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Course profile

Human Anatomy (BIOM2020)

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

This course provides an introduction to human gross anatomy. Using prosected anatomical resources, students will learn macroscopic structure of human organ systems including the musculoskeletal, nervous and visceral systems. This course is pertinent to higher level studies in the biological sciences and is a prerequisite for 3rd year dissection and research courses in human anatomy.

BIOM2020 aims to provide an understanding of the macroscopic structure of the human body. This goal will be obtained using a combination of lectures and prosected cadavers in the UQ Gross Anatomy Facility (GAF). You will learn: the language of anatomy; basic structure and function of major anatomical systems of the body; how to identify and describe superficial and deep body structures in situ;ᅠgain an appreciation of ethical matters surrounding the study of human material; and how to handle human remains in a mortuary setting.


Human body structure will be learnt by organ system and will include musculoskeletal, nervous and visceral systems.


BIOM2020 is a pre-requisite for higher level anatomy courses (BIOM3002, BIOM3003 and ANAT3022) and is recommended for pursuit of Honours and/or Postgraduate studies in functional morphology/forensic anthropology/anatomy/biomechanics. A human anatomy textbook and a photographic anatomy atlas are strongly recommended during this course for student reference.


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 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.


  • Learning Resources provides further information.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Generic cell/tissue/organ structure.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

BIOL1040 or (BIOM1070 + BIOM1071)

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

BIOL1020

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

BIOM2019, ANAT1005, ANAT1018, ANAT1020, ANAT1000, ANAT1100

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

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