Our establishment
In 1999 and 2000 Griffith University introduced an array of allied health programs that required a large range of new resources and the establishment of a School of Anatomy under the Transplantation and Anatomy Act.
In 2004, Griffith University was given approval to offer medicine and oral health programs that required new staff appointments, equipment and the construction of a new multi-story building adjacent to the Gold Coast Hospital in Southport.
Our resources
In 2013, with the relocation of the Gold Coast Hospital to the new 750 bed Gold Coast University Hospital at Parklands, Griffith University has once again invested in a new 10 story , state of the art Ian O'Connor Building.
The new building includes an entire floor dedicated to anatomy teaching and research. The facilities include a 240 student capacity laboratory, a 90 person Histology and Pathology Laboratory and an Anatomy and Pathology Learning Centre for student self-study and revision activities.
Supported Groups
The anatomy facility currently supports the teaching and research activities of the following groups:
- School of Medicine and Dentistry
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work
- School of Applied Psychology
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
Groups that most commonly use the Griffith University anatomy facility include:
- Schools within the Griffith University Health Faculty
- Other South East Queensland university students
- TAFE students (studying an allied health course)
- Local senior high school students
- Professional groups running on-going development courses (e.g. doctors, dentists)
Can I visit the anatomy facility?
Out of respect for our donors and issues of security in general, members of the public do not have access to the anatomy facility, however visits may be approved on a case by case basis subject to approval from the Head of School.
Virtual Tour
Legislative Responsibilities
It is an offence against s236 (b) of the Criminal Code Act 1899, for a person to treat without dignity or improperly or indecently interfere with a dead human body or human remains.
The Griffith University School of Anatomy was established and operates to accept human body donations in accordance with provisions in the Transplantation and Anatomy Act 1979. Section 37 of the Act makes provision for the establishment of a School of Anatomy where the study and practice of anatomy may be carried out in connection with a University or School of Medicine in such places as the Governor in Council thinks fit. This allows members of the public to unconditionally donate their body for the purpose of anatomical education and research.
Cadavers and anatomical specimens used in the Griffith University School of Anatomy are obtained through a body donation program utilising a valid and appropriate consent process. Images taken and used for teaching and research purposes are governed by a Local Protocol.
Access to the laboratory and its resources depends on an undertaking to abide by a Code of Conduct and the School of Anatomy Laboratory Rules (PDF148KB).
Contact us
For further information and other enquiries, please visit our contact us page.