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Unit of study_
ANAT2008: Anatomy and Histology of the Vital Signs
2025 unit information
This unit of study covers the principles of cell biology and examines the structure of cells, tissues and organ systems at the light and electron microscopic levels. The focus is on human systems. Histology, also known as microscopic anatomy, is the scientific study of the microscopic structure of organs and tissues in the body. This branch of science involves examining tissues with light and electron microscopes to gather details that are invisible to the naked eye. Students will gain an understanding of the microanatomy of cells, tissues and organs and be able to relate this structure to the function of these systems. This course begins with an introduction to cell biology and moves through a description of the four major tissue types in the body - epithelium, connective tissue, muscle and nervous tissue. Some simple body systems are also introduced and investigated histologically. This unit provides students with practical experience in histology, where they will use microscopes to examine specimens that have been sectioned, stained and mounted on glass slides. Modern practical applications of histology, including molecular and cell biology, and their utility for research are also discussed.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Department of Medical Sciences |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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24 credit points of 1000 level units |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01 |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. To understand and communicate using anatomical and histological language.
- LO2. To recognise and identify the basic tissue types (epithelium, connective tissue, muscle and nervous tissue) and their organisation into organs and tissues.
- LO3. To identify and relate fundamental structural organisation of neuroanatomical, musculoskeletal and thoracic visceral structures.
- LO4. To relate the 3-dimensional anatomical structure of organs and tissues to their 2-dimensional histological structure.
- LO5. To demonstrate competence in the technical skills required for the study of anatomy and histology.
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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