Skip to main content
Unit of study_

ANAT2011: Fundamentals of Human Anatomy

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

Where is your pancreas? What about your pituitary gland? How do we pack six meters of small intestine into our body? ANAT2011 is designed for students who are studying Human Anatomy and Histology for the first time, as well as those who have been introduced to human anatomy in biological sciences. In laboratory classes using human cadavers and human organ tissue you will gain fundamental knowledge of the anatomy of the brain and nerves; the anatomy of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and reproductive systems along with musculoskeletal anatomy. The hands-on laboratory classes are interwoven with lectures, tutorials and discussion groups, as well as on-line quizzes and self-directed learning modules. The course teaches the language of anatomy and develops your knowledge and practical skills in human anatomy and histology, preparing you for many applied anatomical settings. The laboratory sessions will require you to work together in teams to engage with the content, building your interpersonal skills, and fostering a professional attitude towards learning and scientific endeavour. You will also consider the processes of body donation and the ethical, legal and moral frameworks around which people donate their remains for anatomical learning, teaching and research. This unit contains assumed knowledge for entry into the graduate medical program at the University of Sydney, and is also suitable for graduate programs in dentistry, nursing, physical therapies, forensic sciences.

Unit details and rules

Unit code ANAT2011
Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
MEDS2005 or BMED2402 or BMED2403 or BMED2405 or BMED2406 or BMED2801 or BMED2802 or BMED2803 or BMED2804 or BMED2805 or BMED2806 or BMED2807 or BMED2808
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Laura Lindsay, laura.lindsay@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Katie Dixon, katie.dixon@sydney.edu.au
Jennifer Menzies, jennifer.menzies@sydney.edu.au
Claire Goldsbury, claire.goldsbury@sydney.edu.au
Luke Henderson, luke.henderson@sydney.edu.au
Sean Lal, sean.lal@sydney.edu.au
Laura Lindsay, laura.lindsay@sydney.edu.au
Richard Ward, richard.ward@sydney.edu.au
Sarah Croker, sarah.croker@sydney.edu.au
Michelle Gerke-Duncan, michelle.gerke@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Practical exam
? 
Online (*RE) or In-Person (CC) Practical Exam
*RE students online with ProctorU. See Assessment Summary below for detail.
30% Formal exam period 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO5 LO3 LO2
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam ANAT2011 ONLINE End of Semester Theory Exam
Online short answer and MCQ
30% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO10
Online task ANAT2011 In-semester Online Post-Lecture Quizzes
In-semester Weekly Online Post-Lecture Quizzes (MCQs). Top 8 (5% each) =40%
40% Weekly 10 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO10
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • In-semester Weekly Online Post-Lecture Quizzes: Assesses your ability to understand the anatomical and histological content covered in each weekly lecture set for each of the 13 weeks of semester. Each Online Post-lecture Quiz is available for completion for 1 week after the relevant lectures have been delivered.
  • End of Semester Anatomy and Histology Practical Exam: Assesses your ability to understand anatomical and histological content covered in all practical classes offered over the 13 weeks of semester. The format is short spot test-like identifications.
    *All RE (remote)-enrolled students will be assessed online in Canvas with ProctorU Record+. All CC students will be assessed on campus. Both modes of assessment will take place simultaneously under equivalent examination conditions. 
  • Online End of Semester Anatomy and Histology Theory Exam: Assesses your ability to understand anatomical and histological content covered in all lectures and practical classes offered over the 13 weeks of semester. The format may include multiple choice questions, short answer questions, true / false questions, drawing tasks and identification tasks.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on the ANAT2011 Canvas Page.

 

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.

Grade

Descriptors

Explanation / Interpretation

High distinction (85-100)

Work of exceptional standard

 

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)

Work of superior standard

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)

Competent work demonstrating potential for higher study

 

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)

Work of acceptable standard

 

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

(<50)

Work not of acceptable standard

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

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:

