Education at the Institute of Anatomy

Our anatomy curriculum is designed to prepare students thoroughly for the central written Physikum, the first state-examination, with most questions in this subject drawing from the same core material. To support this, the content is structured into closely linked modules, each building on the last and presented with helpful cross-references.

In Semester 1, lectures and courses introduce the structure of the organ systems with a focus on the musculoskeletal system, while also laying groundwork in embryology and histology. In Semester 2, students delve into macroscopic anatomy through the classic dissection course—learning how organs and tissues relate to each other in space (topography)—and deepen their understanding in microscopic anatomy using the microscope in dedicated lectures and classes. Semester 3 puts the nervous system centre stage: the “brain course” features demonstrations on the brain and nerves, alongside study of head-region anatomy and the sensory organs in courses, lectures and seminars. In Semester 4, we bring everything together: the previous semesters’ material is revisited and connected through clinical-oriented seminars, emphasising how anatomy applies in practice.

Beyond the undergraduate programme, well-guided workshops (including hands-on sessions), seminars and demonstrations using both macroscopic and microscopic specimens form an essential part of our anatomy department’s role in medical training and continuing education.