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Unit outline_

BIOS5090: Clin. Oriented Musculoskeletal Anatomy A

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study introduces the basic concepts in musculoskeletal anatomy prior to a more detailed study of the gross anatomical structure of the upper limb and vertebral column as they relate to functional activities. Material will be presented in lectures, practical and tutorial sessions and online. Students will also be expected to undertake some independent learning activities. This unit includes laboratory classes in which human cadavers are studied; attendance at such classes is strongly encouraged.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BIOS1168
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Darren Reed, darren.reed@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jan Douglas-Morris, jan.douglas-morris@sydney.edu.au
Aaron Camp, aaron.camp@sydney.edu.au
Bronwen Ackermann, bronwen.ackermann@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Joanna Diong, joanna.diong@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam Online End semester exam (Theory)
MCQ/ SAQ
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Small test Histology quiz
Online MCQ
10% Week 03 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1
In-semester test (Record+) Type B in-semester exam Online Theory Mid semester exam
MCQ/ SAQ
40% Week 07
Due date: 05 Apr 2022 at 12:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO11 LO12
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?
Type B in-semester exam = Type B in-semester exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Histology quiz: The histology quiz will be available online for a 24hour period in week 3 and once started will time out after 15 minutes. It will include 10 histology multiple-choice questions.
  • Mid semester exam: This will be an online identification and theory exam. It will consist of multiple-choice and short-answer questions and will cover all the objectives in module 1 (ie objectives 1-8, excluding histology). It will include pictures of cadaver specimens, dry bones, anatomical models, imaging films and surface anatomy. 
  • End semester exam (theory): This will be an online identification and theory exam. It will consist of multiple-choice and short-answer questions and will cover content from module 2 (objective 9 onwards, excluding histology). Introductory concepts will be tested as they apply to module 2. It will include questions testing the more difficult functional concepts relating to musculoskeletal anatomy.
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 very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Students who achieve this grade have demonstrated an extensive level of knowledge and understanding to meet the aims of the unit as specified in the unit of study description above. They have also demonstrated extensive skills in abstract problem solving.

Distinction

75 - 84

Students who have achieved this grade have correctly answered enough questions to demonstrate they have achieved a thorough level of knowledge and understanding to meet the aims of the unit as specified in the unit of study description above. They have also answered many of the higher grade questions correctly indicating that they can apply their anatomical knowledge to analyse functional activities and solve practical problems.

Credit

65 - 74

Students who have achieved this grade have correctly answered enough questions to demonstrate they have achieved a sound level of knowledge and understanding to meet the aims of the unit as specified in the unit of study description above. They have also answered some of the higher grade questions correctly indicating that they can apply some basic knowledge to more complex questions and problems.

Pass

50 - 64

Students achieving marks in the pass range have correctly answered enough questions to demonstrate they have a basic knowledge and understanding to meet the aims of the unit as specified in the unit of study description above. This may have been achieved by answering the majority of the pass level questions correctly, or by answering a significant percentage of the higher grade questions correctly. In setting the standard is is assumed that the ability to correctly answer the higher grade questions indicates that the student has a working understanding of the important concepts and the knowledge that underpins those concepts, without necessarily being able to express the knowledge explicitly.

