.

Fixed term until June 2020

Closing Date: 4th September 2019

This role will be starting in September 2018

Background

These are fixed term posts available from September 2019 to June 2020 to suitably qualified individuals wishing to develop their skills in teaching anatomy as a basis for further career development. The main responsibility will be to teach Anatomy by means of small group teaching sessions and demonstration of prosected cadaveric material. Anatomy Demonstrators are part of the Anatomy teaching delivery team for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical, Dental, Pharmacy and Science students within modularised programmes of the College of Medicine and Dental Sciences.

Job Summary

The Anatomy unit of The Institute for Clinical Sciences is responsible for teaching gross anatomy, topographical anatomy, histology and neuroanatomy to first and second year pre-clinical students studying for degrees in Medicine and Dentistry (as well as students registered for the Graduate Entry Medicine course), and sudents in years 1 - 3 of a new MSc Pharmacy course. In addition we teach Biomedical Materials Science students and Biomedical Science students studying for the degree of BMedSc/BSc.

Anatomy is mainly taught through small group teaching with some lectures. We use a a variety of methods that include a systems-based approach to most teaching, which is organised in discrete modules, for instance Digestion, Cardiovascular, and Neuroscience, but there are also two Regional Anatomy modules for medical students which span a full academic year. The Unit is responsible for delivering the anatomy component within most programmes of the College. Anatomy is taught in small groups of 16 students whom you will see regularly throughout any one module, but will rotate around the groups between modules. Students receive a worksheet which is uploaded onto our Virtual Learning environment (Canvas) to guide their preparations for tutorials. Demonstrators are expected to present an overview of the session and provide feedback on student learning through discussion. Various resources are provided - these include models, plastinated and potted specimens, Prosectorium sessions, Anatomage tables, reference books, Ultrasound machines, posters, skeletons, videos and iPad apps etc. Our aim is to increase understanding and integration of anatomy with other aspects of the course. We include clinical correlations where appropriate in the worksheets to illustrate points of applied anatomy. Histology is taught via video units set up in each teaching room, and the videos are used to provide short introductory teaching in some modules. All students visit the Prosectorium where prosected specimens are demonstrated in order to illustrate three-dimensional anatomy.

At the end of each semester there is an examination period and you will be asked to help mark exam papers during this period. Some second year students have an anatomy viva-voce in which you will be involved.

Each year, 16 medical students are selected on a competitive basis to to undertake an intercalated BSc in Clinical Anatomy between Years 3 and 4 or Years 4 and 5 of the Medical course. These students undertake full body dissection as part of their degree course. You may be invited to provide some academic input into these sessions on an ad-hoc basis.

Main Duties

• To teach Anatomy to first and second year students on the MBChB, Graduate Entry Medicine, Dental and MSc Pharmacy programmes, and/or to first and second year students registered on the Biomedical Science and Biomedical Materials Science programmes and/or intercalating medical students. This will involve teaching students in small groups of 16 in HTA licensed classrooms, and in the Anatomage room.
• Facilitate with two other members of academic staff and a member of technical staff Prosection-based sessions within the Prosectorium in groups of approximately 30 students who circulate through 9-10 stations.
• Supervise class activities within a framework designed by others.
• To support student's acquisition of knowledge using Technology Enhanced Learning within a classroom setting.
• To introduce students to the use of ultrasound machines in a non-clinical context.
• To record attendance and monitor progress of students at small group teaching sessions and prosections.
• To assist students as required, offering advice to help them with learning problems and directing them to Student Services if they require additional support.
• To ensure that students adhere to the rules and regulations for working within an area licensed by the Human Tissue Authority.
• To ensure students adhere to Professional codes of conduct and University Health and Safty policies whilst in the HTA licensed areas.
• To assist the College Lead in Anatomy in other matters relating to the instruction of Anatomy, as required.
• Provide collegiate support to staff engaged in teaching.
• To mark assessments and examination papers, applying assessment criteria, as directed. (If the marking is summative, then the role-holder's marking is subject to validation by the academic supervisor.)
• To undertake second year viva examinations and vivas for intercalating BSc students.
• To invigilate assessments and end of year examinations as required
• Update own subject knowledge, and to develop own teaching expertise. Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of teaching

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience Required

• A medical or dental degree and/or a degree in Anatomy or a related subject with sufficient and relevant anatomical experience.
• Detailed understanding and knowledge of anatomy.
• Experience of working with human cadaveric material.
• An understanding of the legal and ethical implications of working in an area licensed by the Human Tissue Authority.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to assess information and communicate effectively - both orally and in writing - within a multidisciplinary team and to engage interest and enthusiasm in undergraduate students.
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully with an ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Ability to enthusiastically deliver teaching across programmes, and provide support and encouragement to students in the learning of anatomy.
• Able to work effectively within a multi-discipilnary team.
• Flexibility and a willingness to work extra hours as required during busy periods.
• Be capable of self reflection and able to adapt in response to feedback and experience.
• Competence at using digital technologies
• Experience of delivering anatomy teaching
• A demonstratable commitment to the student learning experience
• A member of the British Association of Clinical Anatomists, the Anatomical Society, or equivalent.
• Teaching qualification or Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy
• Able to work proactively with colleagues in other work areas, contributing specialist knowledge to achieve outcomes.
• Interest in furthering knowledge of digital technologies and developing their use for teaching and learning

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and/or DBS clearance prior to appointment.

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community'