91838 Structural Anatomy and Neuroanatomy
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 91400 Human Anatomy and Physiology
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 91812 Human Anatomy 2
Description
Structural Anatomy and Neuroanatomy explores the intricacies of the human body, focusing on two interrelated aspects: musculoskeletal anatomy and the neuroanatomical framework that underlies our sensory perception and motor functions. The subject adopts a regional approach, dissecting the body into topographical regions while also diving into the neural circuits that drive our movements and sensory experiences. Additionally, it delves into the fascinating realm of special senses, uncovering the anatomical foundations of vision, taste, smell, and hearing.
The study of structural anatomy encompasses the examination of the musculoskeletal system. Students learn to identify specific bones, muscles, joints, and neurovascular structures within each region of the body. In parallel, they explore the complex network of neural structures and circuits that govern our ability to move and perceive the world around us. Students gain insights into the anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems, learning how these work in concert to coordinate movements. By studying the organisation of neural pathways, the subject offers a window into the physiological basis of motor control and provides a foundation for understanding neurological disorders. Another captivating aspect of the subject lies in its exploration of special senses. Students dive into the neuroanatomy of sensory organs, uncovering how these organs receive and process external stimuli. Through weekly lectures, workshops, cadaveric experience and online resources, students gain knowledge of the neural pathways that transmit sensory information to the brain. Throughout the course, the clinical relevance of anatomical knowledge is emphasised. Students are encouraged to bridge the gap between theory and practice by applying their understanding of anatomy/neuroanatomy to real-life medical scenarios. Altogether, the subject offers a multidimensional understanding that is not only invaluable to aspiring healthcare professionals but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the human body.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply core anatomical information and directional terminology in identifying, demonstrating and discussing human body structures |
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| 2. | Categorise different types of muscles and joints, and relate their specific structural attributes to their role in achieving their function |
| 3. | Relate the location and function of anatomical structures and compare different structures’ locations and their role in achieving functions |
| 4. | Analyse the correlation between structures and function of the anatomical structures and how they impact the over all human function through distinguishing between different parts of the blood supply and nervous system and their different locations and functions. |
| 5. | Work collaboratively in a team and reflect on their individual contributions to deliver a group project |
| 6. | Clearly communicate the relationship between anatomical structure and function in different scenarios in a concise written format |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Identify, describe, and appraise how diseases affect the normal physiological functions of the body and can be managed by appropriate treatment. (1.1)
- Critically appraise available scientific evidence and apply scientific research methods to find solutions to medical issues. (2.1)
- Apply ethical and evidence-based approaches to problem solving and decision-making in the process of addressing medical issues affecting society. (3.1)
- Integrate scientific skills and new scientific concepts to creatively enhance the application of medical practice in a professional context, and reflection on your professional practice. (4.1)
- Effectively communicate using the most appropriate means medical knowledge to members of the public or to peers. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Structural Anatomy and Neuroanatomy is a fourth stage subject both in the Bachelor of Advanced Science and Medical Science programs where you will deepen your learning of human anatomy. This subject contributes to the following Faculty of Science graduate attributes.
1 Disciplinary knowledge
- Through the lectures, practicals, and workshops, you will learn the anatomy of the limbs, head and neck, and attain foundational knowledge of the anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems, the main descending/ascending pathways and special senses. These will serve as a foundation for future post-graduate studies in the health professions. Knowledge and its application will be assessed via quizzes and practical anatomy lab assessments.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
- During the lectures, you will have the opportunity to apply and analyse the knowledge that you will acquire through learning activities and scenarios and worked examples.
- A major assessment in this subject is a group project where, in small groups, you will research the existing literature on a given anatomical topic to develop a Poster. This task gives you the opportunity to further your understanding of human anatomy beyond the lecture and practical material, and to investigate in-depth a particular aspect of the relationship between human body structure and function.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
- In the practical sessions you will be working with human cadavers and gain an authentic experience of human anatomy (specifically regarding the limbs, neck, head and nervous system). You will learn how to handle human specimens in a safe and respectful manner. In the workshops and practical sessions, you will develop teamwork and collaborative skills. Furthermore, the group project will help you develop verbal communication, teamwork and collaborative skills. In doing so, this subject will contribute to your preparedness for subsequent post-graduate training. These skills will be assessed in the two practical assessments (Spot Tests) and the group project.
- Throughout the course, you will also develop the professional working ethics to handle human remains and adhere to
the work health and safety policies in the surgical and anatomical facilities.
4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
- You will be given the opportunity to work with real-life clinical-based scenarios that will be presented to you during lectures, workshops and in the group project. This approach is meant to boost your self-motivation towards the understanding of Structural Anatomy and Neuroanatomy, stimulate your creativity and help for your personal and future professional development.
5. Communication
- Amidst the weekly lectures and workshops, you will partake in small group discussions which will help you to develop your communication skills between peers and the ability to present your findings in a professional and technical manner using the appropriate anatomical terminology.
- A major assessment in this subject is the group project (Poster) where you will conduct research on the existing literature on a topic relating to anatomical / neuroanatomical structures and functions. This task will help you develop your written and visual communication skills, whilst improving your ability to generating an engaging document targeting a scientific audience.
