Human Locomotor Systems (ANAT30007)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
Semester 1
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This subject provides a detailed investigation of human locomotor anatomy. The subject will cover terminology of human topographic anatomy as it relates to the back, neck and limbs; the functional anatomy of the back, neck, upper and lower limbs; the principles underlying human gait and locomotion; the neural control of gait and locomotion; and the design of artificial joints. Lectures on anatomy will be supplemented by specialist lectures by practitioners to demonstrate the disciplinary breadth achievable with anatomical knowledge. Cadaveric dissection will be used to complement learning, by exposing the boundaries and contents of important regions of the back, neck and limbs; and anatomical models, computer programs, prosected specimens and modern imaging techniques will be used to appreciate anatomical structures.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the subject, students should be able to:

  • Describe the organisation of the human locomotor system; the factors responsible for stability of the vertebral column and head; the functional anatomy of the back, neck and limbs; the organisation of the bones, joints, muscles, fascia, nerves and vessels of the neck, back, upper and lower limbs; radiological anatomy of the back, neck and limbs; gait and locomotion; central nervous system control of movement; and the design and reconstruction of artificial joints and limbs
  • Articulate the mechanical, clinical, radiological, evolutionary and forensic applications of human locomotor anatomy
  • Differentiate and describe the muscle belly, tendons, proximal and distal attachment of all major muscles of the trunk and extremities; locate major ligaments and articular capsules of the major joints of the trunk and extremities; describe the shape of the joint surfaces and relate this to the type of joint, degrees of freedom, and possible motions parallel with the cardinal planes; distinguish and define the major arteries and veins of the back, neck and limbs; recognize and locate all major nerves and plexi of the locomotor system; distinguish and describe on models and prosections, bony, ligamentous, muscular, tendinous, nervous and vascular structures
  • Demonstrate observational and organisational skills to interpret exposed anatomical structures and regions of the back, neck and limbs
  • Demonstrate written and oral communication skills to describe normal and impaired anatomical structures of the human locomotor system

Generic skills

  • Capacity for independent study, rational enquiry and self-directed learning.
  • Ability to analyse problems.
  • Oral and written communication skills.
  • Time management skills.
  • Teamwork in interpretation and analysis of new information.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ANAT20006 Principles of Human Structure
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR


(For Bachelor of Biomedicine students)

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOM20002 Human Structure and Function
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 25

Note: 516-204 Anatomy 1 and 516-207 Anatomy 2 are alternative pre-requisites for entry into this subject

Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

2 MSTs on theory and practical work throughout the semester, each worth 10%

  • 35 minutes
Throughout the teaching period20%

Written theory examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period40%

Written practical examination

  • 2 hours
End of semester40%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Quotas apply to this subject

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorsSimon Murray and Kate Hatzopoulos
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours72 hours (3 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x three hour practical per week)
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date19 January 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Subject Coordinator

    Dr Kate Hatzopoulos  

    A/Prof Simon Murray

    anat30007-email@unimelb.edu.au

    Administrative Coordination

    Current Students

    Past Students, Future Students and General Enquiries

     

     

     

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

An enrolment quota of 495 students per semester will apply to this subject on the basis of limitations to lab facility and cadaveric resources.

For detailed information on the quota subject application process, refer to the Quota Subject link on the School of Biomedical Sciences Current Student Information webpage: http://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-information/quota-subjects

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025