Outline

Overview

MEDS2005 is for students who are studying Human Anatomy and Histology in the Medical Sciences stream. Through face-to-face, Zoom, Pre-recorded lectures and engaging laboratory practical classes that involve the use of human cadavers and histological slides of human tissues, you will gain fundamental knowledge of the Anatomy and the Histology of the human body including the nervous, endocrine, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, digestive and male and female reproductive systems. Lectures and laboratory practical classes have forums for discussion and debate regarding the structure and function of the human body. MEDS2005 starts by teaching the language of Anatomy and Histology and systematically addresses the Anatomy and Histology specific to each body system to prepare you with knowledge and practical skills for many applied anatomical and histological settings. In the hands-on laboratory practical classes, you will work in teams, engaging with the content, building your interpersonal skills, and fostering a professional attitude towards learning and scientific endeavour. You will consider the processes of body donation and the ethical, legal and moral frameworks around which people donate their remains for anatomical learning, teaching and research. This Unit of Study teaches the Anatomical and Histological knowledge that is assumed for entry into the Graduate Medical Program at the University of Sydney and that serves as suitable preparation for Graduate Programs in Dentistry, Nursing, Physical therapies, Forensic sciences and other applied para-clinical and clinical fields. Successful completion of this Unit will equip you with a solid foundation in Human Anatomy and Histology to support Post-Graduate careers in the fields of Biomedical Research, Innovation and Development.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	6 cp from (BIOL1003 or BIOL1903 or BIOL1993 or BIOL1008 or BIOL1908 or BIOL1998 or MEDS1001 or MEDS1901)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ANAT2011 or BMED2402 or BMED2403 or BMED2405 or BMED2406 or BMED2801 or BMED2802 or BMED2803 or BMED2804 or BMED2805 or BMED2806 or BMED2807 or BMED2808
Assumed knowledge ?	MEDS1X01
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michelle Gerke-Duncan, michelle.gerke@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sarah Croker, sarah.croker@sydney.edu.au
	Suzanne Ollerenshaw, suzanne.ollerenshaw@sydney.edu.au
	Michelle Gerke-Duncan, michelle.gerke@sydney.edu.au
	Richard Ward, richard.ward@sydney.edu.au
	Claire Goldsbury, claire.goldsbury@sydney.edu.au
	Jennifer Menzies, jennifer.menzies@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Practical exam ?	MEDS2005 End of Semester Practical Assessment In lab testing of practical concepts taught in Weeks 1-13. Spot Test style.	25%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	MEDS2005 End of Module 1 Theory Assessment In class testing of theoretical concepts taught in Week 2 and Week 3 only.	10%	Week 04 Due date: 19 Aug 2024 at 08:00	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	MEDS2005 End of Module 2 Theory Assessment In class testing of theoretical concepts taught in Weeks 4, 5 and 6 only.	15%	Week 07 Due date: 09 Sep 2024 at 08:00	40 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	MEDS2005 End of Module 3 Theory Assessment In class testing of theoretical concepts taught in Weeks 7, 8 and 9 only.	15%	Week 10 Due date: 08 Oct 2024 at 08:00	40 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	MEDS2005 Integrated Assessment Continuation & culmination of 'Wicked Problem' researched through 2nd year.	10%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2024 at 23:59	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	MEDS2005 End of Module 4 Theory Assessment In class testing of theoretical concepts taught in Weeks 10, 11 and 12 only	15%	Week 13 Due date: 28 Oct 2024 at 08:00	40 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	MEDS2005 Online Theory & Practical Quizzes Online quizzing of theoretical and practical concepts taught in Weeks 1-13	10%	Weekly	10 minutes per Online Quiz
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

In Semester - MEDS2005 Online Theory & Practical Quizzes:
These small quizzes assesses students' ability to understand the anatomical and histological theoretical and practical content covered in each weekly lecture set delivered during semester. Each Online Theory & Practical Quiz is released immediately after the delivery of the relevant weekly lecture set and is available for students to attempt unlimited times throughout the semester - the rationale being that students can re-attempt each quiz with the goal of scoring full marks on these quizzes each week to contribute to their final grade as they use the large question banks to practice and revise their weekly theory and practical work. There are 13 of these Online Theory & Practical Quizzes offered throughout the semester (one offered each week). Only the best 10 (full)marks accumulated from these 13 quizzes will be used to contribute to the final grade. Run and submitted ONLINE - Week 1 to Week 13 inclusive.