Teaching and learning strategies
In Structural Anatomy and Neuroanatomy, you will have three-and-a-half contact hours per week. The subject includes the following activities: Lectures (1 hpw) providing an introduction to key concepts; Workshops (1 hpw) and Practical sessions (1.5 hpw) to extend the theory and give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge to scenarios, acquire hands-on experience viewing and handling prosected cadavers in the Surgical and Anatomical Sciences Facility (SASF).
Face-to-face / online classes will incorporate a range of teaching and learning strategies including pre-recorded online lectures (1 hpw) and weekly workshop sessions to improve your library, research and written and oral reporting skills. During the face-to-face workshops, you will work collaboratively in small groups to complete interactive activities, can ask clarifications on lecture topics and have the opportunity to receive immediate feedback from the lecturer. In the anatomy practical sessions, you will have the priviledge to study anatomy/neuronatomy directly on human cadavers at the SASF, where you will learn to inspect and handle prosected cadavers under the guidance of qualified anatomists. This will provide you with the necessary hands-on experience to help you apply the theoretical knowledge acquired from lectures and workshops to recognise in practice. Additional resources to complement this experience will also be offered to sudents enrolled in this subject (Acland's video atlas of Human Anatomy).
Prior to attending online lectures, you are encouraged to read the specified chapters from the recommended textbook and the lecture notes corresponding to the learning outcomes for that week as outlined in CANVAS. These learning resources will provide you with the foundations needed to confidently and actively participate in the discussions and to be able to identify learning gaps that can benefit from guidance from your lecturers and/or peers.
In addition to the workshop tasks, there will be weekly short progression assessments. These short formative self-assessments will comprise of at least five questions whose scope is to test your understanding of the topic and provide immediate feedback.
Anatomy wet-lab practical sessions will be foundamental for you to learn how to identify anatomical structures through viewing and handling prosected cadavers. This real-life experience will be crucial for you to consolidate the theoretical knowledge acquired from lectures and workshops.
You will be encouraged to complete additional activities that will assist you to connect your knowledge to practical and professional aspects of your field, to prepare you for subsequent post-graduate training and research.
Throughout the duration of the subject, you are encouraged to research the subject matter and prepare discussion points to bring to class to discuss with your peers and lecturers. You are encouraged to communicate with your peers; this networking will be a great skill to foster during the preparations and the design of the group Poster component.
A further aim of this subject is to help you develop academic and professional language and communication skills to succeed at university and in the workplace. During the course of this subject, you will complete a milestone assessment task that will, in addition to assessing your subject-specific learning objectives, assess your English language proficiency.
Content (topics)
- Upper Limb – bones, joints, muscles, vessels, nerves, regions
- Lower Limb – bones, joints, muscles, vessels, nerves, regions
- Head, Neck and the Vertebral Column – bones, joints, muscles, nerves, glands, regions and cavities including sinuses
- The Nervous System – Overview of the main structures and their functions, including the brain, brainstem, spinal cord and peripheral nerves
- Descending (Motor) and Ascending (Sensory) pathways
- Special Senses
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Faculty of Science graduate attributes:
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 60 minutes |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of responses and appropriate application of disciplinary knowledge. The quizzes total (40%) will be the sum of the two quizzes' marks (20% each). |
Assessment task 2: Group Poster
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Faculty of Science graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5. Communication
|
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 3, 4, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of knowledge of subject matter and understanding. The ability to work as part of a group to achieve the task outcome. Ability to demonstrate deep understanding to the knowledge you acquired through research and applying it to solve the topic question. Ability to reflect on the task process and your role in it. Research skills, visual communication skills and abstract thinking. Ability to research contents for the most up-to-date information and presenting them in a clear and concise manner. The ability to communicate effectively with your group to achieve the task. This task includes a milestone assessment component that evaluates English language proficiency. You may be guided to further language support after the completion of this subject if your results in this milestone task indicate you need more help with your language skills. |
Assessment task 3: Spot Tests
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Variable - Depending on cohort size |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of responses and appropriate application of disciplinary knowledge. |
Minimum requirements
Students are strongly recommended to attend each of the practical classes and tutorials during the semester. There is no opportunity to catch up if any of these sessions is missed. Failure to attend one of these sessions may affect your ability to complete the related assessment tasks. You should provide an acceptable reason for your absence, supported by relevant evidence.
English language proficiency: It is a requirement of this subject that you complete the Assessment Task 2 (Group Poster). Should you be identified with an unsatisfactory English language level, you may be required to complete further language support after the completion of this subject.
Required texts
Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, Global Edition eBook (11e) By Frederic H. Martini, Judi L. Nath, Edwin F. Bartholomew, Pearson, 2018c.
You can purchase a print or digital version of this textbook via the following link: http://www.pearson.com.au/9781292229966
Recommended texts
Acland. RD, (2011) Acland's DVD Atlas of Human Anatomy
Monkhouse S. (2007) Clinical Anatomy. 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone – Elsevier.
References
Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell AWM. (2015) Gray’s Anatomy for Students, 3rd Edition. Churchill Livingston - Elsevier.
Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. (2014) Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 7th Edition, Wolters Klower - Lippincott.Williams & Wilkins.