Outline

Overview

This unit of study examines the detailed gross, radiological and surface anatomy of the lower limb, trunk and neck. Included are the anatomical analyses of functional activities which involve the lower limb, back and neck. Material will be presented in lectures as well as in practical and tutorial sessions on-campus or online. Students are also expected to undertake independent learning. Practical classes involve the study of human cadavers. Attendance at the practical and tutorial sessions is compulsory.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BIOS1168 or equivalent unit of study
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Erik Wibowo, erik.wibowo@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Benjamin Hunter, benjamin.hunter@sydney.edu.au
	Elizabeth Clarke, elizabeth.clarke@sydney.edu.au
	Erik Wibowo, erik.wibowo@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Final written exam based on content from three modules	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early Feedback Task MCQ test done in tutorial on Canvas based on pre-requisite knowledge (BIOS1168 content)	5%	Week 01	20 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab worksheet Week 1 Lab worksheet	0.5%	Week 01	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab worksheet Week 2 Lab worksheet	0.5%	Week 02	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab worksheet Week 3 Lab worksheet	0.5%	Week 03	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab worksheet Week 4 Lab worksheet	0.5%	Week 04	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Module 1 spot test Spot test based on module 1 content, run in tutorial class on canvas	15%	Week 05	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab worksheet Week 6 Lab worksheet	0.5%	Week 06	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab worksheet Week 7 Lab worksheet	0.5%	Week 07	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab worksheet Week 8 Lab worksheet	0.5%	Week 08	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Module 2 in-semester test Written test based on Module 2 content	15%	Week 09 Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 09:00	50 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab worksheet Week 10 Lab worksheet	0.5%	Week 10	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab workshet Week 11 Lab worksheet	0.5%	Week 11	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Lab worksheet Week 12 Lab worksheet	0.5%	Week 12	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Module 3 spot test Spot test based on module 3 content, run in tutorial class on canvas	15%	Week 13	30 minutes	AI allowed
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

Detailed information about each assessment will be available on BIOS1169’s Canvas website. Specific announcements regarding each assessment will be sent to students.

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:

If a student cannot complete any of assessment on their due date, they should contact the BIOS1169's Co-ordinator at the earliest opportunity. Also submit a Special Consideration for relevant assessment if assessment is missed due to illness or misadventure. Email the UOS Coordinator explaining the reason for missing an assessment.

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	1. Intro to BIOS1169	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Core principles of applied musculoskeletal human anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applying advanced principles of applied musculoskeletal human anatomy to a range of common simple tasks	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Functional anatomy of the shoulder	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Anatomy of throwing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applying advanced anatomical principles to understand the anatomy of the upper limb. Identifying functional muscle groups in the upper limb including acting as part of the kinetic chain for upper limb tasks	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Anatomy of reaching	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Anatomy of grasping	Lecture (1 hr)
	Application of advanced anatomical principles to the musculoskeletal structures of the proximal upper limb including the analysis of throwing and reaching	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Anatomy of manipulation	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Central and peripheral nerve supply of the upper limb	Lecture (1 hr)
	Application of advanced anatomical principles to the musculoskeletal structures of the distal upper limb including the analysis of grasping and manipulation	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Module revision	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Module revision	Lecture (1 hr)
	Module quiz	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	1. Advanced principles of anatomical analysis applied to posture	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Anatomy of spinal development over the life span	Lecture (1 hr)
	Advanced application of musculoskeletal anatomy principles to the axial skeleton. Identifying functional muscle groups in the axial skeleton and analysing multidirectional muscular forces and the line of gravity at joints in standing and sitting postures	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	1. Anatomy of standing	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Core stability and posture	Lecture (1 hr)
	Application of advanced anatomical principles to the musculoskeletal structures of the spine and trunk including core and segmental stability including analysis of standing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	1. Anatomy of sitting	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Anatomy of posture and respiration	Lecture (1 hr)
	Application of advanced anatomical principles to the musculoskeletal structures of the head and neck and relating to trunk posture. Identifying functional muscle groups in the head and neck analysing the impact of posture on respiration	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Consequence of altered neural control on posture and respiration. Nerve supply of the trunk, spinal and respiratory muscles	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	2. Module revision	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	1. Functional anatomy of gait. Advanced principles of anatomical analysis applied to movements of the lower limb	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Functional anatomy of gait. Advanced principles of anatomical analysis applied to movements of the lower limb	Lecture (1 hr)
	Advanced application of musculoskeletal anatomy principles to the lower limb. Identifying functional muscle groups in the lower limb	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	1. Gait and distal lower limb	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Distal lower limb	Lecture (1 hr)
	Application of advanced anatomical principles to the musculoskeletal structures of the distal lower limb including the analysis of gait during applied examples	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	1.Proximal lower limb advanced functional anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Proximal lower limb advanced functional anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Application of advanced anatomical principles to the musculoskeletal structures of the proximal lower limb including the analysis of gait during applied examples. Identifying muscle groups and actions in the 3 different planes of motion	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Central and peripheral nerve supply of the lower limb	Lecture (1 hr)
	2. Module revision	Lecture (1 hr)
	Module quiz	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at on-campus practicals and tutorials is mandatory. Attendance at scheduled lectures is highly recommended as attendance correlates very strongly with performance i.e. low attendance is linked to low performance including failure. Students are at risk of having an Absent Fail, if their attendance in practicals and tutorials falls below 80%.

Lectures will be delivered in-person. Lectures will be recorded as needed and available online. Please use the discussion site on canvas to ask the lecturers any questions relating to lecture content.