In Semester - MEDS2005 End of Module 1 Theory Assessment:
This assessment assesses students' understanding of the anatomical and histological theoretical content taught in Week 2 and Week 3 only. The format is a supervised small test consisting of both multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Run FACE TO FACE either as a supervised handwritten paper exam or as a supervised online exam - Wallace Theatre (A21 Bldg) - Week 4.

In Semester - MEDS2005 End of Module 2 Theory Assessment:
This assessment assesses students' understanding of the anatomical and histological theoretical content taught in Week 4, Week 5 and Week 6 only. The format is a supervised small test consisting of both multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Run FACE TO FACE either as a supervised handwritten paper exam or as a supervised online exam - Wallace Theatre (A21 Bldg) - Week 7.

In Semester - MEDS2005 End of Module 3 Theory Assessment:
This assessment assesses students' understanding of the anatomical and histological theoretical content taught in Week 7, Week 8 and Week 9 only. The format is a supervised small test consisting of both multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Run FACE TO FACE either as a supervised handwritten paper exam or as a supervised online exam - Wallace Theatre (A21 Bldg) - Week 10.

In Semester - MEDS2005 End of Module 4 Theory Assessment:
This assessment assesses students' understanding of the anatomical and histological theoretical content taught in Week 10, Week 11 and Week 12 only. The format is a supervised small test consisting of both multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Run FACE TO FACE either as a supervised handwritten paper exam or as a supervised online exam - Wallace Theatre (A21 Bldg) - Week 13.

In Semester - MEDS2005 Integrated Assessment: This assessment is a continuation and culmination of your Research and Communication of the 'Wicked Problem' you have been working on throughout your 2nd year MEDS200X core units. The format is a SWAY presentation covering criteria that will be offered in more detail during semester. Run in students' own time throughout semester and submitted ONLINE - End Week 11.

End Semester - MEDS2005 End of Semester Practical Assessment: This assessment assesses students' understanding of the anatomical and histological practical content covered in Lectures and Practical Classes offered from Week 1 to Week 13 inclusive. The format is a hand written, timed anatomy and histology practical Spot Test identifying highlit structures on cadaveric material, models and images in the anatomy wetlabs. Run FACE TO FACE - Anatomy Laboratories (Level 4, F13 Bldg) - Formal Exam Period.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on the MEDS2005 Canvas Homepage under the 'Assessments' tab.

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.

Grade	Descriptors	Explanation / Interpretation
High distinction (85-100)	Work of exceptional standard	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)	Work of superior standard	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)	Competent work demonstrating potential for higher study	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)	Work of acceptable standard	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 (<50)	Work not of acceptable standard	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.

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	L1. The Who, What, When, Where, Why and ... Welcome to MEDS2005; L2. How to get the BEST out of MEDS2005 and how to BLITZ your Assessments; L3. 'Gifting' Human Tissue for the Study of Human Anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	L1. Introduction to Anatomy and Histology; L2. The ultrastructure of cells and the 4 tissue types	Lecture (2 hr)
	Introduction to Anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Microscopy and Measurement	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	L1. Anatomy of the upper limb; L2. Histology of epithelial tissue	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the upper limb	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of epithelial tissue	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	L1. Anatomy of the lower limb; L2. Histology of bone, cartilage and skeletal muscle tissue	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the lower limb	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of bone, cartilage and skeletal muscle tissue	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	L1. Anatomy of the upper respiratory and upper digestive systems; L2. Histology of the upper respiratory and upper digestive systems	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the upper respiratory and upper digestive systems	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of the upper respiratory and upper digestive systems	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	L1. Anatomy of the lower respiratory system and thorax; L2. Histology of the lower respiratory system	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the lower respiratory system and thorax	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of the lower respiratory system	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	L1. Anatomy of the cardiovascular system; L2. Histology of the cardiovascular system	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the cardiovascular system	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of the cardiovascular system	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	L1. Anatomy of the lower digestive system #1; L2 Histology of the lower digestive system #1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the lower digestive system #1	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of the lower digestive system #1	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	L1. Anatomy of the lower digestive system #2; L2. Histology of the lower digestive system #2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the lower digestive system #2	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of the lower digestive system #2	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	L1. Anatomy of the urinary system; L2. Histology of the urinary system	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the urinary system	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of the urinary system	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	L1. Anatomy of the male reproductive system; L2. Histology of the male reproductive system	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the male reproductive system	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of the male reproductive system	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	L1. Anatomy of the female reproductive system; L2. Histology of the female reproductive system	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the female reproductive system	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of the female reproductive system	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	L1. Anatomy of the central nervous system; L2. Histology of the central nervous system	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the central nervous system	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of the central nervous system	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	L1. Anatomy of the peripheral nervous system; L2. Histology of the peripheral nervous system	Lecture (2 hr)
	Anatomy of the peripheral nervous system	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology of the peripheral nervous system	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at a minimum of 80% of all timetabled classes is compulsory for successful completion of MEDS2005. Students’ attendance at Practicals / Assessments will be recorded. Absences from scheduled Practical / Assessment sessions must be supported by appropriate documentation. It may be possible to attend a different practical session but this is only granted by special arrangement with the Unit of Study Co-ordinator.

