ORALHLTH 1203AHO - Human Biology IOH Part 1

Teaching Hospitals - Semester 1 - 2025

This stream aims to provide the student with the biological grounding upon which the practice of dentistry rests. It is an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the human body and in particular the teeth and oro-facial regions. Topics include: basic biochemistry, general anatomy and physiology, general histology, oral histology and embryology, anatomy and physiology of the head and neck, microbiology and immunology.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ORALHLTH 1203AHO
    Course Human Biology IOH Part 1
    Coordinating Unit Oral Health
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Teaching Hospitals
    Contact Up to 8 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Corequisites ORALHLTH 1201AHO, ORALHLTH 1202AHO and ORALHLTH 1204AHO
    Restrictions Available to Bachelor of Oral Health students only
    Assessment Assignments, tutorial & laboratory exercises, tests, written exams
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Jennifer Gray

    Key Lecturer: Dr Kelsie Dodds
    Email: kelsie.dodds@adelaide.edu.au

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Demonstrate an integrated understanding of basic cell biology, including the role and function of the major biological molecules.
    2 Apply basic genetic concepts including the principles of heredity and variation, genes and chromosomes, assortment, linkage, mutations and human genetics to clinically based scenarios.
    3 Discuss the role of cell physiology in the maintenance of homeostasis.
    4 Compare and contrast the basic tissue types within the body, relating their form to their function, and with an emphasis on the hard and soft structures of the oral cavity, head and neck.
    5 Apply an integrated understanding of the structure and function of the body systems and key functions of a health body such as nutrient supply, waste removal, respiration, transport and movement, as a basis for analysing patients’ oral health.
    6 Identify the hard and soft tissue landmarks and features of the skull and facial skeleton and explore their function in the context of safe and effective oral health practice
    7 Recognise the relevance and importance of human biology as essential underpinning knowledge for the practice of oral health.
    8 Explore the basic tissue types within the body and apply their form and fuinction with particular emphasis on the hard and soft structures of the head and neck
    9 Apply the organization and interrelationship of the major body systems for the maintenance of homeostasis and health, and recognise the importance of medical history taking as an underpinning skill in oral health practice.
    10 Apply the anatomy and physiology of the head and neck to practice as an oral health professional, specifically targeting extra and intra oral examination.
    11 Discuss the embryonic development of the face and the oral cavity and the significance this has to dental anomalies.
    12 Recognise the importance of immunology and microbiology for the purpose of explaining the disease process in the human body and more specifically the initiation and progress of oral diseases.
    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.

    1-12

    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.

    1-12

    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.

    7,12

    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.

    7,12

    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.

    7,12

    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.

    7,12

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

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

    7

    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.

    1-12
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    • Tortora, G 2021, Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 3rd Asia-Pacific Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, Melbourne. (Online BSL)
    • Sherwood L Human Physiology From Cells to Systems (Online BSL)
    • Fehrenbach MJ and Herring SW (2016) Illustrated Anatomy of the Head and Neck, 5th ed, WB Saunders and Co: Philadelphia. (Online BSL)
    • Wester S and DeWreede R.M Embryology at a Glance, 2nd Ed WILEY BLACKWELL  or Fehrenbach MJ, and Popowics T, (2015) (Online BSL) Illustrated Dental Embryology, Histology and Anatomy, 4th ed, WB Saunders Co: Philadelphia.
    Recommended Resources
    • Marieb, E & Hoehn, K 2018, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Global Edition, Pearson Education, Limited, Harlow.Mescher, AL 2021, Junqueira’s Basic Histology Text and Atlas, 16th Edition., McGraw-Hill Medical. (Online BSL)
    • Nanci, A, Ten Cate, AR. & Ten Cate, AR (Arnold R 2013, Ten Cate’s oral histology : development, structure, and function, 8th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri. (Online BSL)
    • Norton, NS & Netter, FH 2016, Netter’s Head and Neck Anatomy for Dentistry, Elsevier, Saint Louis. (Online BSL)
    • Logan BM, Reynolds PA and Hutchings RT (2009) McMinns Colour Atlas of Head and Neck Anatomy, 4th edition, Mosby: London
    • Christopher Squier, Kim Brogden, Human Oral Mucosa: Development, Structure and Function ISBN: 978-0-813-81486-5 March 2011 Wiley-Blackwell (Online BSL)
    Online Learning
    All resources for this course will be uploaded on My Uni under Human Biology I OH Part A in Semester 1 and Part B in Semester 2 in the course material section. MyUni will be used extensively for learning and communication, so you are strongly urged to check your emails and MyUni announcements on a regular /daily basis. Other learning tools will also be used for group-based learning and interactive online learning modules will form a part of your pre-lecture preparation.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered in a manner that will address the diverse learning styles of the student cohort and will include:

    • Workshop Session: Active Learning Activities
    • Resource Lectures
    • Online Interactive Learning Modules
    • Case Study Discussions & Applications
    • CAD Review Sessions: [Consoldate, Ask & Discuss]
    • Printed and web-based resources
    • Written assignments
    • Online quizzes & asessments
    • Oral presentations
    • Self-directed learning
    Workload

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

    Contact Time
    Semester 1 & 2:

    Resource Sessions - Semester 1
    Monday: Semester 1 (see Program Plan)
    Wednesday AM: Semester 1

    Tutorials/Learning Laboratories - Semester 1
    Monday AM: Semester 1 (see Program Plan)
    Wednesday PM: Semester 1


    Learning Activities Summary
    The topics that will covered in this course will include:
    Biochemistry
    Principles of inheritance and genetic linkage
    Cell structure and function
    General Histology
    General Anatomy and Physiology
    Anatomy and Physiology of the head and neck
    Oral Histology
    Embryology
    Immunology
    Microbiology
    Specific Course Requirements
    Access to a computer with Internet connectivity will be required to undertake the online learning component of this course.
  • 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

    HB Semester 1  Assessment overview

    Week

    Format

    Feedback/Grade

    Weighting

    Learning Outcome(s) being addressed

    Formative Quizzes

    online

    Feedback/Grade

    10%

    1-6

    Summative Tests

    online

    Feedback/Grade

    20%

    1-6

    Assignment

    written assignment & group discussion

    Feedback/Grade

    25%

    1-6

    Participation

     

    Feedback/Grade

    10%

    1-6

    End Semester 1 Test

    online

    Feedback/Grade

    Hurdle

    35%

    1-6

    Semester 1 & 2 Online interactive workshops

    online 

    Feedback

    NA

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

    NOTE:

    Overall Pass standard is 60%

    Semester 1 contributes  40% to final overall HBIOH result



    Assessment Related Requirements
    This is a year-long subject across two semesters, with foundation knowledge taught earlier in the course, then developed and applied in the second. Consequently, semester 1 is worth 40% of overall mark, whilst the higher level knowledge in semester 2 contributes 60%.

    All assessment tasks must be completed successfully: that is, this should be considered as a score of at least 60%, in order to achieve competence in the overall course.  Redemption opportunities may be provided, but are not guaranteed.
    Assessment Detail

    Formative online quizzes

    There are regular online formative online quizzes to support your learning.

    Summative Tests There are a number of summative online tests during the semester and final end of semester tests to support your understanding of the concepts of human biology.  The End of Semester 1 test, Semester 2 Anatomy Test and End of Semester 2 Test are Hurdle assessments.

    Assignment There is an assignment in Semester 1 that builds your knowledge and skills in core concepts in human biology.

    Participation
    Workshop attendance and participation is compulsory and contributes to your final grade.  Students are allowed to miss one (1) tutorial throughout the semester without penalty (excluding instances where valid medical and compassionate documentation for absences is supplied). 


    Submission
    Assignments must be submitted with the dental school’s official cover sheet. Submission may be made electronically unless otherwise advised.

    Any requests for extension must be made in writing to the relevant assessor no later than 7 days before the due date.
    Course Grading

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

    NOG (No Grade Associated)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing

    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.

    Changes made to Human Biology I OH  (based on eSELTS and teaching staff reflection)



    ·        Reduced the number of assessments.  

    ·        Promoting participation and including as part of assessment.

    ·        Review of content delivery.


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  • Policies & Guidelines
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