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

Recommended textbooks:

Anatomy and Human Movement. Structure and Function. N. Palastanga and R. Soames. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. 7th edition 2019.

Anatomy. A Photographic Atlas. J.W. Rohen, C. Yokochi and E. Lütjen-Drecoll. Wolters Kluwer. 9th Edition/2021 OR Atlas of Anatomy. Gilmore, A.M., MacPherson, B.R. et. al. Thieme. 4th Edition 2020.

Additonal prescribed readings for specific sub-topics will be available on the unit’s Canvas website.

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 describe the functional anatomy of the human musculoskeletal system
LO2. Apply anatomical principles and knowledge to describe the anatomical basis for common activities including: Walking, Running, Standing, Sitting, Throwing, Reaching and Grasping
LO3. Identify anatomical structures contributing to common activities including: Walking, Running, Standing, Sitting, Throwing, Reaching and Grasping
LO4. Identify relevant anatomical structures on cadavers, in surface anatomy images and in images created by other modalities such as Xrays and MRIs.
LO5. Explain the broad principles of neural control of musculoskeletal activity, including differentiating between central and peripheral nerve lesions

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
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 5.2.1. Explain individual joint complexes and their independent and composite functions in posture and movement analysis in exercise. 5.2.2. Explain the relationship of structure (including micro and macro) with function, force and movement. 5.2.3. Identify the components of the neuro-musculoskeletal system of the body, and describe the role of the bony segments, joint-related connective tissue structures, muscles and forces applied to these structures. 8.2.1. Identify anatomical structures as they relate to all body systems. 8.2.2. Describe the structural and operational processes of anatomical structures and their interrelationships. 8.2.3. Apply anatomical terms to describe position, movement, body direction, regions, body planes or sections.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 5.2.1. Explain individual joint complexes and their independent and composite functions in posture and movement analysis in exercise. 5.2.2. Explain the relationship of structure (including micro and macro) with function, force and movement. 5.2.3. Identify the components of the neuro-musculoskeletal system of the body, and describe the role of the bony segments, joint-related connective tissue structures, muscles and forces applied to these structures. 5.2.5. Describe the adaptations that can occur within the neuro-musculoskeletal system as a result of deconditioning, ageing and injury, and the role of physical activity and exercise for preventing functional decline. 5.2.7. Analyse movement identifying which muscles are active in producing and controlling a movement of a joint. 8.2.1. Identify anatomical structures as they relate to all body systems. 8.2.2. Describe the structural and operational processes of anatomical structures and their interrelationships. 8.2.3. Apply anatomical terms to describe position, movement, body direction, regions, body planes or sections.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 5.2.1. Explain individual joint complexes and their independent and composite functions in posture and movement analysis in exercise. 5.2.2. Explain the relationship of structure (including micro and macro) with function, force and movement. 5.2.3. Identify the components of the neuro-musculoskeletal system of the body, and describe the role of the bony segments, joint-related connective tissue structures, muscles and forces applied to these structures. 8.2.1. Identify anatomical structures as they relate to all body systems. 8.2.2. Describe the structural and operational processes of anatomical structures and their interrelationships. 8.2.3. Apply anatomical terms to describe position, movement, body direction, regions, body planes or sections.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 5.2.2. Explain the relationship of structure (including micro and macro) with function, force and movement. 5.2.3. Identify the components of the neuro-musculoskeletal system of the body, and describe the role of the bony segments, joint-related connective tissue structures, muscles and forces applied to these structures. 5.2.5. Describe the adaptations that can occur within the neuro-musculoskeletal system as a result of deconditioning, ageing and injury, and the role of physical activity and exercise for preventing functional decline. 5.2.7. Analyse movement identifying which muscles are active in producing and controlling a movement of a joint. 8.2.1. Identify anatomical structures as they relate to all body systems. 8.2.2. Describe the structural and operational processes of anatomical structures and their interrelationships. 8.2.3. Apply anatomical terms to describe position, movement, body direction, regions, body planes or sections.
	Accredited Exercise Scientist Professional Standards (2022) - 5.2.2. Explain the relationship of structure (including micro and macro) with function, force and movement. 5.2.3. Identify the components of the neuro-musculoskeletal system of the body, and describe the role of the bony segments, joint-related connective tissue structures, muscles and forces applied to these structures. 8.2.1. Identify anatomical structures as they relate to all body systems. 8.2.3. Apply anatomical terms to describe position, movement, body direction, regions, body planes or sections.

Responding to student feedback

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

Assessments for modules 1 and 3 have changed to spot tests in 2025 instead of written essay and group oral presentation in 2024. This is responding to staff feedback that performance in anatomy identification in 2024 was low, and responding to student feedback during the oral presentation in 2024 that they prefer individual rather than group work. Assessment marks for lab attendance have been changed to submission of lab worksheets, to motivate completion of lab work and help improve anatomy identification.

Additional information

More information relating to this unit will be communicated via the unit’s Canvas website.

Additional costs

PPE (as required by the Anatomy Laboratories Manager) for the Wet and Dry Anatomy laboratory practical classes

Site visit guidelines

Up-to-date site visit guidelines will be distributed via BIOS1169's Canvas website whenever COVID-19 restrictions change.

Work, health and safety

There are specific WHS requirements for this unit in relation to the on-campus practical classes in the Wet and Dry Anatomy Laboratory spaces on the Camperdown campus of The University of Sydney.

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)

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOS1169: Advanced Musculoskeletal Human Anatomy

Semester 2, 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)

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links