Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	24 credit points of 1000 level units
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BMED2401 or BMED2402 or BMED2403 or BMED2404 or BMED2405 or BMED2406 or BMED2801 or BMED2802 or BMED2803 or BMED2804 or BMED2805 or BMED2806 or BMED2807 or BMED2808
Assumed knowledge ?	BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Katie Dixon, katie.dixon@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Suzanne Ollerenshaw, suzanne.ollerenshaw@sydney.edu.au
	Michelle Gerke-Duncan, michelle.gerke@sydney.edu.au
	Frank Lovicu, frank.lovicu@sydney.edu.au
	Richard Ward, richard.ward@sydney.edu.au
	Laura Lindsay, laura.lindsay@sydney.edu.au
	Claire Goldsbury, claire.goldsbury@sydney.edu.au
	Jennifer Menzies, jennifer.menzies@sydney.edu.au
	Katie Dixon, katie.dixon@sydney.edu.au
	Sarah Croker, sarah.croker@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Practical exam ?	Final Theory/Prac Exam Anatomy and histology spot test	35%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance	Participation in practical class task Submission of practical work	10%	Multiple weeks Due date: 02 Jun 2025 at 23:59	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Online Quiz - Early Feedback Task Online Canvas Quiz	5%	Week 03	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Module 1 & 2 Quiz In-class quiz	25%	Week 07	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Module 3 & 4 Quiz In-class quiz	25%	Week 13	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level
Credit	65 - 74	Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Anatomy, planes of section	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ultrastructure	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Ultrastructure 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to Histology, 4 tissue types	Lecture (1 hr)
	Epithelium 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histology planes of section, 4 tissue types	Practical (2 hr)
	Ultrastructure 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Epithelium 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Connective Tissue Histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Epithelium and connective tissue histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Drawing in Anatomy and Histology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Upper limb anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Muscle histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Upper limb anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Etymology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Lower limb anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Bone and cartilage histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lower limb anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Surface anatomy	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Integrated nervous system anatomy and histology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Integrated nervous system anatomy and histology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Skeletal muscle, bone and cartilage histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Module 1 & 2 revision	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Integrated nervous system anatomy and histology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Integrated nervous system anatomy and histology 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Integrated spinal cord, brain, peripheral nerve anatomy and histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Module 1 & 2 quiz	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Heart and vessels anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Heart, vessels, cardiac muscle histology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Heart and vessels anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Nasal and oral cavities anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Heart, vessels, cardiac muscle histology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Heart and vessels histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Blood pressure TBL 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Thorax anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nasal cavity and salivary glands histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nasal and oral cavities anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Blood pressure TBL 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Respiratory anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nasal cavity and salivary glands histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Module 3 & 4 revision	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Body as a whole	Lecture (1 hr)
	4 tissue types	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Anatomy and histology practice spot test	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Revision lecture 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Revision lecture 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Module 3 & 4 quiz	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are reminded that attendance at practical classes is mandatory. It is a good idea to attempt any questions not requiring the class resources prior to the prac class to optimise time in class. Throughout the semester there will be time in some practical classes to complete unfinished work or begin revision. Attendance records are kept through the semester from week 3 onwards and will be utilised when allocating supplementary examinations. Two practical sessions can be missed without the need for doctors certificates, although it is up to the student to catch up on the exercises. Supporting documentary evidence is however required if practical quizzes are missed. If 80% attendance in practical classes is not met then the student may be failed on the grounds of attendance. Due to the large number of students in this course, the allocation of practical classes is completed by the timetable unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Canvas page for textbook links.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Students have been provided with additional feedback after completing assessments, as requested in previous student feedback.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Enclosed footwear and no eating or drinking in the practical laboratories. Laboratory coat and gloves are required for anatomy practical classes.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ANAT2008: Anatomy and Histology of the Vital Signs

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links