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Course profile

Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy (BIOM3003)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Biomedical Sciences School

Recent advances in research are used to explain and highlight the interplay between orthopaedic biomechanics, muscle function and neuromuscular control in human posture and locomotion. Experimental components are integrated with theoretical knowledge.

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.ᅠ

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 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 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 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 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

School enquiries

Student and Academic Administration Team

The SBMS Student and Academic Administration Team is located on Level 1 of the Sir William Macgregor Building (64-130).

Course staff

Lecturer

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

ᅠBIOM3003 is designed around theᅠstrongly supported conceptᅠthat structure and function are intimately linked.ᅠ The course provides students with the opportunity to gain an integrated understanding of principles and concepts in relation to neuromusculoskeletal organisation,ᅠfunction and dysfunction.

Theᅠbroad aim of BIOM3003 is to provide students with an appreciation of the functional neuromusculoskeletal anatomyᅠof the human body.ᅠ 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.ᅠ 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.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Explain and discuss specific examples of neuro-musculoskeletal form and function in humans and animals

LO2.

Describe biomechanical principles and how they relate specifically to the analysis of human and animal movement.

LO3.

Explain the process of discovery of new knowledge through to publication in the primary literature

LO4.

Describe the control, integration, and coordination mechanisms that are involved in human posture and movement

LO5.

Identify and describe normal and pathological tissues at the microscopic level

LO6.

Competently perform dissection skills and biological laboratory techniques

LO7.

Analyse, interpret and communicate biomechanical, electromyographic, and ultrasound data in the context of health and disease.

LO8.

Work and learn collaboratively, capitalising on the diverse abilities, backgrounds and perspectives within the group.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Paper/ Report/ Annotation Module Assessments 20% (4 x 5% assessments)

16/08/2024 1:00 pm

30/08/2024 1:00 pm

4/10/2024 1:00 pm

18/10/2024 1:00 pm

Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation GAF Dissection Project plan and Presentation
  • Team or group-based
  • In-person
15%

5/08/2024 - 10/09/2024

Plan: Week 3 in class, 05-06 Aug 2024

Presentation: Week 8 in class, 9-10 Sep 2024

Examination In-Semester Exam: Histology - Musculoskeletal & Nervous systems
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
  • Online
20%

11/09/2024 1:00 pm

During class.

Examination Invigilated End of Semester Exam
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
  • Online
45%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

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

Module Assessments

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
20% (4 x 5% assessments)
Due date

16/08/2024 1:00 pm

30/08/2024 1:00 pm

4/10/2024 1:00 pm

18/10/2024 1:00 pm

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

Task description

Module 1 Assessment

  • Module assessment item based on biomechanics content covered in Dr Taylor Dick's week 1-3 lectures.

Module 2 Assessment

  • Module assessment item based on content covered in Dr Claire Aland's week 5-6 lectures.

Module 3 Assessment

  • Module assessment item based on content covered in A/Prof Kylie Tucker's week 7-9 lectures and practicals. 

Module 4 Assessment

  • Module assessment item based on content covered in Dr Manuela Besomi and Dr James Williamson week 11-12 lectures and practicals. 


Further details of the assessment format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.

Submission guidelines

You must submit your report, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website (https://biomedical-sciences.uq.edu.au/student-support/resources under Undergraduate - Assessment), to Turnitin by the submission deadline. After submission, you should go to the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page to check that your module assessment was submitted successfully. 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.Y

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

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

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.

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.

GAF Dissection Project plan and Presentation

  • Team or group-based
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation
Weight
15%
Due date

5/08/2024 - 10/09/2024

Plan: Week 3 in class, 05-06 Aug 2024

Presentation: Week 8 in class, 9-10 Sep 2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L03, L06, L08

Task description

Project plan:

  • This will be a face-to-face PASS/FAIL interview during the Week 3 scheduled GAF practical session. 
  • Students will work in small groups and will be asked to discuss (interview-style) the practical considerations / expectations / forward planning of their anatomical dissection to encourage deeper thought about the dissection task prior to its initiation.
  • The dissection plan should be satisfactory prior to commencing muscle-tendon unit dissection.
  • If not satisfactory, student will be provided with feedback and multiple attempts until Pass grade.

