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Unit outline_

BIOS1155: Structure, Function and Disease A

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This is an entry ­level unit designed to give students an overview of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems relevant for professional practice. The basic concepts of pharmacology will also be introduced to enable students to understand the action of drugs on each of the body systems as they are covered in this unit and in BIOS1158, Structure, Function and Disease B. Material will be presented in lectures, workshops and practical sessions. Students are expected to complete self-directed learning packages prior to some practical sessions. This unit includes laboratory classes in which human cadavers are studied; attendance at such classes is required. Students who achieve a pass have a basic working knowledge of professionally relevant aspects of anatomy and physiology. Students who achieve higher grades are better able to integrate various aspects of the unit, and to apply their knowledge to solve problems or explain higher level.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Elizabeth Hegedus, elizabeth.hegedus@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Elizabeth Hegedus, elizabeth.hegedus@sydney.edu.au
Jaimie Polson, jaimie.polson@sydney.edu.au
Elizabeth Clarke, elizabeth.clarke@sydney.edu.au
Jin Huang, jin.huang@sydney.edu.au
Helen Ritchie, helen.ritchie@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
BIOS1155 Final exam
Short answer and multiple choice questions.
45% Formal exam period 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Online task Topic Quizzes 2-5
An online topic quiz in Weeks 5, 7, 11 and 13.
8% Multiple weeks Four quizzes, 20 minutes each.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Tutorial quiz Worksheets 1-5
In-class anatomy lab worksheets in Weeks 4, 6, 7, 10 and 12.
10% Multiple weeks Five worksheets, 20 minutes each.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Online task Our Expectations, Your Obligations quiz
Students must obtain 100% in this compulsory anatomy laboratory induction.
0% Week 01
Due date: 23 Feb 2024 at 23:59
30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Online task Topic Quiz 1: Early Feedback Task
#earlyfeedbacktask
2% Week 03
Due date: 08 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 08 Mar 2024
20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Supervised test
? 
BIOS1155 In-semester test
Short answer and multiple choice questions.
35% Week 08
Due date: 17 Apr 2024 at 11:00

Closing date: 17 Apr 2024
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3

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

  • Our Expectations, Your Obligations quiz: This is a mandatory lab induction required for access into the Anderson Stuart anatomy laboratories and the Wilson Museum. Questions relate to the Anatomy Tutorials Protocols and Safety induction video.
  • Topic quizzes: Five online (Canvas) quizzes, worth a combined total of 10% of the final mark, consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions covering the following topics:
    1.  Introduction to Anatomy quiz (due Friday 8/3/2024, 23:59 pm). This is the compulsory Early Feedback Task.
    2. Upper limb anatomy quiz (due Friday 22/3/2024, 23:59 pm)
    3. Lower limb anatomy and Musculoskeletal pathophysiology (due Monday 8/4/2024, 23:59 pm). Note the change in due date as a result of Easter and the Mid-semester break.
    4. Respiratory system and Pharmacology quiz (due Friday 10/5/2024, 23:59 pm)
    5. Cardiovascular system quiz (due Friday 25/5/2024, 23:59 pm)
  • Worksheets: Five in-class (paper-based) worksheets, worth a combined total of 10% of the final mark, consisting of questions covering the following topics:
    1. Upper limb anatomy (Week 4 practical/tutorial class)
    2. Lower limb anatomy (Week 6 practical/tutorial class)
    3. Head, neck, trunk anatomy (Week 7 practical/tutorial class)
    4. Respiratory system anatomy (Week 10 practical/tutorial class)
    5. Cardiovascular system anatomy (Week 12 practical/tutorial class)
  • In-semester Test: Questions (multiple choice and short answer) will cover the material on Musculoskeletal anatomy and Musculoskeletal pathophysiology presented in lectures and practical/tutorials. This assessment is worth 35% of the final mark.
  • Final exam: Questions (multiple choice and short answer) will cover material on Principles of pharmacology and the Respiratory and Cardiovascular systems presented in lectures, practicals and tutorials. This assessment is worth 45% of the final mark.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 superior standard, a credit competent work demonstrating potential for higher study, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.

Credit

65 - 74

Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

For more information see guide to grades.

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:

All assignments must be submitted by the due date and quizzes and exams attended when they are scheduled. Students are expected to manage their time and to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur penalties. Failure to meet assessment deadlines will incur mark deductions of 5% of the maximum awardable mark available for every day past the due date (for electronic submissions, days late includes Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days, until the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be 0/100.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 2023 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 2023. 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 Introduction to Structure, Function and Disease A (BIOS1155) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Learning anatomy Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Anatomy of the upper limb Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 02 Introduction to anatomy (Orientation) Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Anatomy of the lower limb Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 Upper limb anatomy (bones/joints) Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Anatomy of the head, neck and trunk Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 04 Upper Limb Q & A Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Upper limb anatomy (muscles, nerves, blood vessels) Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Musculoskeletal pathophysiology 1, 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 05 Lower limb anatomy (bones/joints) Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Musculoskeletal pathophysiology 3, 4 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 06 Musculoskeletal pathophysiology 5 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Lower limb anatomy (muscles, nerves, blood vessels) Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Respiratory system 1, 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 07 Lower limb and Axial anatomy and Musculoskeletal pathophysiology Q & A Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Skull, vertebral column, and thorax anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Respiratory system 3, 4 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 09 Respiratory system 5, 6 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 10 Principles of pharmacology Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Respiratory system anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Cardiovascular system 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 11 Respiratory system and Pharmacology Q & A Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Cardiovascular system 2, 3 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 12 Cardiovascular system anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Cardiovascular system 4, 5 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 13 Cardiovascular system 6, 7 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Cardiovascular system Q & A Online class (1 hr) LO1 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Practical/tutorial class attendance/requirements: Students must attend their own practical/tutorial at the time and place indicated. Students are required to bring their student card (name holders will be provided), and to scan the QR code outside Anatomy laboratories to register their attendance. Students are required to provide their own laboratory coats (compulsory) and facemasks/safety glasses (not required but may be worn if preferred). Students need to bring printed laboratory notes (downloaded from Canvas) for use during the class.

