Useful links
Unit of study_
BIOS1168: Essential Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy
2026 unit information
This Unit of Study initially introduces the basic concepts in human musculoskeletal anatomy, musculoskeletal histology and profession-specific anatomical terminology before launching into a more focused study of the gross anatomy of structures associated with the appendicular skeleton (upper limb and lower limb) and the axial skeleton. The focus of this Unit of Study is to help students lay down a foundational understanding of the bones, joints, muscles and neurovasculature of the human musculoskeletal system to support them as they progress to learning functional and applied musculoskeletal anatomy. Unit content is neatly structured into 4 Learning Modules and students learn through engagement with weekly Lecture sets, weekly hands-on Anatomy Wet Lab Practical Classes, face to face and interactive Revision Sessions and a selection of continuously available and 'gamified' Online Learning Resources, all supported by academic-monitored learning community Discussion Boards. Students are expected to undertake independent learning activities (online weekly quizzes, weekly practical preparation worksheet submissions, online video resource viewing) to supplement their learning from Lectures and Practical Classes. Assessment is spread evenly throughout, and completed within, the 13 weeks of semester.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Department of Medical Sciences |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
None |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
None |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
|
None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Describe the histological structure of musculoskeletal tissues (osteology, arthrology, myology, neurology and vasculature) as it relates it to gross anatomy and function including growth and injury.
- LO2. Understand musculoskeletal profession-specific anatomical terminology, planes and axes of joint motion.
- LO3. Identify and classify all bones of the appendicular skeleton (upper and lower limbs) and the axial skeleton and identify and deduce the functions of major bone markings in these regions.
- LO4. Identify, classify and deduce basic motions that occur at the joints associated with the appendicular skeleton (upper and lower limbs) and the axial skeleton.
- LO5. Identify and deduce basic mechanical functions of the ligaments of the joints associated with the appendicular skeleton (upper and lower limbs) and the axial skeleton.
- LO6. Identify and describe the attachments and deduce basic actions and functions of the muscles associated with the appendicular skeleton (upper and lower limbs) and the axial skeleton.
- LO7. Identify and state the major peripheral nerves and nerve plexuses associated with the appendicular skeleton (upper and lower limbs) and the axial skeleton.
- LO8. Identify and state the supply and drainage of the major blood vessels associated with the appendicular skeleton (upper and lower limbs) and the axial skeleton.
- LO9. Relate the gross musculoskeletal anatomy and recent anatomical literature for basic functional activities involving structures associated with the appendicular skeleton (upper and lower limbs) and the axial skeleton.
- LO10. Interpret cadaveric anatomy in the clinical context of surface anatomy and radiological imaging of the appendicular skeleton (upper and lower limbs) and the axial skeleton.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 2026
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
Find your current year census dates
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.