BMS2011 - Structure of the human body: An evolutionary and functional perspective - 2019

This course is an introduction to human anatomy. It includes an overview of general principles of major body systems. This will be followed by a consideration of specific areas of regional anatomy from an evolutionary perspective. Namely, what distinguishes the human body from other primates, mammals and indeed vertebrates and how have these adaptations of anatomy contributed in a functional context to us being so successful. Practical classes will involve exposure to human cadaver prosections, skeletal material, models and a range of imaging modalities including X-rays, CT scans etc.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Describe and contrast the structures and spatial relationships of the tissues, organs, systems, and regions that make up the human body.
2. Relate anatomical structures (tissues, organs, systems) to basic developmental processes and use comparative approaches to identify evolutionary and functional contexts.
3. Interpret and extrapolate sectional anatomical images to topographic anatomy using various methods and techniques such as medical imaging, measurement, drawing, and 3D printing
4. Integrate discrete anatomical knowledge into a comprehensive framework of body structures and systems
5. Work collaboratively to collect and analyse anatomical data.
6. Investigate and communicate, verbally and through writing, the developmental, evolutionary and functional aspects of human anatomy

• Mid-semester Test: 15%
• Practical Activity Assessments: 30%
• Group Research Projects: 15%
• Final Examination: 40%

2 hours of lectures each week, 2 hours of practical content (face to face) each week and group project completion between Weeks 3-10. An additional 7 hours of private study is recommended per week.

See also Unit timetable information

Biomedical science