Course coordinator
Mrs Tracey Langfield
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Biomedical Sciences School
This course is designed to provide continued study of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in relation to their function and dysfunction in human movement.
This course is designed to provide continued study of human musculoskeletal and nervous systems, in relation to their function and dysfunction, in movement. In addition to the normal mechanical behaviour of anatomical structures comprising these systems, we investigate theﾠresponses ofﾠmusculoskeletal and nervous system structures to different loading conditions, injury, disease, and rehabilitation. Normal mechanisms of postural and movement control are examined along with changes that occur during aging or pathological conditions.
Practical classes conducted in the Gross Anatomy Facility (GAF) in the Otto Hirschfeld Building (#81), St Lucia Campus use human cadaveric specimens. Students unable to fully participate for medical, personal or religious reasons, should discuss their situation with the Course Coordinator prior to enrolment.
Of special note:
- The study of real human anatomy depends on altruistic gifts of donors and demands a respectful behaviour and professional attitude of students and staff at all times (see Learning Resources for compulsory training and relevant acts and policy documents). Students should note that it is a requirement under Queensland law to appropriately conduct themselves when examining any material derived from donated human cadavers. The Transplantation and Anatomy Act, 1974 (Qld), s34 (2) states that: "A person who performs an anatomical examination upon a body shall do so in a quiet, orderly and decent manner." A failure to comply with this rule of the Anatomy Act may be regarded as a criminal offence under part s236 (b) of the Criminal Code Act, 1899 (Qld) which states "A person improperly or indecently interferes with, or offers any indignity to, any dead human body or human remains, whether buried or not...is liable to imprisonment...". Any such breaches may be referred to, or prosecuted by, the police.
- As per the SBMS Code of Conduct for Use of Human Tissues (see 3.1 Required Learning Resources), personal electronic devices including mobile phones, cameras, tablets and other recording devices, must not be used anywhere in the anatomy teaching facilities, and they cannot be carried on your person (even in the off position) beyond the bag rack areas. Exemptions may be provided by the GAF manager for certain medical conditions. Use of the cadavers for entertainment, profit, and/or other personal purposes is strictly prohibited. Unauthorised photography, electronic imaging, and/or postings on social media that compromise donor confidentiality or discuss dissecting room protocol are banned. Severe penalties apply for breach of these rules, including expulsion from the University.
- Learning Resources provides further information
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students should have a good knowledge ofﾠanatomyﾠfrom ANAT1012 and ANAT1020.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANAT1020, ANAT1012
Restrictions
BPhty(Hons)
Course contact
School enquiries
Student and Academic Administration Team
The SBMS Student and Academic Administration Team is located on Level 1 of the Sir William Macgregor Building (64-130).
Course staff
Lecturer
Mrs Tracey Langfield
Dr Ray Lang
Associate Professor Taylor Dick
Professor Kylie Tucker
Dr Laura Fenlon
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The primary aim of ANAT2012 is to provide a link between the first level anatomy courses and your clinically-oriented Physiotherapy courses. This is not a clinical course, but will use examples where possible to indicate the links between scientific, evidence-based anatomy and issues that may confront a practising Physiotherapist. Knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of musculoskeletal and neural structures will assist your understanding of certain pathologies and of the adaptive responses associated with exercise, immobilisation and remobilisation.ﾠIntegrative functional anatomy will develop understanding of the relationships between the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems inﾠthe control of posture and movement.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Define basic mechanical terms and concepts.
LO2.
Use correct terminology to describe the mechanical response of human nervous and musculoskeletal structures to normal or altered loading conditions.
LO3.
Predict and explain the response of human nervous and musculoskeletal structures to insufficient or excessive mechanical loading.
LO4.
Identify the appropriate imaging modality for various nervous and musculoskeletal structures or pathologies.
LO5.
