Studying at York
Practical Skills in Virtual Anatomy and Morphology - 0990072
- Department: Hull York Medical School
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: Information currently unavailable
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
This module introduces students to advanced digital imaging techniques for analysing anatomical or object forms. It focuses on developing methodological approaches to create precise 3D models using volumetric and surface scanning technologies, which are applicable in various fields such as surgical planning, biomechanical modelling, museum curation, and education. Students will acquire proficiency in basic morphometric techniques, including geometric morphometrics methods (GMM), enabling them to quantify size and shape variations in structures. By the end, students will possess skills in digital modelling and morphometric analysis crucial for diverse professional contexts.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module aims to provide students with practical and analytical computational skills for 3D digitisation, processing, and the quantification of morphology.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to show that they can:
- Critically appraise imaging modalities in relation to the scientific question at hand.
- Describe the benefits and drawbacks of different approaches to virtual model creation.
- Apply appropriate methods to create, visualise, and manipulate 3D virtual anatomical models.
- Acquire and demonstrate knowledge and practical skills in the use of diverse morphometric tools to quantify variations in the structure, size, and shape of models.
- Apply appropriate statistical methods to the analyses of morphological variation and visualise results.
Module content
During weekly practical classes, students will gain hands-on experience in various imaging modalities, e.g., photogrammetry and structured light scanning, as well as the processing of volume files such as CT and MRI. They will learn to create 3D virtual models from the physical world (anatomical structures and objects) and be introduced to surface files and 3D printing technologies. Students will also be trained in morphometrics including linear, areal (of area), and volumetric measurements, as well as landmark-based data collection, geometric morphometrics methods (GMM) and a variety of appropriate statistics. As part of these studies, students will learn advanced virtual reconstruction techniques and the ethical implications surrounding the use of virtual data.
The module will be run with a flipped-classroom approach. Online lectures (up to 30 minutes in length) and reading material will be provided weekly to be watched/read in advance of each session. The module has four in-person study sessions (where students will work in small groups) and seven practical classes (which will be facilitated by a workbook and online instructive videos to demonstrate techniques). Study sessions are intended to be attended in person. Practical sessions can be either attended in person or remotely with expert tutors on hand to help and guide students. Following demos and examples, students will be expected to digitise, virtually model, and perform appropriate quantitative analyses of various specimens. Practical work will be written up as lab reports.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback will be available within 6 weeks.
Indicative reading
Weber, G.W. and Bookstein, F.L., 2011. Virtual anthropology: a guide to a new interdisciplinary field (p. 423). Vienna: Springer.
Bastir, M., García-Martínez, D., Torres-Tamayo, N., Palancar, C., Fernández-Pérez, F.J., Riesco-López, A., Osborne-Márquez, P., Ávila, M. and López-Gallo, P., 2019. Workflows in a Virtual Morphology Lab: 3D scanning, measuring, and printing. The Journal of Anthropological Science, 97, pp. 1 – 28.
Durastanti, G., Belvedere, C., Ruggeri, M., Donati, D.M., Spazzoli, B. and Leardini, A., 2022. A Pelvic Reconstruction Procedure for Custom-Made Prosthesis Design of Bone Tumor Surgical Treatments. Applied Sciences, 12(3), p.1654.
Landi, F. and O’Higgins, P., 2019. Applying geometric morphometrics to digital reconstruction and anatomical investigation. Biomedical Visualisation, pp.55-71.
Liaw, C.Y. and Guvendiren, M., 2017. Current and emerging applications of 3D printing in medicine. Biofabrication, 9(2), p.024102.
Moiduddin, K., Darwish, S., Al-Ahmari, A., ElWatidy, S., Mohammad, A. and Ameen, W., 2017. Structural and mechanical characterization of custom design cranial implant created using additive manufacturing. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, 29, pp.22-31.
O’Higgins, P., Cobb, S.N., Fitton, L.C., Gröning, F., Phillips, R., Liu, J. and Fagan, M.J., 2011. Combining geometric morphometrics and functional simulation: an emerging toolkit for virtual functional analyses. Journal of Anatomy, 218(1), pp.3-15.