Presentation:

  • Students will undertake a dissection of the limb to explore muscle-tendon-unit features that are associated with the biomechanical function of the human body, and will use the dissected specimen to aid the presentation of one biomechanical concept.
  • For this assessment, students will be asked to provide a live group presentation in their schedule GAF practical class in week 8. They will be asked to outline the biomechanical importance of a muscle-tendon unit structure that they have dissected.
  • Students must use one of their dissections to illustrate / supplement their presentation, and may also include visual aids (ie: PPT slides). 
  • A further description of this assessment will be provided in class, and on BB, once the course commences. 

Note: If Queensland Health restrictions preclude on-campus assessment, this assessment will be modified. 

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 defer this exam.

In-Semester Exam: Histology - Musculoskeletal & Nervous systems

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
20%
Due date

11/09/2024 1:00 pm

During class.

Learning outcomes
L01, L05

Task description

The examination will assess student learning in relation to lecture and practical material on cartilage, bone, ligament, tendon, muscle, nervous system tissues - particularly the histological material. The format will include a combination of single word or short sentence answers in relation to histological images and concepts/information presented in lectures and practicals that relate to the histology of tissues that comprise the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

The exam will be a closed book on campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.

Further details of the assessment format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.

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 40 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Learn.UQ
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Invigilated End of Semester Exam

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
45%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L04, L07

Task description

The end of semester exam will consist of short answer questions covering material presented in lectures and practicals during weeks 1 to 13 from the semester.

The exam will be a closed book on campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. 

Further details of the assessment format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.

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.

Hurdle requirements

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

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 Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

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%. OR A cumulative score for all intra-semester of 50% or greater, but less than a pass in any of the assessment hurdles outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information".

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%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information".

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%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information".

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%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information".

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%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information".

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.
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course and does NOT successfully complete the hurdles, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

School of Biomedical Sciences Assessment Guideline

  • Assessment due dates and times listed are Brisbane local (AEST) time.ᅠ
  • Oral Presentations are not eligible for requests for re-mark because the assessment cannot be replicated or duplicated.
  • If you require further feedback on your performance in examinations, you can attend an advertised examination viewing session or email the course coordinator. During exam review, students have the right to peruse (but not copy by any means, any part of) an unmarked copy of the examination paper.

Information on applying for an assessment extension can be found on the Applying for an extension website.

Information on applying for a deferred exam can be found on the Deferring an exam website.

Information on assessment re-mark requests can be found on the Querying a result website.ᅠ

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 (or disposable gown for dissection classes as directed), 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. While public health directions no longer require face masks to be worn, they are recommended when you cannot physically distance, you are a vulnerable person or caring for vulnerable people. Please note that 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 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.
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 https://biomedical-sciences.uq.edu.au/files/12049/SBMS_CodeOfConduct_forHumanTissueUse_2016_1_HRECB.pdf
Transplantation and Anatomy Act, 1979 (Qld) https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/browse/inforce

Recommended

Item Description Further Requirement
Additional primary literature Additional primary literature will be identified by each contributor as background or required reading in preparation for tutorial or other activities. Other textbooks may be recommended, and will be listed on the Blackboard site.
University Learning Resources Access to required and recommended resources, plus past central exam papers, is available at the UQ Library website (http://www.library.uq.edu.au/lr/BIOM3003). The University offers a range of resources and services to support student learning. Details are available on the myUQ website (https://my.uq.edu.au/).