Relate the normal structure and function of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems to normal human posture and movement.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
In-semester quizzes
|
18% Quiz 1: 2%; Quiz 2: 10%; Quiz 3: 6% |
Quiz 1 4/03/2025 2:00 pm Quiz 2 8/04/2025 2:00 pm Quiz 3 27/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
Invigilated In-semester exam
|
52% |
28/04/2025
Exam starts at 10:15am |
| Examination |
Invigilated End of Semester Exam
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
In-semester quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 18% Quiz 1: 2%; Quiz 2: 10%; Quiz 3: 6%
- Due date
Quiz 1 4/03/2025 2:00 pm
Quiz 2 8/04/2025 2:00 pm
Quiz 3 27/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Quiz 1 (worth 2%) assesses module 1: Introduction to Biomechanical principles. 6 MCQ in 10 min
Quiz 2 (worth 10%) assesses modules 2-6: Bones; Joints; Ligaments & tendons; Musculotendinous unit; EMG, US and Musculoskeletal imaging. 15 MCQ in 25 min
Quiz 3 (worth 6%) assesses modules 7-9: Peripheral nerves; Brain; Motor control modules. 10 MCQ in 15 min
Each online quiz will be available in Blackboard for 1 day.
Only 1 attempt is permitted.
You are encouraged to complete the practice quiz before attempting this summative quiz. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Please ensure that you use a reliable internet connection and do not navigate away from the quiz once you begin.
We recommend you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing Blackboard Quizzes, both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment.
- You may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed.
- Your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation. If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified late submission penalty in the table above will apply to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
The intention of each quiz is to provide a low-risk summative assessment prompting students to keep up to date in the course and to provide feedback on learning prior to the related exam - as such, the maximum extension length for each quiz is 7 days.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
No late submission of in-semester quizzes unless there is an approved extension.
Invigilated In-semester exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 52%
- Due date
28/04/2025
Exam starts at 10:15am
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This exam will test theory knowledge of modules 1 to 6. Further details of the examination format will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
The exam will be a closed book invigilated exam held on campus and undertaken via the Inspera eAssessment platform. Students will be required to bring a laptop to the exam that meets the device requirements for Inspera. It is important that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. The Library website Get familiar with Inspera provides the latest information for students about using Inspera. Further information about the exam will be provided on Blackboard.
You must bring your current UQ student ID card and present it on entry to the examination. If you do not have your UQ student ID card with you on the day of examination, Examinations Procedure clause 28 outlines acceptable student identification that may be presented at examinations. Students unable to produce the acceptable forms of identification (i.e. their current UQ student identification card or a document issued by the Student Centre) are NOT permitted to enter the examination room.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students with an approved deferred exam request may sit the deferred exam.
The deferred in-semester exam will be held on Tuesday 13th May.
Invigilated End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This exam will test theory knowledge of module 7 to 9. Further details of the examination format will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
The exam will be a closed book invigilated exam held on campus and undertaken via the Inspera eAssessment platform. Students will be required to bring a laptop to the exam that meets the device requirements for Inspera. It is important that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. The Library website Get familiar with Inspera provides the latest information for students about using Inspera. Further information about the exam will be provided on Blackboard.
You must bring your current UQ student ID card and present it on entry to the examination. If you do not have your UQ student ID card with you on the day of examination, Examinations Procedure clause 28 outlines acceptable student identification that may be presented at examinations. Students unable to produce the acceptable forms of identification (i.e. their current UQ student identification card or a document issued by the Student Centre) are NOT permitted to enter the examination room.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students with an approved deferred exam request may sit the deferred exam.
The deferred Lower Limb and Trunk exam will be held during the UQ Semester 1 End of semester deferred and supplementary exam period (22-25th July) by Central Examinations.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 0% - 29%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 30% - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 45% - 49%. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 65% - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 75% - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 85% - 100% |
Additional course grading information
No assessment items are compulsory. No late submission permitted for in-semester quizzes unless an extension is approved prior to the due time and date. A mark of zero will be recorded if an assessment item is not submitted.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
The supplementary assessment may be in the form of an exam (written or oral), a written submission or another assessment as determined by the Course Coordinator. It may be made up of multiple components and will allow students to meet any outstanding Learning Outcomes. The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only and a passing grade will be awarded only if a student passes the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
School of Biomedical Sciences Assessment Guidelines
- Assessment due dates and times listed are Brisbane local (AEST) time.