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’s reading list system, available on Canvas.

 

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. Use anatomical and directional terminology appropriately.
  • LO2. Understand the ethics of working with human cadavers.
  • LO3. Understand the normal gross and sectional anatomical structure, basic physiology and common or significant pathology of the musculoskeletal system and apply knowledge to interpret structures in images created using common modalities such as radiographs, ultrasound, CT and MRI.
  • LO4. Understand the fundamental principles of pharmacology, be able to explain the actions, adverse reactions and interactions of medications on the human body, and explain drug scheduling, the Poisons Act and the responsibilities of health professional.
  • LO5. Understand the normal gross and sectional anatomical structure, basic physiology and common or significant pathology of the respiratory system and apply knowledge to interpret structures in images created using common modalities such as radiographs, ultrasound, CT and MRI.
  • LO6. Understand the normal gross and sectional anatomical structure, basic physiology and common or significant pathology of the cardiovascular system and apply knowledge to interpret structures in images created using common modalities such as radiographs, ultrasound, CT and MRI.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice.
1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment.
LO2
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment.
Domain 2.1.f. Apply knowledge of the Australian healthcare system to practice.
Domain 2.1.g. Practice the basic principles underpinning bio-ethics in medical radiation practice and recognise and respond appropriately to ethical issues encountered in practice.
LO3
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice.
1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment.
1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
LO4
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment.
1.8.a. Apply the principles of safe and effective use of medicines to practice.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
4. Medication Safety Standard
LO5
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice.
1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
1.10.c. Apply knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, embryology, pathophysiology, haemodynamic and sonographic appearances of normal and abnormal anatomy.
LO6
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.1.a. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body to practice.
1.1.b. Apply knowledge of the scientific explanations underpinning disease and injuries affecting the human body to enable delivery of safe, high-quality examinations/treatment.
1.1.c. Identify anatomical structures and physiological processes, injuries and diseases of the human body in medical images.
National Safety and Quality Health Service -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
4 A Medication Safety Standard

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

On behalf of the teaching team, I thank the class of 2023 for their thoughtful and encouraging feedback. Many of the suggestions have been incorporated into the 2024 Unit of Study. Practical classes (and helpful tutors) continued to be popular, consolidating what was presented in lectures. We have updated the jigsaw tutorials and introduced worksheets to provide you with feedback on your understanding, and to introduce questions styles that will be used in the formal assessments. Timetabling: It is always challenging to have an early lecture on Mondays. Thanks to our timetabling team we have managed to move the lecture time on Mondays from 8 am to 9 am, with a short break before the practical/tutorial classes to have a quick coffee and catch-up with new friends. Feedback: Students found the personalised feedback on Canvas helped focus their learning - we will continue to have this available via the 'Assessment Feedback' link on the Home page. Formative assessments: Topic quizzes will continue to be available to allow students to practice for the In-semester and final exams using past exam questions. Summative assessments: We have introduced 5 topic quizzes worth a combined total of 10%, and 5 in-class worksheets, also worth a combined total of 10%. These have been designed to encourage continued student engagement with content throughout the semester. The online booking system for one-on-one meetings: This will be continued and extended to make it easier for people to book a time to discuss issues throughout the semester, not just following assessments. Elizabeth Hegedus, on behalf of the lecturers (Helen, Elizabeth (Liz), Jin, Jaimie) and tutors (Andy, Josh and James).

Work, health and safety

  • Students will not be allowed to enter any Anatomy Facility, laboratory or the Wilson Museum of Human Anatomy until they have read and understood the Anatomy Act and the Anatomy Safety Policies offered through the “Our Expectations, Your Obligations” Quiz available on Canvas.
  • Anatomy practical classes will be held in the Anatomy wet labs in the Anderson Stuart Building (F13) and there are specific respect and safety requirements that need to be understood and adhered to if the privilege of access into the Anatomy Laboratories and Wilson Museum of Human Anatomy is to be granted.
  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstance. This includes all dry lab and wet lab spaces in the Anderson Stuart building and all dry lab and seminar rooms in the CPC.
  • A laboratory coat, enclosed shoes and latex/nitrile gloves must be worn in anatomy wet laboratories. Use of any electronic devices (including phones, laptops, tablets) in the anatomy laboratories is prohibited. Long hair needs to be tied back.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.