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Step inside animal anatomy—No scalpel required!
What if you could step inside an animal's body to explore its anatomy—without a scalpel in sight? Thanks to TAFE Queensland’s new cutting-edge XR Hub at the Ashmore campus on the Gold Coast, Animal Studies students can do just that.
Forget memorising diagrams from textbooks. With this immersive technology, students can walk through a beating heart, examine bones from the inside out, and peel back muscle layers in detail.
Combining augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), this immersive experience transforms learning like never before. Educational Team Leader, Melissa Bamberry calls it a game-changer for understanding complex biological systems.
“VR allows students to pull apart each system, trace structures from start to finish, and focus on areas they find challenging. It’s an incredibly valuable tool that makes learning more interactive and effective,” said Melissa.
And it's not just about engagement—it’s also about accessibility.
“The process is seamless - students just put the headset on and off they go exploring, which means more time for learning,” she said.
For many students, especially kinaesthetic learners who thrive through movement and interaction, the XR Hub provides an invaluable way to grasp complex anatomical concepts that are traditionally difficult to visualise.
“The anatomy and physiology unit is very theory-heavy, with limited practical activities. VR gives students the chance to manipulate 3D models and truly understand how anatomical systems connect," said Melissa.
TAFE Queensland Gold Coast General Manager, Karen Dickinson said the use of this technology will revolutionise education and provide students with meaningful learning experiences.
"This technology allows our students to engage with animal anatomy in a way that was never possible before. They’re not just studying it—they’re experiencing it," said Ms Dickinson.
"Technology like this is shaping the future of education, and we’re proud to be leading the way," she said.
TAFE Queensland has long embraced immersive learning, integrating VR technology into nursing education for years. Now, with the introduction of VR for Animal Studies, the organisation continues to pioneer innovative, hands-on training across diverse industries.