Unit outline_

CRIT5001: Anatomy for Critical Care

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study covers the requirements of the anatomy syllabi of the primary examinations of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, the College of Intensive Care Medicine and the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. Students will learn anatomy relevant to the professional demands of each discipline, for example the anatomy relevant to venous access, airways and peripheral neural structures. There will be a focus on clinical relevance and application of anatomical knowledge, including imaging where relevant.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Critical Care
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

This unit of study is only available to medical graduates and available to allied health professionals via special permission

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jennifer Menzies, jennifer.menzies@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam Final Exam
Online exam, MCQ
40% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Out-of-class quiz In-Semester Block Tests
3 x Online exam including MCQ, SAQ, EMQ, SPOT tests
40% Multiple weeks 45 minutes each AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Out-of-class quiz Workshop Quiz
Quiz based on workshop
5% Week 13
Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59
40 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Out-of-class quiz Module Quizzes
Online MCQ, extended matching questions
15% Weekly 30 minutes each quiz AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Out-of-class quiz Ungraded practice quizzes
Ungraded practice quizzes
0% Weekly N/A AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2

Assessment summary

  • Module Graded quizzes: Each of the 13 modules in this unit of study includes ungraded online pre-topic and practice quizzes, and a graded quiz. Unlike the ungraded pre-test and practice quizzes, graded quizzes are one attempt only and consist of 12 questions.
  • In-Semester Block Tests: Throughout the 13 weeks, students will need to complete 3 x In-Semester Block Tests. These are case-based which will contain short-answer questions (SAQs), multiple-choice questions (MCQs), extended matching questions (EMQs) and SPOT test questions.
  • Clinical Discussion Quiz: One 40-minute graded quiz based on workshop. Due dates can be noted on the study plan and students can take the quiz at any time during this period. 

    Please note: Students who are unable to attend the workshop will still have access to the resources enabling them to complete the Clinical Discussion Quiz

  • Final exam: The final exam is a graded, fully invigilated exam conducted via Canvas with the help of an online proctor. The exam will contain multiple-choice questions (MCQs), extended matching questions (EMQs), and SPOT test questions.

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

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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:

Please note Module Graded Quizzes and In-Semester Block Tests cannot be completed after the due date unless an extension is approved. Clinical Discussion Quiz completed after the due date will incur a 5% per day, after 10 days 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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Module 1: Shoulder, axilla Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Module 2: Arm, forearm and hand Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Module 3: Hip and thigh Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 Module 4: Leg and foot Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 Module 5: The neck Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 06 Module 6: Head part 1 Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 07 Module 7: Head part 2 Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 08 Module 8: Nerves and procedural anatomy Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 09 Module 9: Back and procedural anatomy Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 10 Module 10: Thoracic wall and lungs Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 11 Module 11: Mediastinum and heart Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 12 Module 12: Anterior abdomen Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 13 Module 13: Posterior abdomen, pelvis Self-directed learning (10 hr) LO1 LO2

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: This subject has one 2-day optional on campus workshops held at Camperdown campus. The workshops will be held on: May 23 & 24 2026. Information regarding schedule and time will be found on the Canvas site.

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 through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

  • Clinically Oriented Anatomy 9th edition 2018 Moore, Keith L; Dalley, Arthur F; Agur, A. M. R (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
  • McMinn’s Clinical Atlas of Human Anatomy 8th edition 2013 Abrahams, Peter H (Mosby)

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. Identify structures of the body on photographs, X-rays, models and human donor tissue specimen.
  • LO2. Describe the immediate anatomical relations of these structures, and where appropriate define their vascular, lymphatic and neural relations.

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.

Assessments and workshop days have been changed since this unit was last offered We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of Sydney Medical School. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Mid-Semester Evaluation Survey and the unit of study Evaluation Survey at the end of the semester. You can also rate any component of the unit using our star rating system found at the bottom of many pages as you progress through the unit. Your ratings and comments are anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience.

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.