ANAT SC 1102 - Human Anatomy and Physiology IA

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2025

Are you studying in health and medical sciences, preparing for a health-related career, or simply keen to learn more about how our amazing bodies function in both health and disease? Human Anatomy and Physiology provides students with an introduction to the anatomical structures and physiological functions of the human body. Students will investigate the relationships between normal structure and function in human cells, tissues and organs. Human Anatomy and Physiology IA course content is divided into six modules: Cells; Tissues; Bone, Joints and Muscle; Nervous System; Endocrine System; and Reproduction. As well as introducing students to content, emphasis is placed on developing skills in research, critical analysis and communication of scientific information relevant to the study of humans. The course does not assume prior knowledge of year 12 biology or chemistry.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ANAT SC 1102
    Course Human Anatomy and Physiology IA
    Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assessment Assessment tasks, online quizzes, tests and exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Sally Martin

    For all course related enquiries please email us at hapia@adelaide.edu.au

    Course Coordinator:
    Dr Sally Martin
    Email: sally.martin@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Level 2, Helen Mayo North

    Co-Course Coordinator:
    Dr Danijela Menicanin
    Phone: +61 8 8313 4532
    Email: danijela.menicanin@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Level 2, Helen Mayo North


    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Timetable information can be found in the MyUni website for this course.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 Describe basic structural and functional features of the major organ systems within the human body.
    2 Define basic biological processes essential for maintenance of homeostasis.
    3 Correlate specific structural features of human cells, tissues, organs and systems of the human body with their normal functions, and identify the changes that occur during human development, ageing and disease.
    4 Work in teams to apply their knowledge to investigate clinical scenarios and debate current topics in scientific research.
    5 Develop research skills including critical analysis, interpretation, synthesis and communication of scientific data.
    6 Develop and display the motivation necessary for ongoing independent learning.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    3, 4, 5, 6

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    4, 5, 6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    4, 5, 6

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    4, 5, 6

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    N/A

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    4, 5, 6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    4, 5, 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Martini FH, Ober WC and Nath JL (2018) Visual Anatomy and Physiology, Global Edition, Pearson.
    Recommended Resources
    In addition to the recommended textbook, you may want to access resources on scientific writing and referencing skills from the University's Writing Centre as these will come in handy for the major RSD assignment.
    Online Learning
    All notes, resource manuals and papers for lectures, practicals, tutorial sessions and assessment tasks are available on MyUni as well as lists of suitable readings, online quizzes and links to external websites.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Human Anatomy and Physiology IA utilises a range of teaching and learning modes in recognition of the diversity of learning styles exhibited by the student population. Lectures and pre-lecture activities identify the concepts on which human biology is based and provide basic factual information and examples illustrating these concepts. The lectures are supported by online quizzes, and interactive tutorials that are designed to clarify understanding of concepts and apply them to new scenarios, often within a problem-solving context. Practical sessions provide an opportunity for visual and interactive learners to integrate the predominantly theoretical knowledge from lectures with that obtained via personal observations and hands on investigations. They also enable all students to acquire a more holistic perspective of the interactions between three-dimensional body form and functions at various hierarchical levels. In addition to the online summative quizzes, assessment throughout the semester includes tutorial and practical class activities tasks and a major assessment task that fosters development of interpersonal communication and research skills within a range of biomedical contexts relevant to the wellbeing of humans.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Lectures: 36 x 1 hour = 36 hours
    Laboratories: 6 x 1 hour = 6 hours
    Tutorials: 9 x 1 hour = 9 hours
    Examination: 1 x 2 hours = 2 hours
    End-Of-Module Quizzes: 2 x 5 hours = 10 hours
    Preparation for Laboratory and Tutorial Sessions: 1 hour per session = 15 hours
    Major Assessment Task = 30 hours
    Tests: 2 x 1 hour + 8 hours preparation per test = 10 hours
    General study = 40 hours
    TOTAL = 160 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    Course materials are divided into 6 modules:
    Module 1: Cell Structure and Function
    Module 2: Epithelial and Connective Tissues
    Module 3: Bone, Joints and Muscule Tissue
    Module 4: Endocrine System
    Module 5: Nervous System
    Module 6: Reproductive Systems

    Detailed information on lecture, laboratory and tutorial content can be found in the MyUni website for this course.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Human Anatomy and Physiology IA laboratory sessions are held in the Ray Last Anatomy Laboratory.
    To access this facility, you must wear (1) a laboratory coat, (2) closed-in shoes, and (3) your student identification card on your lab coat. You will not be permitted entry into this facility without these items. Please also bring a hardcopy of the laboratory handout and a pen/pencil as no electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) are allowed in this facility.
    Note: you will need to purchase your own lab coat.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment in Human Anatomy and Physiology IA consists of:

    1. End-Of-Module Quizzes x 3 = 10%
    2. Tests (x 2 @ 10% each) = 20%
    3. Major Assignment = 25%
    4. In-Class Contribution and Participation = 10%
    5. Examination = 35% (Hurdle requirement)
    TOTAL = 100%

    Detailed information, including due dates, can be found in the MyUni wesbite for this course.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    To achieve a pass grade for the course, students must obtain a passing grade for the final examination. [The final examination is weighted at 35% of the total course grade.]
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment in Human Anatomy and Physiology IA consists of:

    End-Of-Module Quizzes (x3 @ 3.3% each) = 10%
    Students will complete three (3) online, open-book quizzes throughout the semester. Each quiz will contain 40 MCQs covering two modules:
            * Quiz 1: Modules 1 and 2
            * Quiz 2: Modules 3 and 4
            * Quiz 3: Modules 5 and 6
    These quizzes are open while these modules are being delivered, and are  designed to supplement your learning of the content, in preparation for the End-Of-Module Tests.

    End-Of-Module Tests (x2 @ 10% each) = 20%
    Students will complete two (2) online, closed-book tests throughout the semester. Each test will contain 40 MCQs covering two modules:
             * Test 1: Modules 1 and 2
             * Test 2: Modules 3 and 4
    These tests are conducted ~ 1 week after content has been delivered for these modules. These tests are designed to formally assess your understanding of the content.

    Major Assignment = 25%
    For the major HAPIA assignment, students will prepare a scientific poster outlining the pathophysiology of a disease. The task is divided into two parts:
             * Part A: Scientific poster (15%)
             * Part B: Poster narration (recorded audio, 10%)

    In-Class Contribution and Participation = 10%
    Tutorial attendance and participation is compulsory, and accounts for 10% of your final grade. Students are allowed to miss one (1) tutorial and one (1) laboratory practical throughout the semester without penalty (excluding instances where valid medical or compassionate documentation for absences is supplied).

    Final Examination = 35%
    Students will complete an end-of-semester exam covering content from all six HAPIA modules. This 2 hour exam will consist of 120 multiple choice questions (MCQs). The final exam is a hurdle task - students must pass the final exam in order to pass the course.

    TOTAL = 100%

    Detailed information, including due dates, can be found in the MyUni wesbite for this course.
    Submission
    Unless otherwise indicated, all HAPIA assessment tasks must be submitted electronically via MyUni. No paper or email submissions will be accepted.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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