BMS2011 - Structure of the human body: An evolutionary and functional perspective - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit



Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

School of Biomedical Sciences

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Julia Choate


Unit coordinator: Dr. Luca Fiorenza
Deputy coordinator: John Bertram

Unit guides



  • First semester 2018 (On-campus)


Must be enrolled in one of the following:

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (including double degree programs)
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Scholar Program)
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science Advanced with Honours
  • Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics




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.



  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


  • In-semester test (1 hour) (25%) (hurdle)
  • Practical Class Activities (25%)
  • Group Research project (10%)
  • End-of-semester exam (2 hours) (40%) (hurdle)

Workload requirements

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

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study