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Course profile

Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing and Midwifery (BIOM1060)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

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

BIOM1060 provides nursing and midwifery students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of the interdependence of structure & function in humans at the cellular, tissues, organ, organ system and organism levels of function.

BIOM1060 is the first in series of biomedical science courses for Nursing and Midwifery students. In this course you will learn the foundations of biomedical science, with a focus on anatomy and physiology. The course begins with an introduction to human structure and function, and the basic principles of cell biology. You will then investigate the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and reproductive systems. The knowledge and skills obtained in this course will allow you to understand aspects of normal human organ and body system structure and function, and aid in the subsequent recognition and understanding of abnormal function in disease and application of various treatment strategies for acute and chronic illnesses.

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 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.

Course requirements

Restrictions

BN, BMid, BN/BMid students only

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

Students undertaking BIOM1060 should understand and appreciate that:

  • structure and function of components of the human body are interdependent
  • the human body has several levels of organisation: the biochemical, cellular, tissue, organ, organ system and organism levels
  • the concept of homeostasis is critical to body function: body cells are in contact with their internal environment, and body systems maintain homeostasis, a dynamic steady state in the internal environment
  • ‘vital signs’ are used in health care settings for assessing dynamic steady state in the internal environment and homeostatic factors
  • anatomical and physiological changes occur in the human body throughout the life cycle
  • the interdependence of anatomical structure and function provides a basis for clinical problem solving
  • disruption of homeostasis can lead to acute illness, chronic health disorders and/or death

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

describe the structure of the cells, tissues and organs that constitute some of the human organ systems

LO2.

identify the principal components, relevant anatomical features and relationships of some of the human organ systems on human cadaveric specimens and communicate effectively using correct anatomical terminology

LO3.

define the principal functions of human organ systems and summarise the relationships between the various organ systems

LO4.

identify and explain the importance of homeostasis in human survival, including the importance of the cellular environment and the cell membrane, cellular communication, and integration of cellular responses

LO5.

describe the link between human biology and disease processes and predict some functional deficits that may occur as a result of altered structure, within an ethical framework of respect for both living and deceased humans

LO6.

explain how anatomical and physiological changes occur throughout the life cycle, including pregnancy, embryology, and foetal development

LO7.

work scientifically, propose explanations, test hypotheses and draw conclusions about human anatomy and physiology through practical experimentation

LO8.

demonstrate the importance of physiological tests used in health care settings

LO9.

reflect effectively on your learning in biomedical science.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Tutorial/ Problem Set In person engagement worksheets
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
20% (Marks for best 5 out of 8 worksheets)

Worksheet 1: Musculoskeletal anatomy practical.

Worksheet 2: Cell, Nervous system and musculoskeletal tutorial.

Worksheet 3: Electromyography practical.

Worksheet 4: Spirometry practical.

Worksheet 5: Reproductive anatomy practical.

Worksheet 6: Respiratory and reproductive system tutorial.

Worksheet 7: Gastrointestinal anatomy practical.

Worksheet 8: Gastrointestinal and renal system tutorial.

Worksheets are due during class. Please check your personal timetable to find out when you are scheduled to attend.

Examination In-semester exam
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
  • Online
35%

In-semester Saturday

29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025

Reflection Meta-learning task
  • Online
5%

26/05/2025 - 30/05/2025

This task will open at 10am on Monday and close at 1pm on Friday. You can complete the task at any time during the week.

Examination End of semester exam
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
  • Online
40%

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Assessment details

In person engagement worksheets

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
20% (Marks for best 5 out of 8 worksheets)
Due date

Worksheet 1: Musculoskeletal anatomy practical.

Worksheet 2: Cell, Nervous system and musculoskeletal tutorial.

Worksheet 3: Electromyography practical.

Worksheet 4: Spirometry practical.

Worksheet 5: Reproductive anatomy practical.

Worksheet 6: Respiratory and reproductive system tutorial.

Worksheet 7: Gastrointestinal anatomy practical.

Worksheet 8: Gastrointestinal and renal system tutorial.

Worksheets are due during class. Please check your personal timetable to find out when you are scheduled to attend.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09

Task description

This assessment involves completing a worksheet during your five (5) practicals and four (3) tutorials. There will be eight (8) opportunities to complete worksheets in BIOM1060. Each worksheet is worth 4%. Your best marks for five (5) worksheets will count towards 20%. Worksheet questions will consist primarily of short answer questions. Please note that worksheets must be completed in class.

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.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 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. Include the name of the worksheet as per the Assessment Section of the Course Profile in your extension application. 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.

Late submission

No late submissions possible.

In-semester exam

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
35%
Due date

In-semester Saturday

29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

This exam will include a variety of questions, including but not limited to short answer and multiple-choice questions. The exam will cover the lecture material from weeks 1 (cell structure and function) to 5 (cardiovascular system).

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, 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. 

Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.

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.

The date for the deferred in-semester exam is published on the Academic Calendar: https://about.uq.edu.au/academic-calendar

Late submission

No late submissions possible.

Meta-learning task

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Reflection
Weight
5%
Due date

26/05/2025 - 30/05/2025

This task will open at 10am on Monday and close at 1pm on Friday. You can complete the task at any time during the week.

Learning outcomes
L09

Task description

This reflective task is designed to help you manage your own learning and to identify learning strategies that are effective for you. Your reflection should help you to optimise your study for the end of semester exam.

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

The meta-learning tasks will be available online through blackboard. You may take as long as you wish within the period that it is open.

We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard meta-learning task. Both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your meta-learning tasks, by for example:

  • 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.

Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.

You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website (under Undergraduate - Assessment), to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 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.

Late submission

No late submissions possible.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.

End of semester exam

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
40%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

Task description

This exam will include a variety of questions, including but not limited to short answer and multiple-choice questions. The exam will cover the lecture material from week 6 (respiratory system) to week 13 (Renal system). Details of the examination format will be provided during the semester.

This exam will be a closed book invigilated exam held on campus, 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. 

Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.

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.

Late submission

No late submissions possible

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. A mark of zero will be recorded if an assessment item is not submitted. Penalties apply for late submission unless there is an approved extension date.ᅠ

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Information onᅠ applying for an assessment extensionᅠ can be found on theᅠ Applying for an extension website.

Information on ᅠapplying 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
Textbook Students enrolled in BIOM1060 will be given access to Mastering A&P (an online quizzing platform) and the associated e-textbook, Marieb and Hoehn (2019), Human Anatomy & Physiology. Please note that you do not have to purchase these resources unless you would like a paper version of the textbook.
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.
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

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
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 2
(24 Feb - 09 Mar)

Lecture

Module 1: Cells [Ainscough]

In this module, you will learn about:

  1. The fundamentals of A&P
  2. Cell structure and function
  3. Membrane transport

This content will be covered in a revision lecture in week 2.

Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 3
(24 Feb - 16 Mar)

Lecture

Module 2: The nervous system [Ainscough and Dick]

In this module, you will learn about:

  1. Introduction to the nervous system and resting membrane potentials (Ainscough);
  2. Changes in membrane potentials (Ainscough);
  3. Neural communication (Ainscough);
  4. The autonomic nervous system (Ainscough);
  5. Anatomy of the central nervous system (Dick);
  6. Anatomy of the peripheral nervous system (Dick);
  7. Reflexes (Dick).

This content will be covered in revision lectures in week 2 and 4.

Week 2

(03 Mar - 09 Mar)

Practical

GAF induction

Practicals will run in the GAF. This induction is compulsory before attending anatomy practicals.

Multiple weeks

From Week 3 To Week 4
(10 Mar - 23 Mar)

Lecture

Module 3: Musculoskeletal system [Dick]

In this module, you will learn about:

  1. The skeletal system;
  2. Joints;
  3. The muscular system.

This content will be covered in a revision lecture in week 4.

