The inside story.
Anatomy – you can’t leave home without it. It’s with you everywhere you go. It holds you together, it controls what you think and do, it enables you to run, jump, and play.
So as you might expect, there is more to studying Anatomy than immediately meets the eye.
There’s cell biology, neurobiology, clinical and functional anatomy, body systems, reproductive biology, developmental biology, and biological anthropology.
The University of Otago is the only New Zealand university to offer a bachelor’s degree majoring in Anatomy. You have the opportunity to explore the traditional approaches to studying Anatomy, as well as using the latest techniques and hi-tech equipment to explore the human body at all levels of its structure: from single cells to multi-organ systems.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis).
Why study Anatomy?
Anatomy is a diverse, vibrant, and visual subject. It explores the relationship between the structure of the body and the functions it performs, and can be studied from microscopic to macroscopic levels.
Some of the things you will learn include:
- How the body develops from just a single cell to an individual with millions of cells organised into many different tissues and organ systems.
- How the desire to move is transmitted from the brain to the muscles.
- How you can tell the age a person was when they died just by looking at their bones.
- What changes occur when we develop from child to adult.
- How our brains control what we think how we feel, and what we do.
- How the reproductive system functions.
- Using skeletal remains to track movement, culture, and health of ancient people.
Studying papers in Anatomy will expose you to world-leading research in the anatomical sciences. You will learn techniques such as immunohistochemistry, cell culture, and gene sequencing, and have access to state-of-the-art equipment such as electron and confocal microscopes, and next-generation sequencing technology.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Anatomy as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSci)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time (one-semester) or part-time (full-year) study
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers |
|---|
|
| Papers (Requirements prior to 2027) |
|---|
ANAT 480 Research Project or ANAT 490 Dissertation ANAT 458 Current Topics in Anatomical Science Papers worth a total of 120 points from:
|
| Papers (Requirements from 2027) |
ANAT 480 Research Project or ANAT 490 Dissertation ANAT 458 Current Topics in Anatomical Science Papers from:
|
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
ANAT papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANAT101 | 2026 | Anatomy for Sport and Exercise | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANAT131 | 2026 | Origins of Anatomical Language | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| ANAT241 | 2026 | Human Biology: Cells to Systems | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANAT243 | 2026 | Reproductive and Developmental Biology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ANAT312 | 2026 | Advanced Reproduction and Development | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANAT331 | 2026 | Functional Anatomy | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ANAT335 | 2026 | Neurobiology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ANAT451 | 2026 | Functional Human Anatomy | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ANAT452 | 2026 | Reproductive Biology | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (14 May 2026 - 30 July 2026) |
| ANAT453 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Anatomical Science 1 | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| ANAT454 | 2026 | Neurobiology | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ANAT456 | 2026 | Developmental Biology | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ANAT457 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Anatomical Science 2 | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ANAT458 | 2026 | Current Topics in Anatomical Science | 20 points | Full Year |
| ANAT480 | 2026 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 16 June 2027) |
| ANAT490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 16 June 2027) |
| ANAT495 | 2026 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 16 June 2027) |
Contacts
Department of Anatomy
Faculty of Biomedical Sciences
Email anatomy@otago.ac.nz
Department of Anatomy website
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
Explore our research