Human Structure and Function

This subject provides an overview of human anatomy. We expect that a student who completes this subject should be able to comprehend the terminology of human topographic and developmental anatomy; the principles relating to each type of anatomical structure (skin, fascia and skeletal muscle, bones and joints, vessels and nerves, visceral structures); the essential factual information regarding the specific anatomical structures forming the body's major organ systems (musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiorespiratory, digestive, genitourinary); the boundaries and contents of clinically important regions; and the appearance of normal anatomical structures via modern imaging techniques. Lectures on anatomy will be supplemented by online learning material, and practical classes that incorporate use of prosected cadaveric specimens and modern imaging.

View detailed information in the Handbook

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.

View detailed information in the Handbook

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.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Each cell in our body and, indeed, in all multicellular organisms has a particular structure and many important functions. This subject explores the complex cellular structure and molecular functions of general and specialised human, animal and plant cells. It also explores the internal and external signals that can lead to changes in cell behaviour, gene expression, protein synthesis and cell replication in both healthy and disrupted or diseased states.

In this subject students will build on foundational knowledge and skills obtained in first year biology. Learning activities will prepare students for further study within cell and developmental biology and future study and career pathways in many other relevant areas of biological and biomedical sciences.

View detailed information in the Handbook

The subject will provide students with a general introduction to the study of the nervous system. It will allow students to gain an understanding of brain and nerve structure, the cellular elements that make up the nervous system and how these work together to receive, process and transmit information.

Students will learn about human neuroanatomy and take an in-depth look the different types of nerve cells and how they communicate. Students will explore how the firing properties of nerve cells can change and how this influences the function of other tissues to elicit different physiological functions to maintain homeostasis. This subject will provide foundational knowledge for those wishing to develop a greater understanding of neuroscience and related fields.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Physiology is an integrative study of the control of normal body function. The specialised organ systems to be studied include the nervous, cardiovascular, muscular, respiratory, kidney and digestive systems. During this subject students will learn that physiology is an experimental science with many key concepts arising from qualitative and quantitative observation and analysis of living organisms. The lectures will incorporate active interaction between students and lecturers using live polling software to answer questions during lectures.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Students will develop an understanding of the principles of experimental design appropriate for investigating underlying mechanisms of physiological responses. They will also undertake a research project completed over several weeks, which will require them to formulate a suitable hypothesis to investigate a physiological problem, select and test suitable techniques, design appropriate experimental protocols to test their hypothesis, collect and analyse their data, and write a scientific report on their findings.

View detailed information in the Handbook

In this subject, students will learn about the process of developmental biology, from fertilisation of an egg by a sperm to the emergence of a living animal. Students will explore how developmental processes are integral to our understanding of human genetic disease and tissue bioengineering. Subject learning materials provide students with in-depth knowledge of the molecular, genetic and cellular events that regulate the development of specialised cells, tissues, and organs. In particular, students will learn about the processes that regulate embryonic induction, tissue interactions and pattern formation. Weekly workshops allow students to explore this information in more detail and discuss key topics with peers and teaching staff. In a series of guided laboratory practicals, students will get hands-on experience in visualising and manipulating developing embryos, providing an authentic and engaging introduction to real scientific research. This subject is suitable for students interested in cellular and developmental biology, and for any student with a relevant background who is fascinated by developmental biology.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Advanced Human Physiology builds on foundations of second-year Physiology to provide students with a more robust understanding of some key body systems and physiological concepts. The subject will focus on integrating concepts and synthesizing ideas to tackle challenging Physiological questions related to various clinical and functional scenarios. Students are encouraged to work in self-organised groups to complete progressively through semester questions that aid in conceptual understanding and that contribute to the foundation for assessment components of the subject.

This subject will provide the foundation for other third-year offerings in Physiology including pre-requisite content requirements for Clinical and Translational Physiology. Face-to-face learning and teaching sessions represent a blend of traditional information presentation, polling with formative feedback and discussion, and workshop and other active-learning activities.

View detailed information in the Handbook

By the conclusion of this subject, students will have explored the nexus between clinical condition and bench research. Students will be presented with a series of clinical cases or physiological challenges and will examine the underlying physiological dysregulation in each scenario. Working in teams, students will develop a set of questions about the clinical presentation, will draw on their collective existing knowledge of human physiology, examine the limits of existing contemporary research to formulate their own explanation of the underlying pathophysiology, and propose novel research approaches to better understand the mechanisms physiological regulation and dysregulation.

View detailed information in the Handbook

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.

View detailed information in the Handbook

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.

View detailed information in the Handbook

In this subject, students will learn about the process of developmental biology, from fertilisation of an egg by a sperm to the emergence of a living animal. Students will explore how developmental processes are integral to our understanding of human genetic disease and tissue bioengineering. Subject learning materials provide students with in-depth knowledge of the molecular, genetic and cellular events that regulate the development of specialised cells, tissues, and organs. In particular, students will learn about the processes that regulate embryonic induction, tissue interactions and pattern formation. Weekly workshops allow students to explore this information in more detail and discuss key topics with peers and teaching staff. In a series of guided laboratory practicals, students will get hands-on experience in visualising and manipulating developing embryos, providing an authentic and engaging introduction to real scientific research. This subject is suitable for students interested in cellular and developmental biology, and for any student with a relevant background who is fascinated by developmental biology.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Advanced Human Physiology builds on foundations of second-year Physiology to provide students with a more robust understanding of some key body systems and physiological concepts. The subject will focus on integrating concepts and synthesizing ideas to tackle challenging Physiological questions related to various clinical and functional scenarios. Students are encouraged to work in self-organised groups to complete progressively through semester questions that aid in conceptual understanding and that contribute to the foundation for assessment components of the subject.

This subject will provide the foundation for other third-year offerings in Physiology including pre-requisite content requirements for Clinical and Translational Physiology. Face-to-face learning and teaching sessions represent a blend of traditional information presentation, polling with formative feedback and discussion, and workshop and other active-learning activities.

View detailed information in the Handbook

By the conclusion of this subject, students will have explored the nexus between clinical condition and bench research. Students will be presented with a series of clinical cases or physiological challenges and will examine the underlying physiological dysregulation in each scenario. Working in teams, students will develop a set of questions about the clinical presentation, will draw on their collective existing knowledge of human physiology, examine the limits of existing contemporary research to formulate their own explanation of the underlying pathophysiology, and propose novel research approaches to better understand the mechanisms physiological regulation and dysregulation.

View detailed information in the Handbook