In this day and age there are alternative methods to dissection. So far 13 states passed the law that gives students the right to opt for a humane alternative, like using a 3D model or a computer simulation.

Is dissection still necessary? Pros and cons?

Is dissection still necessary? Pros and cons?
if you want to become a surgeon it is.

In this day and age there are alternative methods to dissection. So far 13 states passed the law that gives students the right to opt for a humane alternative, like using a 3D model or a computer simulation.

Is dissection still necessary? Pros and cons?

You need it for muscle biopsies, for learning to identify the different groups of muscles and how they are connected, basic biology of the animal. The best way to learn anatomy, IMO.

IMO.
and alot of others as well.
this is one PETA isn't going to win.

Sam,

You need it for muscle biopsies, for learning to identify the different groups of muscles and how they are connected, basic biology of the animal. The best way to learn anatomy, IMO.

I notice you say the best, not the only way.

Do you think that someone who learned how to dissect via alternative methods could still be a skilled surgeon?

Sam,



I notice you say the best, not the only way.

Do you think that someone who learned how to dissect via alternative methods could still be a skilled surgeon?

Would you get into an airplane if the pilot learned to fly using a flight simulator?

Would you get into an airplane if the pilot learned to fly using a flight simulator?

A more appropriate question:

Would you let a surgeon operate on you who had never worked with a body?

Do you think that someone who learned how to dissect via alternative methods could still be a skilled surgeon?
Absolutely not. Have you ever dissected anything? It's nothing like a computer model. There's a feel, a texture, a smell. Computer simulation can not take the place of dissection.

The HSUS website has compiled a list of studies comparing performance of students who learned dissection in a conventional way and those who used alternative methods.

http://www.hsus.org/animals_in_research/animals_in_education/comparative_studies_of_dissection_and_other_animal _uses.html

It should also have a list of studies that showed the opposite, but of course, it doesn't.

It should also have a list of studies that showed the opposite, but of course, it doesn't.

Yes, it does

Yes, it does
links to those studies?

Read the link I provided. The website does list two studies that prove dissection to be more effective than its alternatives.

you expect me to read that entire site for 2 studies? :confused:

Read the link I provided. The website does list two studies that prove dissection to be more effective than its alternatives.

In the introductory paragraph it says "single study," but at the end, it says two.

All that complaining about dissection is a farce. In biology we are using more and more animals each year and dissect the shit out of them.

Roman,

In the introductory paragraph it says "single study," but at the end, it says two.

So? What's your point? That's not one but two studies that support your argument. You should be content, especially since you claimed earlier that the article didn't provide any.

leopold,

you expect me to read that entire site for 2 studies?

No, just the link I posted. Nothing too strenuous, scrolling down is all that's required :) .

I'm not a fan of manditory dissection in High School or Middle School - If someone is going to become a doctor or a biologist, then ok. In those cases, hand-on experience with dissection is needed.

But if a kid is going to become a stock broker or a race car driver or a computer programmer or a garbage man...is the difference between a 3D model and the real thing that important?

I do recognise that someone may, having experienced a dissection, suddenly realize that they *want* to become a doctor, but wouldn't those individuals often want to have the experience ahead of time? Couldn't the option be made available for the students to choose, as opposed to forcing students one way or the other?