Outline

Overview

This unit of study introduces the basic concepts in musculoskeletal anatomy prior to a more detailed study of the gross anatomical structure of the upper limb and vertebral column as they relate to functional activities. Material will be presented in lectures, practical and tutorial sessions and online. Students will also be expected to undertake some independent learning activities. This unit includes laboratory classes in which human cadavers are studied; attendance at such classes is strongly encouraged.

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	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Saeed Shokri, saeed.shokri@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	End semester exam (Prac + Theory) MCQ/ SAQ	50%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Histology quiz Online MCQ	10%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Mid-semester exam (Theory) MCQ	40%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Apr 2026 at 09:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Histology quiz: The histology quiz will be done through Canvas and will be held in class in week 3. It will comprise 10 histology multiple-choice questions. 15 minutes will be allowed.
Mid semester exam: This will be supervised theory exam. It will consist of multiple-choice questions and will cover all the objectives in module 1 (ie objectives 4-11, excluding histology).
End semester exam (theory): This will be a supervised prac and theory exam. It will consist of multiple-choice and short-answer questions and will cover content from both module 1 & 2 (excluding histology). It will include an identification spot test and questions testing the more difficult functional concepts relating to musculoskeletal anatomy.

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	Students who achieve this grade have demonstrated an extensive level of knowledge and understanding to meet the aims of the unit as specified in the unit of study description above. They have also demonstrated extensive skills in abstract problem solving.
Distinction	75 - 84	Students who have achieved this grade have correctly answered enough questions to demonstrate they have achieved a thorough level of knowledge and understanding to meet the aims of the unit as specified in the unit of study description above. They have also answered many of the higher grade questions correctly indicating that they can apply their anatomical knowledge to analyse functional activities and solve practical problems.
Credit	65 - 74	Students who have achieved this grade have correctly answered enough questions to demonstrate they have achieved a sound level of knowledge and understanding to meet the aims of the unit as specified in the unit of study description above. They have also answered some of the higher grade questions correctly indicating that they can apply some basic knowledge to more complex questions and problems.
Pass	50 - 64	Students achieving marks in the pass range have correctly answered enough questions to demonstrate they have a basic knowledge and understanding to meet the aims of the unit as specified in the unit of study description above. This may have been achieved by answering the majority of the pass level questions correctly, or by answering a significant percentage of the higher grade questions correctly. In setting the standard is is assumed that the ability to correctly answer the higher grade questions indicates that the student has a working understanding of the important concepts and the knowledge that underpins those concepts, without necessarily being able to express the knowledge explicitly.
Fail	0 - 49	Students who fail this unit have failed to accumulate enough marks to reach the pass threshold. This means that they have failed to demonstrate an adequate level of knowledge of basic concepts to meet the aims of the unit as specified in the unit of study description above.

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.

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. Introduction to BIOS5090, anatomy & osteology; 2. Introductory arthrology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	1. Introduction to the anatomy laboratories; 2. Introduction to the osteology; 3. Bones of the shoulder	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Joints of the shoulder region (1); 2. Joints of the shoulder region (2)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Introductory arthrology; 2. joints of the shoulder region	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Muscle tissue: introductory myology; 2. Muscles of the shoulder region	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Introductory myology; 2. Muscles of the shoulder (1)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Functional anatomy of the shoulder region (1); 2. Functional anatomy of the shoulder region (2)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Muscles of the shoulder (2) & surface anatomy of the shoulder; 2. Shoulder tutorial	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Bones and joints of the elbow region; 2. Functional anatomy of the elbow region	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Bones and joints of the elbow region; 2. Muscles of the elbow region (1)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	1. Joints of the wrist & hand (1); 2. Revision	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	1. Muscles of the elbow region (2); 2. Elbow tutorial; 3. Surface anatomy of the elbow	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	1. Joints of the wrist & hand (2); 2. Accessory features of the hand	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	1. Bones and joints of the wrist & hand; 2. Forearm muscles (1); 3. Intrinsic muscles of the hand	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Hand function (1); 2. Hand function (2)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Surface anatomy of forearm and hand & hand function; 2. Revision: forearm & hand muscles	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	1. Vertebral column (1); 2. Vertebral column (2)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	1. Bones and joints of the vertebral column; 2. Start VC muscles	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	1. Vertebral column (3); 2. Vertebral column (4)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	1. Muscles and functional anatomy of the trunk and neck; 2. Start brachial plexus	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	1. Brachial plexus – peripheral nerve supply of upper limb; 2. Segmental nerve supply of the upper limb & nerve lesions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	1. Brachial plexus/nerves of the upper limb	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Blood vessels of upper limb; 2. Revision	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Blood supply of the upper limb; 2. Revision	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: We are bound by WHS legislation to limit student numbers in labs. Therefore, students must attend their own practical/tutorial at the time and place indicated. Students may not swap groups for their own convenience. Each tutor will have a list of students in the tutorial group, and regular attendance checks will be made.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Anatomy and Human Movement. Palastanga N, Field D and Soames R. Butterworth–Heinemann. 6th Edition, 2012 OR 7th Edition, 2018.
Colour Atlas of Anatomy. J.W. Rohen, C. Yokochi and E. Lütjen-Drecoll. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 8th Edition, 2016.

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. Describe the histological structure of musculoskeletal tissues (osteology, arthrology, myology, generalized connective tissue) as it relates to the gross anatomy and function including growth and injury.
LO2. Understand musculoskeletal anatomy terminology, planes and axes of joint movement.
LO3. Identify and classify bones of the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column, identify and deduce the functions of the major bone markings in these regions.
LO4. Identify, classify and state/ deduce the movements available at the joints of the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column.
LO5. Identify and deduce the mechanical functions of the ligaments of the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column joints.
LO6. Identify and describe the attachments, actions and functions of the muscles of the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column.
LO7. Identify the components of the Brachial Plexus and the peripheral nerves associated with upper limb function.
LO8. State the motor and sensory distribution of nerves to the shoulder girdle and upper limb.
LO9. Differentiate between peripheral and spinal nerve lesions of the shoulder girdle and upper limb.
LO10. Identify and state the supply and drainage of the major blood vessels of the shoulder girdle and upper limb.
LO11. Relate the gross musculoskeletal anatomy to functional activities involving the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column.
LO12. Interpret human body donor anatomy in the clinical context of surface anatomy and radiological imaging of the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column.

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.

Comments from this unit are generally very positive. Consistent comments from students about COMA include: • Well-structured course with clear objectives. • Material engaging and challenging. • Prac classes in small groups and with the human body donor were very helpful for learning and reinforced lectures. • Prac tutors are knowledgeable and helpful. • Lectures of high standard. • Museum resources, lecture recordings, and other online resources (e.g., videos) are very helpful for revision. • Quizzes online and in prac classes are great for revision. • Mid-term feedback is helpful. Challenges students have expressed include: • Not enough prac lab time • Coming from non-biology background is difficult • Large amount of content

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

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOS5090: Clin. Oriented Musculoskeletal Anatomy A

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links