Students to ponder virtual skull

The computer tutorial will save money

Scientists and computer experts in Derby have created an interactive tool to allow students to learn more about the human skull.

Using a mouse, students can move the skull through a 360-degree rotation to reveal more about the skull's bones.

The programme will also save money, as models can cost as much as £3,500 each.

Ruth Chester, of the University of Derby, said: "It's the next best thing to the students actually having an anatomical model to examine."

I didn't realise the complexity of the human skull Student Sarbjit Joha

Mrs Chester said: "Your skull contains 22 bones all intricately fitted together - it is much more complicated than ever you would imagine."

The computer program that shows the skull in three dimensions and includes notes from a radiography lecturer.

Second year Radiography student Sarbjit Johal, 34, from London Road, Leicester, said: "This resource provides students with differing abilities the opportunity to learn about the skull in their own time before the course begins.

"I didn't realise the complexity of the human skull, but the interactive nature of the tool and the excellent diagrams and text summaries helped me learn the information even more effectively.

The computer programme is still under development.

Prices for models of the skull range from £130 to top-of-the range skulls at £3,500.