Downie R, Meadows J. Experience with a dissection opt-out scheme in university level biology. Journal of Biological Education.1995; 29(3),187-194


Abstract

This paper reports on a scheme where first-year university biology students are given a choice between dissecting a rat or opting out and doing an equivalent laboratory exercise using a model. Over five years, around 10 per cent of students have chosen to opt out of the dissection. Their examination results, even on questions related to the dissection, have not been significantly different from other students. An overwhelming majority of students in the class support the opt-out scheme. The decision on whether or not to opt out involves a discussion of the issues with peers and class demonstrators, and therefore acts as a valuable exercise in practical bioethical decision-making. This scheme may have useful lessons for all university biology course organizers.