Viscera and Visceral Systems (ANAT30008)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
Semester 2
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This subject provides a detailed investigation of human visceral anatomy. The subject will cover the terminology of human topographic anatomy as it relates to the head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis; the principles of viscera and visceral systems; the detailed regional anatomy of each area including the walls and contents of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis; applied and clinical anatomy; and the appearance of normal anatomical visceral structures via modern imaging techniques. 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 thorax, abdomen and pelvis; and anatomical models, computer programs, prosected specimens and modern imaging techniques will be used to appreciate anatomical structures.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Comprehend the organisation of body cavities; the principles of viscera and visceral systems; the anatomy of the autonomic nervous system and cranial nerves that supply viscera; the detailed visceral anatomy of the head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis; radiological anatomy of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis; and applied and clinical anatomy of the body's visceral systems
  • Develop observational and organisational skills to identify and interpret exposed anatomical structures and regions of the head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis; communication skills (written and oral) to describe the normal structure of the human body; the use of dissecting instruments to expose visceral systems in the cadaver; the incidence of important anatomical variants and their clinical significance
  • Articulate the important clinical applications relevant to body regions and the approaches to imaging the thorax, abdomen and pelvis
  • Demonstrate observational and organisational skills to interpret exposed anatomical structures in the thorax, abdomen and pelvis
  • Demonstrate written and oral communication skills to describe normal and impaired anatomical structures of the human visceral systems

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 prerequisites for entry into this subject

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

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 (10% each)

  • 35 minutes (each)
First MST from weeks 6-8, second MST from weeks 10-1220%

Written theory examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period40%

Practical examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period40%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Quotas apply to this subject

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorJason Ivanusic
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 x one hour lectures + 1 x three hours practical per week (Total contact hours: 72)
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 6 July 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    Subject Coordinator

    Dr Jason Ivanusic

    j.ivanusic@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 applies to this subject.

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