- All assessment results will be available via the Blackboard site (learn.uq.edu.au) via My Grades.
- If you require further feedback on your performance in examinations, you can request an exam script viewing
Information onﾠ applying for an assessment extensionﾠ can be found on the ﾠApplying for an extension website.
Information onﾠ applying for a deferred examﾠ can be found on the ﾠDeferring an exam website.
Information onﾠ assessment re-mark requests ﾠcan be found on the ﾠQuerying a result website.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Identification | All students attending the Gross Anatomy Facility (GAF) must wear the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Identification at all times: Clean white laboratory coat, safety glasses and fully enclosed shoes. Students will not be permitted in the laboratory without these items. Each student must have their UQ Student Identification Card visibly displayed above the waist. While public health directions no longer require face masks to be worn, they are recommended when you cannot physically distance, or are a vulnerable person or caring for vulnerable people. Please note cloth masks are not acceptable in laboratory classes in the School of Biomedical Sciences. PPE and identification card holders can be purchased from the School Locker. | own item needed |
| Online Anatomy Induction Training | - Students must complete the online training for the "SBMS Code of Conduct for use of Donated Tissues" and "Working Safely in the GAF for students" at the UQ Blackboard training website (Biomedical Sciences Student Training). - Completion requires 100% correct answers to the test and a declaration for each of the two training modules. - Both training modules must be completed 72 hours prior to attending the GAF and at least once in each calendar year. - A record of student completions of this training will be cross-checked against class rolls for each practical attendance. - Students will not be permitted entry to the GAF if these induction modules have not been completed in full. | |
| Face-to-Face GAF Induction | - At the first scheduled GAF practical, students are required to undertake face-to-face induction. - A record of student completion of this training will be cross-checked against class rolls for each practical attendance. - Students will not be permitted entry to the GAF if these induction modules have not been completed in full, including the prohibition of entry for practical exams. | |
| Transplantation and Anatomy Act, 1979 (Qld) | http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/browse/inforce | |
| Criminal Code Act, 1899 (Qld) | http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/browse/inforce | |
| Anatomy Facilities and Programs Governance Policy | https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=122 | |
| SBMS Code of Conduct for Use of Donated Human Tissues | http://www.biomedical-sciences.uq.edu.au/files/12049/SBMS_CodeOfConduct_forHumanTissueUse_2016_1_HRECB.pdf |
Additional learning resources information
Please refer to your personalised timetable for the times and dates of learning activities.
Learning resources will be made available via your course Blackboard site.
Online formative quizzes will be provided before each summative quiz.
A GAF Policy and Procedures Laboratory Manual will also be available to students when in the GAF. Compulsory face-to-face GAF inductions for students will also be conducted at the start of semester, by the GAF staff, at scheduled times. Students are required to attend one of these face-to-face induction sessions prior to undertaking any classes in the GAF.
