In this course students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the morphology and function of the human body from cells to systems. Students will closely examine the anatomical structure and typical physiological function of the musculoskeletal system. Students will study the musculoskeletal and related structures and be given an insight into the implications of disruption of these. A combination of lectures, online multimedia resources, tutorials and practical sessions will address topics covering basic embryology and homeostasis, histology and the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system. In practical sessions, students will have the opportunity to examine relevant histology, prosected human cadaveric specimens and models of the human body as well as undertake activities that introduce them to the assessment of important physiological parameters. They will be given further opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills related to the musculoskeletal system in health and disease. During this course students will also develop their collaborative working skills, and employ discipline-based knowledge to broader real-world situations. This applied course equips students with discipline-specific knowledge and basic skills to prepare them for clinical or health-related careers.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Use appropriate terminology for the study of anatomy and physiology;
2. Identify and describe gross and microscopic views of the major tissue types found in the human body;
3. Identify and describe the development, structural organisation, integration and functions of the musculoskeletal system of the human body;
4. Apply critical thinking to health and medical physiological principles related to anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system;
5. Engage in collaborative research that deepens their understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system;
6. Effectively communicate concepts in human anatomy and physiology

Research-Led Teaching

The teaching academics in this course are active researchers in the field of anatomy, physiology, and medical education. Their expertise in these fields are utilised in the content delivery and the assessment style of this course. Students are actively encouraged to experiment in their interpretation of the content and apply their knowledge.

Field Trips

Nil

Additional Course Costs

Students will require a laboratory coat and safety glasses and must wear covered non-porous shoes to all laboratory sessions. Students pay a penalty when proper PPE is not exhibited in the practical sessions as described in the SMP Anatomy Facility Code of Conduct. This penalty is imposed as a disincentive of improper preparation for practical anatomy classes.

Practical and lecture notes will be required for the laboratory and lecture sessions and can be downloaded from the course Canvas site. Coloured pens/pencils or an electronic device are recommended for use in these sessions. Students will also use the Kuracloud platform for practical sessions and examinations.

Small costs related to materials used for the assignment may be incurred at students discretion.

Examination Material or equipment

No permitted material

Required Resources

N/A

Recommended Resources

There are a variety of online platforms you may use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

The following electronic textbooks are recommended for this course and can be accessed via the ANU Library or using Clinical Key Student via the ANU Library website:

Anatomy & Physiology: From Science to Life; 4th Edition; ISBN 9780470598917; 2016

Gray's Anatomy for Students; Drake, Richard; 5th Edition; ISBN 9780323393041; 2024

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments on assignments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class
• To groups; and
• To individuals.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	L1: Introduction to Anatomy and PhysiologyL2: Homeostasis, cellular form and function
2	L1: Structural organisation and basic tissue typesL2: Connective tissue
3	L1: Special connective tissue typesL2: Muscle and nervous tissuePrac 1: Histology
4	L1: Anatomical terminology and movementsL2: Introduction to the skeletal systemPrac 2: Introduction to skeletal system and anatomical terminology and movements	Week 1-3 Content Examination
5	L1: Axial skeleton: Structure of the vertebral columnL2: Axial skeleton: Muscles, nerves and vasculature of the vertebral column and trunkPrac 3: Vertebral column and trunk
6	L1: Appendicular skeleton: Upper limb - muscles, nerves and vasculature of the pectoral region, shoulder and upper armL2: Appendicular skeleton: Upper limb - muscles, nerves and vasculature of forearm and handPrac 4: Upper limb
7	Student group assignment development week - no lectures or pracs	Draft Group Assignment due Friday of Week 7
8	L1: Appendicular skeleton: Lower limb - muscles, nerves and vasculature of the pelvic girdle hip and thigh regionL2: Appendicular skeleton: Lower limb - muscles, nerves and vasculature of the lower leg and footPrac 5: Lower limb
9	L1: Muscle physiology: neuromuscular junction L2: Muscle physiology: muscle contraction No prac this week - work on group assignment	Week 4-8 Content Examination
10	L1: Muscle force production: lecture 1L2: Muscle force production: lecture 2No prac this week - work on group assignment
11	L1: The musculoskeletal system as we ageL2: Disorder and disease of the musculoskeletal systemPrac 6: Muscle physiology	Final Group Assignment due Friday of Week 11
12	Group assignment presentations viewing and peer feedback	Week 9-11 Content Examination
13	Examination Period	End of Semester ExaminationSee ANU Examination Timetable: Examination timetable | Australian National University (anu.edu.au)

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Topic Assessment	30 %	1,2,3,4
Group assignment and video presentation (Hurdle)	35 %	4,5,6
End of Semester Assessment	35 %	1,2,3,4,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to attend lectures contribute to discussions and engage in activities provided for learning. When this is not possible, students are expected to listen to the audio recordings of all lectures and complete additional activities (e.g., non-assessed weekly check-in quizzes). Students are also expected to attend face-to-face practical classes and interact with stations and activities.

Examination(s)

End of Semester Examination will include multiple choice, short answer and short essay questions. The exam will take place within the official, end of semester exam period and students will be informed of the date, time, and location of the exam. See ANU Examination Timetable for the scheduled date and time: Examination timetable | Australian National University (anu.edu.au).

The official end-of-semester results will be released via ANUHub.

Assessment Task 1

Topic Assessment

The Topic assessments will assess your knowledge of anatomy and physiology based on weekly content in a face to face closed book examination using an online platform.

Topic assessment #1 will cover material from weeks 1-3; Topic assessment #2 will cover material from weeks 4-8; Topic assessment #3 will cover material from weeks 9-11.

Value: 30% (Topic assessment 1 = 10%; Topic assessment 2 = 10%; Topic assessment 3 = 10%).

Return Date: Within 1 week following the assessment

Assessment Task 2

Group assignment and video presentation (Hurdle)

The best way to test your knowledge of content is to be able to teach it! The Group assignment (25%) and video presentation (10%) will require students to choose a health condition within the musculoskeletal system to research and produce a creative video resource that describes the health condition and prevention and/or management of the condition. The video presentations will be shown in class, requiring students to effectively communicate the findings to academic and lay audiences, with peers and lecturers providing feedback directly to the groups during this session. This is a hurdle to ensure students meet learning outcome 5.

See Canvas for project details and assessment rubric.

Value: 35%

Submission Date: Draft (for feedback only) due in Week 7. Final submission due in Week 11

Return Date: Within 2 weeks after final submission

Assessment Task 3

End of Semester Assessment

The End of Semester Assessment is an examination composed of multiple choice, short answer and short essay questions completed face to face, closed book, using an online platform during the examination period. The end of semester examination is a non-hurdle assessment.

See ANU Examination Timetable for the scheduled date and time: Examination timetable | Australian National University (anu.edu.au)

Value: 35%

Return Date: Final course grades will be available from ANUHub.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment to the Canvas course website. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Hardcopy Submission

There will be no hard copy submissions in this course. All work will be submitted through the online Canvas course website.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. Submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

The return of assignments is not applicable to this course where the assignment involves the development of anatomy teaching resources. The assignments become the property of the Anatomy Facility and may be used for future teaching and learning purposes.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

There is no provision for assignment resubmission in this course.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students