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states: 55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.

The Faculty of Science resolutions states: 9(1). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

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

There isn't one specific Anatomy or Histology textbook that you must use to be successful in this Unit of Study but here are some of our tried and tested favourites that we think you'll find really useful. You can also find a list of these textbooks, with hyperlinks, on the MEDS2005 Canvas Page.

1. Histology: A text and atlas. Ross MH, Pawlina W. 6th Edition ( Lippincott, Williams, Wilkins, 2011).

2. Gray’s Anatomy for Students. Drake R, Vogl W, Mitchell A. 3rd Edition

3. The Anatomy Colouring Book. Kapit W, Elson LM. 4th Edition (Pearson Education, 2013).

4. Colour Atlas of Anatomy: A photographic study of the human body. Rohen J, Yokochi C, Lütjen-Drecoll E. 7th Edition ( Lippincott, Williams, Wilkins, 2011).

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand the fundamental organisation and development of the human body, from its gross structure to the cellular, and intracellular levels
LO2. Understand the fundamental functional properties of the body as it relates to structural properties and developmental processes
LO3. Relate and apply knowledge of the structural organization and functional properties of the body to other biomedical and biological disciplines. To understand the relationship(s) of anatomical and histological knowledge, with the knowledge of biological, anthropological and clinical disciplines.
LO4. Search, identify, discuss and evaluate the primary scientific literature in the field of the anatomical sciences, histology, cell biology and neurobiology.
LO5. Specify hypotheses, design research plans and specify experiments that address and test hypotheses. Understand a range of histological and anatomical methodologies. Appreciate the significance of histological and anatomical investigations that identify the origins of the scientific disciplines. Have a thorough knowledge of the investigative and experimental approaches of the present, including “state-of-the-art”, techniques.
LO6. Analyse, illustrate, describe, and present primary research data.
LO7. Work autonomously and independently, work in small groups, work in seminar groups, lead discussion and assume responsibility for teaching and learning.
LO8. Communicate clearly and effectively. Communicate in written and oral forms for specialist, generalist and lay audiences. Experience communicating anatomical and histological knowledge through other forms of multi-media, ie., film, video, photography, 3-D media and printing.
LO9. Understand and articulate the unique privilege of learning about the structure and related function of the human body through the gift of body donation. Show an understanding of the framework in which people may donate their remains and the moral, ethical and legal responsibilities that this entails. Appreciate the place of anatomical investigation and anatomical knowledge in community and society, its medical, educational, social and global importance, its power and potential, its uses and possible abuses.
LO10. Apply tools and practices that will help you in your life-long learning.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Weekly Online Theory Quizzes have been reinstated and to these a Weekly Online Practical Quiz component has been added. Theory Assessments have been made smaller and spread evenly throughout semester as 4 x End of Module Assessments. Practical Assessment concentrated in single End of Semester Practical Spot Test Exam scheduled during Formal Exam Period and is set as a COMPULSORY/HURDLE task that must be attempted to pass this unit of study.

Additional information

More information on Unit content, Class delivery mode, Assessment constuituents / criteria and face to face opportunities throughout semester will be provided / communicated on the MEDS2005 Canvas Page and will be explained in class and through frequent Canvas announcements.

Science student portal

Work, health and safety

No eating or drinking is allowed in any Anatomy or Histology Laboratories under any circumstance.

This includes all dry lab and wet lab spaces in the Anderson Stuart Building and all dry lab, microscope and seminar rooms in the Charles Perkins Centre (CPC).

Face to face Anatomy practical classes will be held in the Anatomy wet labs in the Anderson Stuart Building (F13) and there are specific human 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.

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 through MEDS2005 Canvas with the expectation that it is completed by the end of Week 1 of Semester 2.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

MEDS2005: Human Anatomy and Histology

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect