Outline

Overview

Essentials of Human Anatomy will explore the anatomy behind human body function and structure. This introduction to human anatomy will teach you the language of anatomy and develop your knowledge and practical skills in human anatomy and histology. You will also consider the processes of body donation and the ethical, legal and moral frameworks around which people donate their remains for anatomical learning, teaching and research. Studying the structure of body organs and systems will give insights into how the human body works and this will be related to dysfunction and disease allowing you to apply this to your subsequent learning.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	MEDS1X01
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sarah Croker, sarah.croker@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
Written exam	Final Exam MCQ and SAQ	40%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 1 MCQs	4%	Week 03 Due date: 23 Aug 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 2 SAQs and MCQs	8%	Week 06 Due date: 13 Sep 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Model and Video video and creative model	20%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Sep 2026 at 23:59	2 minute video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz 3 SAQs and MCQs	8%	Week 10 Due date: 18 Oct 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Poster research and create a poster on a topic related to the curriculum	0%	Week 12 Due date: 01 Nov 2026 at 11:59	Approximately 500 words (as a group)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation of poster present the poster created in Week 12 in person (mark includes poster and presentation)	20%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 17:00	5 minutes (as a group)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = 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

ASSESSMENT NAME	% of final mark	DUE DATE	Location/Submission	FORMAT	LENGTH
Quiz 1	4%	W3 - Latest submission Sunday 23rd Aug, 23:59	Canvas Quizzes online	MCQs	15 minutes
Quiz 2	8%	W6 - Latest submission Sunday 13th Sep, 23:59	Canvas Quizzes online	SAQ and MCQ	15 minutes
Model & Video	20%	W8 -Wednesday 21st Sept, 23:59	Submit online in Canvas	Create a physical model comparing three structures and record a two minute video presenting it to camera	2 minutes
Quiz 3	8%	W10 - Latest submission Sunday 18th Oct, 23:59	Canvas Quizzes online	SAQ and MCQ	15 minutes
Poster & Presentation - group work	20%	W12 - Sunday 1st Nov, 23:59 for poster submission W13 - In-person poster presentation	In-person	Create a physical poster as a group and present it in person with each group member speaking for 1 minute	Approx 500 words + 5 minutes
Final Exam	40%	Formal Exam Period	In-person	SAQ, MCQ and Drawing	90 minutes

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work is of an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work is of a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Work is of a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Work is of an acceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met 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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalized by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded. However, a unit of study may prohibit late submission or exclude late penalties only if expressly stated below. - special consideration approved - special arrangements approved - student academic plan in place - simple extension approved. Simple extensions can only be applied for and approved for submitted assessments.

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 MEDS1002; and History of anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Different cultural approaches to death and anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Australian Aboriginal considerations towards death; repatriation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Communication	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 03	A brief history of anatomy at the University of Sydney	Lecture (1 hr)
	Anatomical terminology and etymology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to studying anatomy from human donors	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Skin	Lecture (1 hr)
	Fascia	Lecture (1 hr)
	Anatomical terminology and etymology	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Skeletal Muscle - its form and function	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Skin dissection	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Nerves and Vessels	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Muscles - how to compare and contrast	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Bone and Joints	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Muscles, nerves, and vessels	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Comparative Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Clinical Applications of Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Drawing as a skill	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Anatomy in a Forensic Perspective	Lecture (1 hr)
	The art of histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Bones and comparative anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Viscera	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Histology - let's go virtual	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Development - a touch of embryology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Viscera	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	Revision and Q&A	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathways from MEDS1002	Lecture (1 hr)
	Development - ways to make a human	Workshop (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Structured revision	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

It is an expectation of this Unit of Study that students attend a minimum of 80% of Practical classes and 80% of Workshops. Students who fall below 80% attendance (without approval from the UoS coordinator) may be at risk of receiving 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.

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. understand the ethical principles underpinning the use of human body donors for the study of anatomy and cultural diversity in death and the treatment of the human body
LO2. understand the fundamental organization and development of the human body from its gross structure to the cellular level
LO3. understand the fundamental functional properties of the human body as it relates to structural and developmental processes
LO4. relate and apply knowledge of the structural organization and functional properties to other biomedical and biological disciplines
LO5. work independently, as well as in small groups to lead responsibility for your learning
LO6. communicate effectively in both written and oral forms for specialist, generalist and lay audiences. Experience communicating anatomical and histological knowledge through other forms of multimedia

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.

Reduction in weighting of group assignment (in favour of individual assignment which involves more work). Constructing an EFT quiz more closely aligned to the learning objectives of the unit.

Additional information

See Canvas Site

Additional costs

nil

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

Practical Classes:

You will need lab coat & 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 practical laboratories.

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 (one holder per student is supplied).

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

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

MEDS1002: Essentials of Human Anatomy

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

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