Anatomy and Neuroscience course for Transition Year students receives very positive feedback

12 May 2026

The Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience welcomed students to the Anatomy and Neuroscience for Transition Year three-day course, which took place from Tuesday 6th to Friday 8th May 2026.

The TY course run by staff in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience is a hands-on course which explores the structure and function of the human body at multiple levels. The structure of the normal body and function is presented, and the effect of different factors (including disease and lifestyle habits) on these structures are examined and discussed. Photo: PhD student Lauren Barrett, demonstrating the use of a research microscope to a TY student.

Run annually the TY course attracts students interested in learning about human anatomy, and students interested in pursuing careers in medicine/paramedicine, medical lab science, biological sciences, or other healthcare fields as their primary course of study. The 2026 course, as in previous years was filled quickly with interested applicants. Attending students were delighted with the fascinating course content and exceptional learning experiences and opportunities. 

Delivered by staff as a series of tutorials, the TY course introduced the students to anatomical dissection-based learning and laboratory sessions focused on demonstrating gross anatomy. Students also gained Neuroscience research laboratory experience and had the opportunity to observe Neuroscience researchers at work.

Photo: Senior Technical Officer Tara Foley, tutoring a TY students in the Histology Lab.

The Anatomy and Neuroscience for Transition Year course also included a short careers workshop, with lightning talks from staff and postgraduate students who shared their varied and interesting career paths to their current roles in medicine and the biological sciences.

Photo: Senior Technical Officer Tara Foley describing a histological section to a TY student.

Dr Sue Grenham, Chief Technical Officer thanked TY course organisers Carrie O'Flynn and Tara Foley for once again developing and delivering the very successful TY course. She also thanked the Technical and Medical Demonstrator staff of the FLAME laboratory for their contributions, and Mags Arnold Project Lead MicroCreds and Apprenticeships, UCC. Thanks, were also extended to Dr Gerry Moloney, Chief Technical Officer, MSc student Julia Jaz and PhD student Lauren Barrett for their support in running Neuroscience research aspects of the course, and also to Dr Anna Scanlon and Nuala Coughlan in the ASSERT Centre simulation labs.

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News item and photographs Bereniece Riedewald