Outline

Overview

This is an entry level unit designed to give students an overview of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the body systems and continues on from BIOS1155. The basic concepts of neoplasia will be introduced, and students will also learn the essential principles of infection control in health care practice. Material will be presented in lectures, workshops and practical sessions. Students are expected to complete self-directed learning packages prior to some practical sessions. This unit includes laboratory classes in which human donor bodies are studied; attendance at such classes is compulsory. Students will have a fundamental knowledge of professionally relevant aspects of anatomy and physiology, and be able to apply their knowledge to solve problems or explain higher level phenomena.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Suzanne Ollerenshaw, suzanne.ollerenshaw@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Practical exam	A4 practical exam Anatomical identifications & short answer questions	35%	Formal exam period	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	A1 anatomical hand drawing, labelling & explanations	10%	Week 03 Due date: 23 Aug 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 23 Aug 2026	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	A2 short answer questions	25%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 11:00 Closing date: 11 Sep 2026	50 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	A3 short answer questions	30%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 11:00 Closing date: 06 Nov 2026	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= 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

Week due	Weighting	Assessment Title	Assessment type description	Length/duration	Groupwork	Category	Type
Week 03	10	A1	#earlyfeedbacktask - hand-drawing, labelling and explanations	N/A	individual	Production and creation - open	Creative work
Week 06	25	A2	SAQs	50 minutes	individual	In-semester test - secured	Written Test
Week 13	30	A3	SAQs	60 minutes	individual	In-semester test - secured	Written Test
Formal exam period	35	A4 Practical exam	anatomy practical IDs & SAQs	30 minutes	individual	Final exam - secured	Practical exam

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.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

Written work submitted electronically must be submitted before 11.59 pm on the due date. Work submitted after this time is late. A penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work for every calendar day up to and including 10 calendar days after the due date. 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. A mark of zero will be awarded for work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 anatomical imaging & the nervous system - anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Object-based learning	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 02	Nervous system - anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
	Nervous system - anatomical imaging	Workshop (1.5 hr)
	Nervous system - physiology & disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Endocrine system - anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Nervous & endocrine systems - anatomy	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Gastrointestinal system - anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Gastrointestinal system - anatomical imaging	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Gastrointestinal system - physiology & disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Endocrine system - physiology & disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Gastrointestinal system - anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	Testes, ducts, and accessory reproductive organs - anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Ovary, uterus, and accessory reproductive organs - anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Reproductive systems - anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Testes, ducts, and accessory reproductive organs - physiology & disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Reproductive systems - anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Ovary, uterus, and accessory reproductive organs - physiology & disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Renal system - anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Renal system - anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Renal system - physiology & disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Immune system - anatomy, physiology, and disease	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Abnormal cell growth - from hyperplasia to neoplasia	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision - Q&A	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision & exam preparation	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance requirements:

From the 3rd August (W1) students enrolled in this unit should engage with and study all face to face and online content, as directed by the Canvas site, including submission of any formative tasks.

ALL summative assessments must be attempted.

ALL teaching activities are F2F. There is an 80% compulsory attendance for Practicals and Workshops. Students who fall below 80% attendance (without approval from the UoS coordinator) may receive an Absent Fail (AF) grade.

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

A list of textbooks and readings for this unit can be accessed via ‘Reading List’ on the BIOS1158 Canvas.

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.

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

LO1. Apply anatomical knowledge to produce accurate, labelled drawings of human body structures that clearly represent spatial relationships and structural organisation.
LO2. Demonstrate respectful, ethical, and professional conduct when working with human body donors.
LO3. Describe the fundamental anatomy/physiology of the nervous system and explain how its organisation supports sensory, integrative, and motor functions.
LO4. Describe the fundamental anatomy/physiology of the endocrine system and explain how hormones regulate body functions to maintain homeostasis.
LO5. Describe the fundamental anatomy/physiology of the gastrointestinal tract and explain how its structural organisation supports the processes of ingestion, digestion, absorption, and defaecation, and their role in maintaining nutrition and homeostasis.
LO6. Describe the fundamental anatomy of the renal system and develop a foundational understanding of the processes of filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion, and their role in maintaining homeostasis.
LO7. Describe the fundamental anatomy/physiology of the reproductive system and explain how its structural organisation supports human reproduction, and reproductive health.
LO8. Describe the fundamental anatomy/physiology of the immune system and explain how its structural organisation supports innate and adaptive defence mechanisms to protect the body from infection and maintain homeostasis.
LO9. Describe the fundamental principles of abnormal cell growth and explain how disruption of normal cell cycle regulation can lead to hyperplasia, dysplasia, and neoplasia, contributing to disease development.
LO10. Apply anatomical and physiological knowledge to interpret and analyse clinical pathology case studies, in order to explain disease mechanisms and their effects on human body structure and function.
LO11. Apply knowledge of human body systems anatomy to identify and interpret anatomical structures on radiographic, CT, MRI, ultrasound images, and human donor bodies.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. Domain 2.1.g. Practice the basic principles underpinning bio-ethics in medical radiation practice and recognise and respond appropriately to ethical issues encountered in practice.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice. 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images. 1.3.c. Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures. National Safety and Quality Health Service - 3. Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard
	Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - 1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment. 1.3.c. Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures.

Responding to student feedback

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

EFT format changed to give students a clearer idea of how they are progressing. reordering of content to improve learning removal of one assessment task

Additional information

More detailed information can be found on the unit of study Canvas site.

Canvas

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

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 Canvas.

You will need gloves, gown & appropriate footwear (closed shoes covering ENTIRE dorsum of the foot, not sandals, ballet flats or thongs). Correct protective clothing is not only a University requirement, it is also part of the Work, Health & Safety (WHS) policy. Students who do not have protective clothing will not be allowed into the anatomy tutorial rooms.

The Anatomy Act requires you to WEAR identification when you are in the tutorial rooms. This should be your student card inserted into a clear holder (we supply one holder per students (if you lose a holder you can buy another from the Prosectory, cost - $1).

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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)

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOS1158: Structure, Function and Disease B

Semester 2, 2026 [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)

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links