Anatomy and Histology
Study in the Discipline of Anatomy and Histology is offered by the Sydney Medical School. Units of study in this major are mostly available at standard and advanced level.
The Discipline of Anatomy and Histology is an internationally recognised and respected education and research institution. The Discipline offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and carries out extensive biomedical research. Anatomy and Histology maintains a large catalogue of specimens for education and research. Research tools include a high-resolution transmission electron microscope and confocal microscope and excellent specimen preparation facilities. Other facilities include automated electrophoresis, high-pressure liquid chromatography, standard histology, immuno-cytochemistry, in-situ hybridisation and surgery.
The Discipline also houses major museums such as the JT Wilson Museum of Human Anatomy and the J.L. Shellshear Museum of Physical Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy as well as collections that are supplemented by a growing range of online learning resources.
About the major
A major in Anatomy and Histology introduces students to the detailed study of the structure and structural development of the human body from the subcellular and cellular levels through to the gross macroscopic level.
The qualitative and quantitative descriptions of structure are related to subcellular, cellular and gross physical function. Specialised study of the subcellular and cellular development and organization of body structures and systems is undertaken in units of study in histology.
Detailed study of the development and the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, head and neck, the viscera and the brain spinal cord and peripheral nervous system are studied in units of study in anatomy.
A major in Anatomy and Histology will provide students with a thorough and broad understanding of the microscopic and macroscopic structure and function of the human body, of its development and maturation and of its normal organisation and potential for disruption and damage.
Requirements for completion
A major in Anatomy and Histology requires 48 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) 24 credit points of 3000-level core units
A minor in Anatomy and Histology is available and articulates to this major.
First year
Core: BIOL1XX8 (students enrolled in Medical Science take MEDS1X01 instead) and CHEM1XX1.
The major in Anatomy and Histology begins in first year with an introduction to human biology and an introduction to chemistry, both are key foundational knowledge in understanding human structure and function.
Second year
Core: ANAT2008 (Medical Science students take MEDS2005 instead) and ANAT2X10 (students enrolled in Medical Science take MEDS2001 or MEDS2004).
The major in Anatomy and Histology continues in second year with units which focus on the cellular building blocks of the body, which begins your studies in Histology and an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system beginning your studies in Neuroanatomy.
In these second year units we examine the structure of human cells, tissues and organ systems at the light and electron microscopic levels. The way the body is constructed from the cellular to the organ levels and how different tissue types contribute and interact are key themes of the course. We also introduce students to the characteristics and essential structure and function of the cells that comprise the central and peripheral nervous system. We explore the make-up of the individual cells, followed by an examination of the different regions of the nervous system. We also focus on the organisation of sensory and motor systems, together with aspects of higher-order functions such as memory and attention. Based on an understanding of the organization of its components, students will also be introduced to the principles of brain organization, with specific reference to the evolution of the 'higher' centres in humans.
Third year
Core for Major and Selective for Minor: ANAT3X09, ANAT3XX4, ANAT3X07 and ANAT3X08.
The major in Anatomy and Histology continues in third year with units which focus in detail on the microscopic and macroscopic structure, organisation and function of the musculoskeletal system, the head and neck region and the viscera. The detailed focus of these units builds and extends upon the second year units, integrating knowledge gained about the cellular and neural organisation of the human body
In your third year you must take at least one designated project unit.
Fourth year
The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.
Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, which must include a minimum of 24 credit points in a single subject area at 4000-level, including a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Space is provided for 12 credit points towards the second major (if not already completed). 24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.
Honours
Requirements for Honours in the area of Anatomy and Histology: completion of 36 credit points of project work and 12 credit points of coursework.
Honours units of study will be available in 2020.
Contact and further information
W sydney.edu.au/medicine/anatomy/
E
T +61 2 9351 2497
Address:
Discipline of Anatomy and Histology
Anderson Stuart Building F13
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Associate Professor Kevin Keay
E
T +61 2 9351 4132
Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from Anatomy and Histology will be able to:
- Demonstrate a deep and comprehensive understanding of the fundamental organization and development of the human body from its gross structure to the cellular and intracellular levels.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding the fundamental functional properties of the body as it relates to structural properties and developmental processes.
- Relate and apply knowledge of the structural organization and functional properties of the body to other biomedical and biological disciplines.
- Understand the relationship(s) of anatomical and histological knowledge, with the knowledge of biological, anthropological and clinical disciplines.
- Search, identify, discuss and evaluate the primary scientific literature in the field of the anatomical sciences, histology, cell biology and neurobiology.
- Specify hypotheses, design research plans and specify experiments that address and test hypotheses.
- Understand the range of histological and anatomical methodologies.
- Appreciate the significance of histological and anatomical investigations that identify the origins of the scientific disciplines.
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the investigative and experimental approaches of the present, including state-of-the-art techniques.