Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy (BIOM3003)

Course overview

Movement is fundamental to life. In this course, recent scientific advances will be used to explain and highlight the interplay between biomechanics, musculoskeletal function, and neuromuscular control as it relates to human and animal movement. Experimental components will be integrated with theoretical knowledge to provide hands on experiences into form-function relationships.

BIOM3003, Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy, is an integrated course administered by the School of Biomedical Sciences and includes input from academic staff within the disciplines of Anatomy, Biomechanics, Motor Control, and Health and Rehabilitation. It presents an overview of (i) how neuro-musculoskeletal structure relates to function; (ii) the biomechanical principles governing human and animal movement; and (iii) how movement and posture areﾠcontrolled and regulated at the level of the spinal cord and higher brain centres.

The course generally involves two or three lectures per week, and one practical laboratory session of 3 hours duration each week. As this is a two unit course there is an expectation that students allocate 10-12 hours per week in relation to BIOM3003.

Some of the practical classes are conducted in the Gross Anatomy Facility (GAF) in the Otto Hirschfeld Building (#81), St Lucia Campus usingﾠhuman cadaveric specimens. Students unable to fully participate for medical, personal or religious reasons, should discuss their situation with the Course Coordinator prior to enrolment in the course.

Of special note:ﾠ

• 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 human cadaveric specimens. 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 aﾠquiet, orderly and decentﾠmanner." 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 GAF, and they cannot be carried on your person (even in the off position) beyond the bag rack areas. 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.ﾠSevere penalties apply for breach of these rules, including expulsion from the University.

Course requirements

Assumed background

All students will have successfully completed BIOM2020 or ANAT2029ﾠ(or equivalent courses that have used human cadaveric material in the learning outcomes in previous years).ﾠﾠAs this course explores neuro-musculoskeletal form and function in a broad sense, a previous grounding in gross anatomy is critical, especially as the course contains five weeks of dissection that requires knowledge of the organisation of limb musculature.ﾠ

There is a wealth of material available in the form ofﾠtextbooks (e.g. Nordin & Frankel (1989, 2001), Soderberg (1997), and Rasch et al (1989)) and original articles in the scientific literature that will assist progress.ﾠ Students will be directed towards appropriate resources during the course. A familiarity with mathematics and/or physics is an advantage for some aspects of the course. No contact time in this course will be spent revising assumed prerequisite material.

Prerequisites

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

BIOM2020

Recommended prerequisites

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

BIOM2012

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

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

Additional timetable information

Timetable information is available on the Blackboard site, along with lecture and practical topics.

Aims and outcomes

BIOM3003 is designed around the strongly supported concept that structure and function are intimately linked. The course provides students with the opportunity to gain an integrated understanding of principles and concepts in relation to neuromusculoskeletal organisation, function and dysfunction.

The broad aim of BIOM3003 is to provide students with an appreciation of the functional neuromusculoskeletal anatomyﾠof the human body. We explore the structure, function and adaptation of the body's framework in relation to the demands placed upon it, the biomechanical principles governing human and animal locomotion, and how the nervous and muscular systems act in an integrated way to produce smooth, desired movement patterns.

The course comprises modules, each of which follows on from the previous topic area to provide students with the opportunity to explore how different areas of research can be integrated to address a broad biological topic.

Specific aims are encompassed within each module and each of the related Face-to-Face sessions. These include, but are not limited to students gaining first-hand experience of quantitative morphological analyses, data analysis and interpretation, application of electromyographic and ultrasound approaches to examine muscle function, gross and microscopic analysis of musculoskeletal tissues and components of the nervous system.

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

GAF Dissection Project plan and Presentation

• Identity Verified
• Team or group-based
• In-person

Mode

Oral

Category

Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation

Weight

10%

Due date

11/08/2025 - 15/09/2025

Plan: Week 3 in class

Presentation: Week 8 in class

Other conditions

Longitudinal, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L06, L08

Task description

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Module assessment item 1

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

5%

Due date

22/08/2025 1:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

You must submit your report, with the electronic coversheet available on the Schools 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.

After submission, you should go to the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page to check that your module assessment was submitted successfully.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

A maximum 14-day extension ensures students stay on top of the curriculum and learning by keeping assessments in sequence and avoiding overlap.

A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.

Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time 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 penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Module assessment item 2

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

5%

Due date

12/09/2025 1:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

You must submit your report, with the electronic coversheet available on the Schools 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.

After submission, you should go to the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page to check that your module assessment was submitted successfully.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

A maximum 14-day extension ensures students stay on top of the curriculum and learning by keeping assessments in sequence and avoiding overlap.

A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.

Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time 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 penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Histology In-semester Exam: Musculoskeletal & Nervous systems

• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

20%

Due date

Likely week 9 in class

Other conditions

Time limited, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L05

Task description

Exam details

Submission guidelines

We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment, 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.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Late submission

No late submissions permitted.

Module assessment item 3

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

5%

Due date

10/10/2025 1:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

You must submit your report, with the electronic coversheet available on the Schools 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.

After submission, you should go to the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page to check that your module assessment was submitted successfully.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

A maximum 14-day extension ensures students stay on top of the curriculum and learning by keeping assessments in sequence and avoiding overlap.

A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.

Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time 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 penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Module assessment item 4

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

5%

Due date

24/10/2025 1:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

You must submit your report, with the electronic coversheet available on the Schools 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.

After submission, you should go to the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page to check that your module assessment was submitted successfully.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

A maximum 14-day extension ensures students stay on top of the curriculum and learning by keeping assessments in sequence and avoiding overlap.

A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.

Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time 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 penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Invigilated End of Semester Exam

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

50%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Other conditions

Time limited, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L04, L07

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Late submission

No late submissions permitted.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

To pass this course you must meet ALL the following hurdle requirements:

• You must obtain a PASS mark on the end-of-semester exam.

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

Refer to the SBMS Assessment Guidelines for School specific assessment information.

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

Additional learning resources information

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.

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

SBMS Assessment 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