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Course profile

Advanced Clinical Anatomy (ANAT7900S)

Study period
SFC 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

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

Dr Yacoob Omar

Lecturer

Professor Mark Midwinter

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)
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
50%

27/04/2025

Examination End of Semester exam (Theory & Practical)
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
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.

See the conditions definitions

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.

See the conditions definitions

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.

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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:

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