The two-course system in gross anatomy

In response to the continuing pressures facing anatomy and other basic sciences in medical education, the Department of Anatomy at the University of Colorado School of Medicine has instituted a parallel two-course system of teaching gross anatomy. Students in both the longer and shorter of the two courses appear to be prepared adequately by their experiences in the courses they elected. Statistically significant differences (students in the longer course scoring higher) were, however, observed on both departmental examinations and certain national examinations administered subsequent to the completion of the courses. Student responses to both courses were extremely favorable. Since the differences between the two groups were generally small and advantages were noted in presenting two courses simultaneously, it is concluded that the concurrent presentation of two differently organized basic science courses (within a single subject area) offers an effective response to the instructional needs of our medical school and medical students.