Multiple weeks

From Week 3 To Week 13
(10 Mar - 01 Jun)

Tutorial

Tutorial 1, 2, 3 and 4

  1. Tutorial 1 - Cell and nervous system physiology tutorial. In this session, you will revise concepts from the cell module and nervous system physiology. Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar)
  2. Tutorial 2 - Nervous system and musculoskeletal anatomy tutorial. In this session, you will revise concepts from the anatomy of the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar)
  3. Tutorial 3 - Respiratory and reproductive system tutorial. In this session, you will revise concepts from the respiratory and reproductive systems. This practical will run in weeks 8 and 12. Please check your personal timetable to find out when you are scheduled to attend. From Week 8 To Week 12 (14 Apr - 25 May)
  4. Tutorial 4 - Gastrointestinal and renal systems tutorial. In this session, you will revise concepts from the gastrointestinal and renal systems. This practical will run in weeks 9 and 13. Please check your personal timetable to find out when you are scheduled to attend. From Week 9 To Week 13 (29Apr - 31 May)

Multiple weeks

From Week 4 To Week 5
(17 Mar - 30 Mar)

Lecture

Module 4: Cardiovascular system [Cuffe and Faber]

In this module, you will learn about:

  1. Cardiovascular anatomy (Cuffe);
  2. The heart (Faber);
  3. ECG (Faber);
  4. Blood pressure (Faber).

This content will be covered in a revision lecture in week 5.

Multiple weeks

From Week 4 To Week 13
(17 Mar - 01 Jun)

Practical

Practical 1,2,3,4 and 5

  1. Musculoskeletal anatomy (Practical)- This is an anatomy practical, which will run in the GAF. Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar).
  2. Electrocardiography (Practical)- This is a physiology practical, which will run in the MacGregor Laboratories. Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr).
  3. Spirometry (Practical) This is a physiology practical, which will run in the MacGregor Laboratories. This practical will run in weeks 7 and 10. Please check your personal timetable to find out when you are scheduled to attend. From Week 7 To Week 10 (07 Apr - 11 May).
  4. Reproductive anatomy (Practical)- This is an anatomy practical, which will run in the GAF. This practical will run in weeks 8 and 11. Please check your personal timetable to find out when you are scheduled to attend. From Week 8 To Week 11 (14 Apr - 18 May).
  5. Gastrointestinal anatomy (Practical)- This is an anatomy practical, which will run in the GAF. This practical will run in weeks 9 and 13. Please check your personal timetable to find out when you are scheduled to attend. From Week 9 To Week 13 (28 Apr - 01 Jun)

Week 6

(31 Mar - 06 Apr)

Lecture

Module 5: Respiratory system [Suen]

In this module, you will learn about:

  1. Respiratory anatomy;
  2. Gas exchange and transport;
  3. Respiratory mechanics and lung volumes;
  4. Control of respiration.

Multiple weeks

From Week 7 To Week 13
(07 Apr - 01 Jun)

Lecture

Module 6: Reproductive system [Cuffe]

Please note that these lectures will be pre-recorded and uploaded to blackboard. You should view these lectures before your associated practical or tutorial.

In this module, you will learn about:

  1. Conception, embryology and foetal development;
  2. Male reproductive system;
  3. Female reproductive system;
  4. Reproductive physiology.

This content will be covered in a revision lecture in week 13.

Multiple weeks

From Week 8 To Week 13
(14 Apr - 01 Jun)

Lecture

Module 7: Gastrointestinal system [Cuffe]

Please note that these lectures will be pre-recorded and uploaded to blackboard. You should view these lectures before your associated practical or tutorial.

In this module, you will learn about:

  1. The upper GIT;
  2. Accessory organs;
  3. The lower GIT.

This content will be covered in a revision lecture in week 13.

Multiple weeks

From Week 9 To Week 13
(28 Apr - 01 Jun)

Lecture

Module 8: Renal system [Rajapaske]

Please note that these lectures will be pre-recorded and uploaded to blackboard. You should view these lectures before your associated practical or tutorial.

In this module, you will learn about:

  1. Renal anatomy;
  2. Glomerular filtration;
  3. Filtration control,
  4. Reabsorption and secretion.

This content will be covered in a revision lecture in week 13.

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.

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