#ANATOMY100
- Wits University
The Wits School of Anatomical Sciences hosts an exhibition at Maropeng from 23 September to 5 October 2019 in honour of the School's centenary.
The School of Anatomical Science has a long and deep history in palaeoanthropology, from housing important fossil material to grooming some of the prolific leaders in palaeoanthropology. Thus, it is appropriate that in celebration of 100 years of excellence, the past will once again meet the present at Maropeng Visitor Centre at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
The exhibition objective is academic outreach. The School will take this opportunity to engage and interact with the public on all facets of anatomy. Dr Brendon Billings, Lecturer in the School, says: "We are specifically excited to interact with the youth that will be visiting Maropeng and we have quite a few fun-filled activities demonstrating the variety of research endeavours the School is currently involved in".
Highlights include:
- Plastic models to demonstrate the anatomy
- A neuroscience-based brain puzzle
- A mock excavation of a plastic skeleton
- A microscopically stained onion to demonstrate cell mitosis
- Extracting DNA from a strawberry,
- and details a body donor programme to encourage body donation after death and thereby advance research and teaching.
The study of anatomy is linked to a plethora of academic fields such as medicine, paleoanthropology, forensic anthropology, medical cell biology, clinical anatomy, embryology, neuroscience and more. Many important research projects have been undertaken by both academics and students students and staff alike based in the school. This will also allow for prospective young anatomists in the making to learn about a possible career in this broad field. We will also have information on the School’s body donor programme which has and will continue to aid in the development of health professionals and scientists.
Join our team of vibrant volunteers at Maropeng and learn more about the incredible field of anatomical sciences!