All assignments must be submitted by the due date and quizzes and exams attended when they are scheduled. Students are expected to manage their time and to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur penalties. Failure to meet assessment deadlines will incur mark deductions of 5% of the maximum awardable mark available for every day past the due date (for electronic submissions, days late includes Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days, until the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be 0/100.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 L1. Introduction to anatomy and histology; L2. Ultrastructure of cells and the 4 tissue types Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO9 LO10
Introduction to Anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Microscopy and measurement Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 02 L1. Anatomy of the upper limb; L2. Histology of epithelial tissue Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the upper limb Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Ultrastructure of cells and Histology of epithelial tissue Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 03 L1. Anatomy of the lower limb; L2. Histology of bone, cartilage and skeletal muscle Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the lower limb Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of bone, cartilage and skeletal muscle Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 04 L1. Anatomy of the upper respiratory and upper digestive systems; L2. Histology of the upper respiratory and upper digestive systems Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the upper respiratory and upper digestive systems Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of the upper respiratory and upper digestive systems Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 05 L1. Anatomy of the lower respiratory system and thorax; L2. Histology of the lower respiratory system Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the lower respiratory system and thorax Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of the lower respiratory system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 06 L1. Anatomy of the cardiovascular system; L2. Histology of the cardiovascular system Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the cardiovascular system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of the cardiovascular system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 07 L1. Anatomy of the lower digestive system #1; L2 Histology of the lower digestive system #1 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the lower digestive system #1 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of the lower digestive system #1 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 08 L1. Anatomy of the lower digestive system #2; L2. Histology of the lower digestive system #2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the lower digestive system #2 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of the lower digestive system #2 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 09 L1. Anatomy of the urinary system; L2. Histology of the urinary system Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the urinary system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of the urinary system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 10 L1. Anatomy of the male reproductive system; L2. Histology of the male reproductive system Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the male reproductive system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of the male reproductive system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 11 L1. Anatomy of the female reproductive system; L2. Histology of the female reproductive system Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the female reproductive system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of the female reproductive system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 12 L1. Anatomy of the peripheral nervous system; L2. Histology of neural tissue #1 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the peripheral nervous system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of neural tissue #1 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 13 L1. Anatomy of the central nervous system; L2. Histology of neural tissue #2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Anatomy of the central nervous system Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Histology of neural tissue #2 Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance is essential for successful completion of the course. A student who fails to show sufficient cause for absence from any part of the course may not be allowed to sit for the final theory examination in ANAT2011.

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states: 
55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.
 
The Faculty of Science resolutions states:
9(1). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

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

There isn't one specific Anatomy or Histology textbook that you must use to be successful in this Unit of Study but here are some recommendations. You can also find a list of these textbooks on ANAT2011 Canvas:

  • Histology: A text and atlas. Ross MH, Pawlina W. 6th Edition ( Lippincott, Williams, Wilkins, 2011).
  • Gray’s Anatomy for Students. Drake R, Vogl W, Mitchell A. 3rd Edition (Elsevier Health Sciences, 2015).
  • The Anatomy Colouring Book. Kapit W, Elson LM. 4th Edition  (Pearson Education, 2013).
  • Colour Atlas of Anatomy: A photographic study of the human body. Rohen J, Yokochi C, Lütjen-Drecoll E. 7th Edition ( Lippincott, Williams, Wilkins, 2011).

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.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Understand the fundamental organization and development of the human body from its gross structure to the cellular and intracellular levels.
  • LO2. Understand the fundamental functional properties of the body as it relates to structural properties and developmental processes.
  • LO3. Relate and apply knowledge of the structural organization and functional properties of the body to other biomedical and biological disciplines. To understand the relationship(s) of anatomical and histological knowledge, with the knowledge of biological, anthropological and clinical disciplines.
  • LO4. Search, identify, discuss and evaluate the primary scientific literature in the field of the anatomical sciences, histology, cell biology and neurobiology.
  • LO5. Specify hypotheses, design research plans and specify experiments that address and test hypotheses. Understand a range of histological and anatomical methodologies. Appreciate the significance of histological and anatomical investigations that identify the origins of the scientific disciplines. Have a thorough knowledge of the investigative and experimental approaches of the present, including “state-of-the-art”, techniques.
  • LO6. Analyse, illustrate, describe and present primary research data.
  • LO7. Work autonomously and independently, work in small groups, work in seminar groups, lead discussion and assume responsibility for teaching and learning.
  • LO8. Communicate clearly and effectively. Communicate in written and oral forms for specialist, generalist and lay audiences. Experience communicating anatomical and histological knowledge through other forms of multi-media, ie., film, video, photography, 3-D media and printing.
  • LO9. Understand and articulate the unique privilege of learning about the structure and related function of the human body through the gift of body donation. Show an understanding of the framework in which people may donate their remains and the moral, ethical and legal responsibilities that this entails. Appreciate the place of anatomical investigation and anatomical knowledge in community and society, its medical, educational, social and global importance, its power and potential, its uses and possible abuses.
  • LO10. Apply tools and practices that will help you in your life-long learning.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Online quizzes will be offered every week, for 13 weeks and each will be open for 2 weeks in semester 2, 2021. An non-compulsory Anatomy and Histology Guided Revision Session has been scheduled for the end of semester.

More information will be provided on the ANAT2011 Canvas Page and will be explained in class and through Canvas announcements.

Work, health and safety

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstance. This includes all dry lab and wet lab spaces in the Anderson Stuart building and all dry lab and seminar rooms in the CPC.
  • Anatomy practical classes will be held in the Anatomy wet labs in the Anderson Stuart Building (F13) and there are specific respect and safety requirements that need to be understood and adhered to if the privilege of access into the Anatomy Laboratories and Wilson Museum of Human Anatomy is to be granted.
  • Students will not be allowed to enter any Anatomy Facility laboratory or the Wilson Museum of Human Anatomy until they have read and understood the Anatomy Act and the Anatomy Safety Policies offered through the “Our Expectations, Your Obligations” Quiz available on ANAT2011 Canvas.

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.