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.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Practical

GAF practical

This week is your first musculoskeletal dissection practical in the gross anatomy facility [CS & CG]

Lecture

In week 1, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Course Introduction/Overview [TD]

2: Introduction to Biomechanics [TD]

3: Cartilage and bone: from cells to tissues [CS]

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Practical

GAF practical

This week is your second musculoskeletal dissection practical in the gross anatomy facility [CS & CG]

Lecture

In week 2, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Biomechanics of bone [CA]

2: Muscle: from cells to tissues [CS]

3: Biomechanics of skeletal muscle / factors that contribute to force [TD]

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Practical

GAF practical

This week is your third musculoskeletal dissection practical in the gross anatomy facility [CS & CG]

Lecture

In week 3, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Biomechanics of tendons and ligaments [TD]

2: Biomechanics of joints [TD]

3: Ligaments and tendon (from cells to tissues) [CS]

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Practical

Histology practical 1: MSK system

This is a hands-on computer-based practical that covers histology of the human musculoskeletal system [CS]

Lecture

In week 4, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Microscopic musculoskeletal structure [CS]

2: Workshop on GAF Assessment Expectations [CS and GL]

3: no lecture as is a PUBLIC HOLIDAY - enjoy your day

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Practical

GAF practical

This week is your fourth musculoskeletal dissection practical in the gross anatomy facility [CS & CG]

Lecture

In week 5, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Introduction to Nervous system part 1 [CA]

2: Introduction to Nervous system part 2 [CA]

3: Workshop: Relating Nervous System Structure and Function [CA]

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Practical

Histology practical 2: nervous system

This is a hands-on practical that covers histology of the human nervous system [CS]

**please note location is at The Integrated Pathology Learning Centre (IPLC)

Lecture

In week 6, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Sensory Feedback [CA]

2: Somatosensory System [CA]

3: Spinal cord circuits in locomotion [CA]

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Practical

GAF practical

This week is your fifth musculoskeletal dissection practical in the gross anatomy facility [CS & CG]

Lecture

In week 7, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Modelling muscle force production [TD]

2: Control of Movement: insights from EMG [KT]

3: BIOMECHANICS AND MOTOR CONTROL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM [TD & KT]

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Practical

GAF practical

This week is your sixth musculoskeletal practical in the gross anatomy facility and will be your final presentations [CS & CG]

Lecture

In week 8, our lectures will cover the following:

1: no lecture

2: no lecture

3: IN CLASS EXAM on Histology of musculoskeletal and nervous system tissues

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Practical

Biomechanics and Motor Control 1: modelling muscle forces

In this practical we will use a GUI based Hill-type computer model to estimate muscle forces in a variety of case studies realted to health, aging, disease, and training [TD]

Lecture

In week 9, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Musculotendinous unit pathology & rehabiliation [KT]

2: Control of Movement: influence of fatigue and contraction type [KT]

3: Control of Movement: voluntary and postural control [KT]

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Practical

Biomechanics and Motor Control 2: EMG and principles of motor control

In this hands on practical, you will learn about electromyographic  tools and principles related to measuring muscle activation.

Lecture

In week 10, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Functional musculoskeletal imaging [TD]

2: Muscle-tendon interactions [TD]

3: Comparative locomotor biomechanics (and the effects of size) [TD]

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Practical

Biomechanics and Motor Control 3: Ultrasound imaging of muscle-tendon structure

In this hands on practical you will learn to use state of the art tools in biomechanics reearch including B-mode ultrasound to look 'under the skin' and measure the structure and behaviour of your muscle-tendon units [TD]

Lecture

In week 11, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Wearable & Digital Technologies in Human movement science [MB]

2: Biomechanics of human locomotion: walking and running [MB]

3: Applied Biomechanics of Running [MB]


Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Practical

Biomechanics and Motor Control 4: wearable technologies in the real world

In this hands-on practical you will learn to use and apply a series of different wearable technologies to assess the biomechanics of human movement in the real world environments [MB, JW, TD]

Lecture

In week 12, our lectures will cover the following:

1: Wearable assistive devices for augmenting movement in health [JW]

2: Wearable assistive devices for restoring movement in disease [JW]

3: Wearable Assistive Devices in human movement [JW]


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: