Why choose Anatomical Science Education

The Anatomical Science Education (ASE) program is rich and flexible, designed to elevate your understanding of human anatomy and enhance your skills as an educator or future health‑professional. Whether you're inspired to build strong anatomical competencies or want training aligned with modern healthcare education standards, ASE gives you the opportunity to grow with confidence.

You will develop clinically relevant, graduate‑level knowledge of human anatomy that meets the expectations of today’s leading health‑profession programs. Under the guidance of expert educators, you’ll gain hands‑on cadaveric dissection experience, allowing you to understand anatomy in a way that only lab-based learning provides.

You will benefit from best‑in‑class anatomical sciences training that provides the foundational knowledge and skills required in modern health-profession programs. You also have the opportunity to develop educational scholarship competencies in collaboration with the Department of Innovation in Medical Education.

In ASE, you build the skills to thrive in health‑profession programs, teach anatomy, and grow your career in medical education. 

A message from one of our students

Vivian Nguyen

The MASc in Anatomical Sciences Education program at the University of Ottawa gave me the privilege of learning human anatomy through the tradition of human dissection. Additionally, the extensive teaching and research opportunities, and the immense support from staff and faculty kick-started my career in academia, as I am starting my PhD in Health Sciences Education in the upcoming Fall. Ultimately, the ASE program has provided me not only with academic and professional competencies but also with lifelong friendships that I will be forever grateful for.

Vivian Nguyen – Research Project Student 

Program highlights

  • Focus on anatomy education and modern medical education principles.
  • Apply skills as anatomy educators and contribute to education scholarship projects.  
  • Acquire hands-on cadaveric dissection experience with guidance from experienced educators.
  • Benefit from mentorship by faculty in the Department of Innovation in Medical Education.  
  • Study in English or French; selected learning activities are offered bilingually.  

Career pathways

Graduates from the anatomical science education program are well prepared for a diverse range of rewarding career opportunities. As a graduate, you can pursue roles in:

  • Anatomy educator
  • Health-professions education
  • Academic support units
  • Education scholarship 

Program options

Program Options
Criteria Master’s course based  Master’s research project 
Program type Course Applied, non-thesis 
Duration3 terms5 terms 
Thesis requiredNoNo
Research project NoYes
Concentrations available No (general program only)No (general program only)
Ideal for students who... Want to be ideally prepared for healthcare profession training with foundational anatomy knowledge  Want to a pathway to careers as anatomy educators in colleges and, with further training, universities 
Language of study English or French English or French 

Research centers and institutes

  • Centre for Neural Dynamics
  • Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
  • Medical Devices Innovation Institute

Take the next step

Start your journey with the essential information and resources to help you plan your academic path and achieve your goals.