Course overview
- Study period
- SFC Enrolment Year, 2025 (06/02/2025 - 20/07/2025)
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Biomedical Sciences School
The Advanced Clinical Anatomy Shorter Form Credential module (ACA-SFC) provides topographical training in anatomy with practical sessions on wet prosected specimens. This ACA-SFC is based on the Generic Surgical Science Examination of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons but also to ensures broader appeal (e.g. Emergency Medicine procedural, radiology, anaesthesia etc). Although the ACA-SFC is intended mainly for junior doctors preparing for Surgical and Radiology Training examinations, it is open to junior doctors and non-medical allied health professionals.
The ACA-SFC will be conducted online and in-person, and will be delivered by experienced Brisbane-based senior practising surgeons who are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). ACA-SFC comprises distance learning on-line sub-modules, providing fundamental anatomical knowledge, and clinical and practical elements delivered in intensive weekend workshops at The University of Queensland's St Lucia Campus. There will be a mid-semester assessment half-way through the ACA-SFC and a final assessment at the end of the ACA-SFC, both coinciding with the weekend intensives.
The ACA-SFC is offered by The University Of Queensland's School of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine. A Certificate of Attainment by The University of Queensland will be awarded to successful candidates.
This course has been designed to improve knowledge of clinically relevant anatomy, thus enhancing acceptance for vocational specialist training and upgrading clinical performance.
The course will teach clinical anatomy addressing all aspects of regional and systemic anatomy. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates will demonstrate knowledge in surgical relevance of all the structures covered in the course and surgical and procedural approaches to each organ or structure; and develop skills in anatomical structure identification and radiologic interpretation.
Practical classes will be conducted in the Gross Anatomy Facility (GAF) in the Otto Hirschfeld Building (#81), St Lucia Campus using 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 3.1 Required 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.
- 3.1 Required Learning Resourcesᅠᅠ-ᅠᅠprovides further information.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Student must hold an MBBS, MD or equivalent, or an approved degree in the non-medical allied health field (e.g. physiotherapy, radiography).
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
ACAC aims to prepare the student to sit professional examinations requiring clinical anatomical knowledge equivalent to that required in the Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE) of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
Mid-Semester Exam (Theory & Practical)
|
50% |
27/04/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester exam (Theory & Practical)
|
50% |
20/07/2025 |
Assessment details
Mid-Semester Exam (Theory & Practical)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
27/04/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This exam will test material up to and including Module 7 (maxillofacial).
The theory component will consist of short answer and multiple choice questions. The exam will be a closed book on-campus exam.
The practical component will consist of multiple timed stations in the GAF. Each station will present one question with two parts per question. Stations consist of pinned anatomical resources (specimens or labelled diagrams/images/models). An automatic buzzer will mark the end time for any given station and the requirement to advance to the next station. The exam will be a closed book on-campus exam held in the Gross Anatomy Facility (GAF). You must bring your PPE and present your current UQ student ID card to obtain entry to the examination in the GAF.
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 | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Please apply for a deferred exam here
End of Semester exam (Theory & Practical)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
20/07/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This exam will test material covered in modules 8-14.
The theory component will consist of short answer and multiple choice questions. The exam will be a closed book on-campus exam.
The practical component will consist of multiple timed stations in the GAF. Each station will present one question with two parts per question. Stations consist of pinned anatomical resources (specimens or labelled diagrams/images/models). An automatic buzzer will mark the end time for any given station and the requirement to advance to the next station. The exam will be a closed book on-campus exam held in the Gross Anatomy Facility (GAF). You must bring your PPE and present your current UQ student ID card to obtain entry to the examination in the GAF.
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 | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Please apply for a deferred exam here
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
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) |
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% - 39%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
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 40% - 54% |
| 4 (Pass) |
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 55% - 64%ᅠ |
| 5 (Credit) |
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%ᅠ |
| 6 (Distinction) |
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%ᅠ |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
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%ᅠ |
Additional course grading information
To receive a Certificate of completion youᅠmust completeᅠthe summative assessmentᅠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Information onᅠapplying for aᅠdeferred examᅠcan be found on theᅠDeferring an examᅠwebsite.
Information onᅠassessment re-mark requestsᅠcan be found on theᅠQuerying a resultᅠwebsite.
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: | It is a requirement that ALL students wear a clean white laboratory coat, safety glasses, fully-enclosed shoes, and their student identification cards when in the Gross Anatomy Facility. Students WILL NOT be permitted in the laboratory (including their first laboratory session), without these items. PPE and identification card holders can be purchased from the UQ bookshop. Each student must have their UQ Student Identification Card visibly displayed above the waist, when in the laboratory. | own item needed |
| Online Anatomy Induction Training | Students must complete the online training for the "SBMS Code of Conduct for use of Donated Human Tissues" and the "GAF Student Pre-Entry Induction" at the UQ blackboard training website (Biomedical Sciences Student Training) 72 hrs prior to attending their first GAF session 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, including prohibition of entry for practical exams. | |
| Face-to-Face GAF Induction | At the first scheduled GAF practical, students are required to undertake a face-to-face induction. 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, including the prohibition of entry for practical exams | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| UQ PPL 1.30.07 Anatomy Facilities and Programs Governance | http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/1.30.07-anatomy-facilities-and-programs-governance |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Practical |
Practical 1 Gross Anatomy Facility practical introduction, key-concepts and formative assessment. |
Not scheduled |
Practical |
Practical 2 Practical content covering modules 1 & 2 and Formative Assessment |
Multiple weeks |
Practical |
Practical 3 Practical covering content from module tutorials 3-7 |
Practical |
Practical 4 GAF practical covering content from module tutorials 8-13 |
|
Tutorial |
Module 1 Key Concepts |
|
Tutorial |
Module 2 Integumentary (with breast) |
|
Tutorial |
Module 3 Head & Neck |
|
Tutorial |
Module 4 Neuroanatomy |
|
Tutorial |
Module 5 Cardiothoracic |
|
Tutorial |
Module 6 Body wall |
|
Tutorial |
Module 7 Maxillofacial and ENT |
|
Tutorial |
Module 8 Upper Gastrointestinal (abdomen 1) |
|
Tutorial |
Module 9 Colorectal (abdomen 2) |
|
Tutorial |
Module 10 Urology |
|
Tutorial |
Module 11 Gynaecology |
|
Tutorial |
Module 12 Lower Limb |
|
Tutorial |
Module 13 Upper Limb |
|
Tutorial |
Module 14 Radiological anatomy |
|
Tutorial |
Revision |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
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