Heart & Lung Dissection for Animal Management Students

Students pursuing the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Animal Management (Animal Behaviour and Welfare) recently participated in a supervised heart and lung dissection, a crucial practical session in developing their practical skills throughout the course.

This intensive, hands-on learning experience is a core component of the Anatomy and Physiology module, designed to significantly strengthen students’ understanding of complex animal organ systems. The dissection provides an invaluable opportunity to move beyond diagrams and truly engage with the functional biology that underpins animal health and survival.

The practical session was structured to allow learners to meticulously examine real organ structures, enabling them to trace the intricate pathways of circulation and respiration. Students actively identified and studied key tissues, exploring the functional relationships between the heart, lungs, and major associated vessels. 

By physically manipulating the organs, students were able to forge a direct connection between the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom, such as cardiac cycles and gas exchange mechanisms, and the actual biological systems they will encounter in their future careers. 

This hands-on approach delivers multiple educational benefits essential for future success in the animal sector. The session not only deepens scientific understanding of vital physiological processes but also plays a critical role in building student confidence and developing essential laboratory and practical skills. 

The Higher National Diploma in Animal Management at University Centre Peterborough (UCP) strategically combines classroom theory with essential practical work, as exemplified by the supervised Heart and Lung dissection.