Any non-compliance with state legislation or university, school or GAF policy may result in an investigation and disciplinary action.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Course Introduction [Langfield] In-person on-campus lecture. Overview and discussion of course aims, learning activities, assessment and expectations. Introduction to basic biomechanical principles. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 1: Introduction to biomechanics [Langfield] A combination of lecture and online interactive module provide an introduction to basic biomechanical terminology and concepts applicable to this course. Students complete the learning activities at their preferred pace and time to prepare for the tutorial on the following Monday. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Module 1: Introduction to biomechanics tutorial [Langfield] Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 2: Biomechanics of bone [Lang] Students progress through a series of online pre-recorded lectures at their preferred pace and time to prepare for the related tutorial scheduled the following Monday. (estimated time 3hrs) 1. Structure (micro- and macro-) and mechanical behaviour of mature cortical & trabecular bone. 2. The biomechanics of bone through the stages of development, maturity & aging. Modelling and remodelling. Gender differences. How bone responds to normal mechanical loading. 3.Pathological response of bone to insufficient or excessive mechanical forces. Biomechanical explanation for types of fractures / bone pathologies. Biomechanical rationale for rehabilitation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Module 2: Biomechanics of bone tutorial [Lang] Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 3: Synovial joint biomechanics [Langfield] Students progress through a series of online pre-recorded lectures at their preferred pace and time to prepare for the related tutorial scheduled the following Monday. (estimated time 3hrs) 1. Biomechanics and lubrication of synovial joints. 2. Compare and contrast the structure and mechanical behaviour of hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage. Tibiofemoral meniscal pathology. 3.Aging and pathology of synovial joints. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Module 3: Synovial joint biomechanics tutorial [Langfield] Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 4: Biomechanics of tendons/ligaments [Dick] Students progress through a series of online pre-recorded lectures at their preferred pace and time to prepare for the related tutorial scheduled the following Monday. (estimated time 3hrs) 1. Structure and mechanical behaviour of tendons and ligaments, entheses & enthesis organs. How variation in tendon and ligament structure affects the biomechanics. 2. The biomechanics of tendon and ligament through the stages of maturity & aging. Gender differences. Response to normal mechanical loading. 3.Response of tendon and ligament to excessive loading or unloading. Biomechanical rationale for rehabilitation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Module 4: Tendon & ligament tutorial [Dick] Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 5: Musculotendinous unit and EMG [Tucker] Students progress through a series of online pre-recorded lectures at their preferred pace and time to prepare for the related tutorial scheduled the following Monday. (estimated time 4hrs) 1. Muscle architecture, fibre length, moment arm, PCSA, force-length curve, force-velocity curve, passive & active contributors to production of torque. 2. The biomechanics of the musculotendinous unit through the stages of maturity & aging. Response to normal mechanical loading. 3. Response of skeletal muscle to excessive loading or unloading. Biomechanical rationale for rehabilitation. 4. Measuring muscle activity to advance our knowledge of movement control. Research & clinical applications of electromyography; understanding electromechanical delay. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Module 5: Musculoskeletal Unit and EMG tutorial [Tucker] Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 6: Musculoskeletal imaging [Dick] Students progress through the online pre-recorded lecture at their preferred pace and time to prepare for the related tutorial scheduled the following Monday. (estimated time 2hrs)
Learning outcomes: L04 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Module 6: Musculoskeletal Imaging tutorial [Dick] Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 7: Peripheral Nerve Biomechanics [Langfield] Students progress through a series of online pre-recorded lectures at their preferred pace and time to prepare for the related tutorial scheduled the following Monday. (estimated time 3hrs) 1.Structure and biomechanics of peripheral nerves. 2.Peripheral nerve injuries. 3.Biomechanics relevant to rehabilitation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Tutorial |
Module 7: Peripheral nerve biomechanics tutorial [Langfield] Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 8: Biomechanics of the brain [Fenlon] Students progress through a series of online pre-recorded lectures at their preferred pace and time to prepare for the related tutorial scheduled the following Monday. (estimated time 4hrs) 1. Biomechanics of the brain and relate. 2. Acquired Brain Injuries - Traumatic brain injury mechanisms and pathologies. 3. Acquired Brain Injuries - The classification and pathology of stroke. 4. Primary and secondary pathology of acquired central nervous system injuries and treatment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Practical |
Module 8: Nervous system GAF practical [Fenlon] Examination of normal and pathological brain and spinal cord specimens. Relating anatomical pathology to dysfunction. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 9: Motor control [Tucker] Students progress through a series of online pre-recorded lectures at their preferred pace and time to prepare for the related tutorial scheduled the following Monday. (estimated time 3hrs) 1.Control of posture and movement. 2.Corticomotor plasticity & transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). 3.Motor adaptation to pain: Conference presentation: How does acute pain influence the control of single motor units and whole body segments? Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Tutorial |
Module 9: Motor Control Tutorial [Tucker] Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
Course guidelines
State Legislation
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students should be familiar with and shall not contravene:
The Transplantation and Anatomy Act, 1979 (Qld) - http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/T/TransplAAnatA79.pdf
The Criminal Code Act, 1899 (Qld) - https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/legisltn/current/c/crimincode.pdf