Program Overview

Introduction to Anatomy

The Introduction to Anatomy unit provides an overview of the human body, focusing on gross anatomy with elements of histology and embryology. The gross anatomy of all body systems is covered, as well as the histology of the four basic tissue types and their examples in major organs. The unit places emphasis on the structure and organisation of the human body as it relates to function.

General Information

• Unit convenor and teaching staff: Stephanie Marhoff-Beard
• Credit points: 10
• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged status: None
• Unit description: This is an introductory anatomy unit which provides an overview of the human body, focusing on gross anatomy with elements of histology and embryology.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• Define and demonstrate the appropriate use of anatomical terminology.
• Identify and describe the features of the four basic tissue types and their examples in major organs.
• Identify and describe the gross anatomical features of all body systems and relate these to their functional properties and developmental processes.

General Assessment Information

• Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.
• All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.
• To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Assessment Tasks

• Practical workbook: 15%
  • Due: Friday 11:55pm of weeks 3, 6, 10, and 12
• Practical Test 1: 40%
  • Due: Week 7
• Practical Test 2: 45%
  • Due: Week 13

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of online and face-to-face learning activities, including online modules, SGTAs, practical classes, and seminars.

• Recommended Readings: McKinley, M, P., O'Loughlin, V. D. and Pennefather-O'Brien, E. E. (2021). Human Anatomy (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Software: Complete Anatomy (Elsevier) & Slice (BEST network) - access codes will be provided via iLearn.
• Technology Used: Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop, or similar device.

Unit Schedule

The unit schedule is as follows:

• Week 1: Introduction to Unit
• Week 2-13: Various topics covered, including cells, tissues, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and more.
• Practical worksheets due in weeks 3, 6, 10, and 12.
• Practical Test 1 in Week 7.
• Practical Test 2 in Week 13.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

• Academic Appeals Policy
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Progression Policy
• Assessment Policy
• Fitness to Practice Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
• Special Consideration Policy

Changes from Previous Offering

In this offering, the assessment tasks have been updated to align with the 2025 Macquarie University assessment principles. The previous offerings of this unit had 4 assessment items, while the 2025 offering has 3 assessments.