Fail

0 - 49

Students who fail this unit have failed to accumulate enough marks to reach the pass threshold. This means that they have failed to demonstrate an adequate level of knowledge of basic concepts to meet the aims of the unit as specified in the unit of study description above.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -01 Histology, Generalised Connective Tissue, Synovium and Cartilage Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 01 1. Introduction to BIOS5090, anatomy & osteology; 2. Introductory arthrology Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO12
Introduction to the anatomy laboratories, osteology & bones of the shoulder Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO12
Week 02 1. Joints of the shoulder region 1; 2. Joints of the shoulder region 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Introductory arthrology & joints of the shoulder region Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 03 1. Muscle tissue: introductory myology; 2. Muscles of the shoulder region Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Introductory myology & muscles of the shoulder (1) Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO6 LO11
Week 04 1. Functional anatomy of the shoulder region 1; 2. Functional anatomy of the shoulder region 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO6 LO11
1. Muscles of the shoulder (2) & surface anatomy of the shoulder; 2. Shoulder tutorial Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO6 LO11 LO12
Week 05 1. Bones and joints of the elbow region; 2. Functional anatomy of the elbow region Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO11 LO12
Bones and joints of the elbow region Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO12
Week 06 1. Joints of the wrist & hand 1; 2. Revision Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO11 LO12
1. Muscles of the arm revision; 2. Elbow tutorial Practical (2 hr) LO4 LO6 LO11
Week 08 1. Joints of the wrist & hand 2; 2. Accessory features of the hand Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO12
1. Joints of wrist & hand; 2. Forearm muscles; 3. Intrinsic muscles of the hand Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO12
Week 09 1. Hand function 1; 2. Hand function 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO6 LO11
1. Surface anatomy of forearm and hand & hand function; 2. Revision: forearm & hand muscles Practical (2 hr) LO6 LO11
Week 10 1. Vertebral column 1; 2. Vertebral column 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO12
1. Bones and joints of the vertebral column; 2. Start VC muscles Practical (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO12
Week 11 1. Vertebral column 3; 2. Vertebral column 4 Lecture (2 hr) LO6 LO11
1. Muscles and functional anatomy of the trunk and neck; 2. Start brachial plexus Practical (2 hr) LO6 LO11
Week 12 1. Brachial plexus – peripheral nerve supply of upper limb; 2. Segmental nerve supply of the upper limb & nerve lesions Lecture (2 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO11
Brachial plexus/nerves of the upper limb Practical (2 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO11
Week 13 1. Blood vessels of upper limb & nerve lesion tutorial; 2. Revision Lecture (2 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11
1. Blood supply of the upper limb; 2. Revision Practical (2 hr) LO10 LO11

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: We are bound by WHS legislation to limit student numbers in labs. Therefore, students must attend their own practical/tutorial at the time and place indicated. Students may not swap groups for their own convenience. Each tutor will have a list of students in the tutorial group and regular attendance checks will be made.

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 on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

  • Anatomy and Human Movement. Palastanga N, Field D and Soames R. Butterworth – Heinemann. 6th Edition, 2012 OR 7th Edition 2018.
  • Color Atlas of Anatomy. J.W. Rohen, C. Yokochi and E. Lütjen-Drecoll. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 8th Edition, 2016. 

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. Describe the histological structure of musculoskeletal tissues (osteology, arthrology, myology, generalized connective tissue) as it relates to the gross anatomy and function including growth and injury.
  • LO2. Understand musculoskeletal anatomy terminology, planes and axes of joint movement.
  • LO3. Identify and classify bones of the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column, identify and deduce the functions of the major bone markings in these regions.
  • LO4. Identify, classify and state/ deduce the movements available at the joints of the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column.
  • LO5. Identify and deduce the mechanical functions of the ligaments of the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column joints.
  • LO6. Identify and describe the attachments, actions and functions of the muscles of the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column.
  • LO7. Identify the components of the Brachial Plexus and the peripheral nerves associated with upper limb function.
  • LO8. State the motor and sensory distribution of nerves to the shoulder girdle and upper limb.
  • LO9. Differentiate between peripheral and spinal nerve lesions of the shoulder girdle and upper limb.
  • LO10. Identify and state the supply and drainage of the major blood vessels of the shoulder girdle and upper limb.
  • LO11. Relate the gross musculoskeletal anatomy to functional activities involving the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column.
  • LO12. Interpret cadaveric anatomy in the clinical context of surface anatomy and radiological imaging of the shoulder girdle, upper limb and vertebral column.

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

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

Comments from this unit are generally very positive. Consistent comments from students about COMA include: • Well structured course with clear objectives. • Material engaging and challenging. • Prac classes in small groups and with cadaveric specimens very helpful for learning and reinforced lectures. • Prac tutors knowledgeable and helpful. • Lectures of high standard. • Museum resources, lecture recordings and other online resources eg videos very helpful for revision. • Quizzes online and in prac classes great for revision. • Mid-term feedback helpful. Challenges students have expressed include: • Not enough prac lab time • Coming from non-biology background is difficult • Large amount of content

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.