If UGC has its way, undergraduate students of life science and zoology courses would soon be dissecting dummies in virtual labs as a part of their practicals to know more about animal anatomy. In a move to do away with the “old-school” tradition of dissecting animals, the University Grants Commission has decided to ban the
practice, claiming it would save the life of millions of animals and would help universities save huge sums of money, which are usually spent on the purchase of animals every year.
The move has triggered a difference in opinion among scholarly circles. While some feel the ban would affect the studying and teaching process, others say that it won’t affect the curriculum of the courses. UGC claims modern techniques such as multimedia computer-based simulators and mannequins would make up for it. “I am not very sure if this would work as for these courses dissection is also a skill where the hand movements and presentation skills of students are gauged.” opines prof. Nita Saigal.
Rajiv Ahmed, an alumuni of Zoology department, Hindu College, says that this move will save 15 million different species of animals every year. “I can understand replacing animals with urban technology would make things better for the environment, but the number of students too have increased, and in terms of expenses, I don’t think it will save the university a lot of money,” he adds. “There is also the issue of individual differences in these animals, which becomes indispensable for students to know,” adds prof. Saigal.
However, some say the preserving dissected animals in Formaldehyde, is detrimental for students’ as well teachers’ health (as exposure to it can cause nausea and continuous headache), so in a way it is a good move.