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:
- Use appropriate terminology for the study of anatomy and physiology;
- Identify and describe gross and microscopic views of the major tissue types found in the human body;
- Identify and describe the development, structural organisation, integration and functions of the musculoskeletal system of the human body;
- Apply critical thinking to health and medical physiological principles related to anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system;
- Engage in collaborative research that deepens their understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system;
- Effectively communicate concepts in human anatomy and physiology
Other Information
Due to the nature of human anatomy and the requirement for students to work with human cadaveric specimens, the staff ensure that students understand the expectation for ethical and respectful behaviour. Staff are aware of possible emotional effects of working with cadaver specimens and are ready to support students as needed. Students will also be advised of the expectations of ethical practice and principles of academic integrity relating to all assessment items and will be required to work and show evidence of their effective work in inclusive and collaborative groups when necessary.
Indicative Assessment
- Topic assessment (2 x 15%) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Group assignment and video presentation (Hurdle) (35) [LO 4,5,6]
- End of semester assessment (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,6]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face components which may consist of approximately 2 x 1 hour lectures per week and approximately 6 x 3 hour tutorials/workshops/labs throughout the semester.
- Approximately 88 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions and in laboratory sessions.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements are the skills and attributes that are necessary for demonstrating the learning outcomes of this course by means of summative assessment.
This course has Inherent (student) Requirements, learning and assessment tasks, or activities in addition to those expected as standard components.
1. Mandatory learning or assessment activity or task which is to be summatively assessed against learning outcomes
a. Group assignment and video presentation (Hurdle)
ii Communication –
~ written
~ oral
~ presentation
~ groupwork
iii Sensory –
~ visual
~ tactile
iv Manual –
~ gross & fine motor skills
vii Knowledge –
~ literacy
~ numeracy
~ information
~ others
Capacity for critical thinking, problem-solving, and the integration of knowledge across body systems.
viii Behaviour –
~ ethical
~ professional
If you recognise that you may have difficulty meeting Inherent Requirements, contact the Course Convenor. We recommend doing this as early as possible, so you can make an informed choice about your study options. Advisers will work with you to understand your needs and whether any reasonable adjustments might help you meet Inherent Requirements. They can also provide you with advice about other study options, if appropriate.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for this course.
Preliminary Reading
Indicative readings are provided by the reading list on the LMS (available electronically using Clinical Key via the ANU Library)
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $4920 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $7020 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4148 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |