ANAT SC 2109 - Biology and Development of Human Tissues

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2021

Ever wondered about the biological development of your organ systems? Building on the knowledge of basic tissues gained in Human Biology 1A and 1B, Biology and Development of Human Tissues investigates the microscopic cells and tissues that make up some of your major organs. Topics include blood, cardiovascular, digestive, lymphoid, respiratory, renal, endocrine and reproductive systems. You will also learn about gametes, fertilisation, implantation and embryonic and placental development. Moreover, the course will provide you with an insight into the role of cell biology in biomedical research.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ANAT SC 2109
    Course Biology and Development of Human Tissues
    Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites ANAT SC 1102 or ANAT SC 1103 or BIOLOGY 1101
    Incompatible ANAT SC 2500
    Assessment Histological slide analysis, oral presentation, topic review assignments
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Peirce

    Phone: +61 8 8313 5191
    Email: eleanor.peirce@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Room N240, level 2, Helen Mayo North


    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Understand structure-function relationships within and between cells and tissues of myeloid and lymphoid organs, and selected components of the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, renal, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
    2 Recognise and inter-relate the normal two-dimensional appearance of cells and tissues at the light and electron microscopic levels with their in vivo three-dimensional states.
    3 Understand that histological structure is interpreted from a series of still representations taken at different functioning states of the organism.
    4 Understand and explain the processes and developmental events of fertilisation, implantation, early stage embryos and placenta formation.
    5 Demonstrate competence in using electronic databases and other search methods to source credible scientific information.
    6 Compile, evaluate, critically analyse, appropriately reference and present scientific information using a variety of communication formats.
    7 Work effectively as an individual and in groups in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2, 3, 4, 5, 6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    5, 6, 7
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    5, 6
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    5, 6, 7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Essential Textbook
    Students are expected to access an histology textbook to support their learning. Both textbooks are suitable; select according to readability and learning style. 

    Either
    Pawlina, W & Ross, MH (2016) Histology: A Text and Atlas 7th Ed. Wolters Kluwer, Philadelphia. ISBN 978-1-4511-8742-7
    Or
    Mescher, AL (2013) Junqueira's Basic Histology 13th Ed, McGraw Hill, New York. ISBN 978-0-0717-8033-9
    Recommended Resources
    Students may find the following resources of benefit in clarifying and/or consolidating knowledge of course topics.

    Histology Texts

    Kerr, JB. (2010) Functional histology, 2nd ed. Mosby Elsevier, Sydney.
    Young B, Woodford P and O’Dowd G. (2014) Wheater’s Functional Histology, 6th ed. Churchill Livingstone, London.
    Kierszenbaum AL, Tres L. (2012) Histology and Cell Biology, 3rd ed. Mosby Elsevier, Philadelphia.

    Embryology & Early Development Texts
    Johnson, MH. (2013) Essential Reproduction, 7th ed.Wiley-Blackwell, Hoboken.
    Moore, KL, Persaud, TVN and Torchia, MG. (2015) Before We Are Born: Essentials of Embryology and Birth Defects, 9th ed. Elsevier Health Sciences, St Louis. [online access via Clinical Key]
    Sadler, TW. (2012) Langman's Medical Embryology, 12th ed. Wolthers Kluwer/Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.
    Schoenwolf, GC, Bleyl, SB, Brauer, PR and Francis-West. PH (2015) Larsen's Human Embryology, 5th ed. Elsevier Health Sciences, St Louis. [online access via Clinical Key]

    Other Reference Textbooks and Sources
    Textbooks on Cellular Biology (eg. Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts et. al)

    Physiology texts (eg. Human Physiology, Sherwood) etc. will also be very helpful BUT dont cover cell and tissue structure in sufficient detail.

    It is assumed that students will also obtain information from scientific journals and specialised books online or from the Barr Smith Library.

    Electronic Resources

    Links to a range of suitable electronic resources (e.g. animations, video clips, histology image libraries or websites) that support and/or extend course content are available in the course on MyUni.
    Online Learning
    MyUni is used as the method of dissemination to students of all course materials.

    Course materials that are available online include:
    • All learning and teaching resources for face-to-face classes, e.g. prepared notes, links to support materials such as animations, video clips, external websites and databases, activity worksheets, additional histology images.
    • Virtual microscopy - histology slides plus interactive viewing program.
    • Echo 360 lecture recordings. Discussions from practical and tutorial classes will not be recorded; students are required to attend and actively participate in these classes.
    • Assessment items, e.g. quizzes, assignments, and feedback on assessment, e.g. quiz answers, marking rubrics, written comments.
    • Revision materials, e.g. answers to selected tutorial and practical activities, previous year's exams and progress tests.
    Students are encouraged to use the online discussion boards that are set up for support of selected topics.


  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Teaching and learning in Biology and Development of Human Tissues incorporates both online activities and face-to-face classes. Some topics require completion of targetted reading and activities prior to interactive lectures, whereas others follow the sequence of a more traditional lecture followed by a practical or tutorial class and/or an online activity.  Attendance at interactive lectures, practicals, and tutorials is strongly recommended as these classes provide opportunities to develop the skill set required to critically analyse and interpret the features shown in histological images and during the rapid, early development of an embryo.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Contact Hours Activity Hours Total Hours
    Lectures
    Practicals
    Tutorials

    30 hours
    10 hours
    10 hours

    50 hours
    Exams, tests 45 minute mid-semester test
    150 minute theory exam
    45 minute practical exam
    4 hours
    Total Contact Hours 54 hours
    Non-Contact Hours Activity Hours Total hours
    Independent study & revision 2 hours/week 24 hours
    Class preparation 1 hours preparation per tutorial = 10 hours
    1 hour preparation per practical class = 6 hours
    1 hour per week preparation for lectures = 12 hours
    28 hours
    Assessment tasks 25 hours preparation for in-semester summative assessment tasks and final exams
    10 hours to compete online summative assessments (quizzes) and assignments
    35 hours
    Total Non-Contact Hours 87 hours
    Total Workload Hours/Semester
    Hours/Week* 
    141 hours
    ~12 hrs/wk
    *The expected workload for 3-unit courses is 12 hours per week or 156 hours per semester (includes week 13).
    Learning Activities Summary
    A detailed weekly timetable of topics for face-to-face classes is available on MyUni.

    Topics may include:

    Cardiovascular System
    Functional histology of blood vessels, capillaries & microcirculation
    Functional histology of the heart

    Blood Cells
    Life history of red blood cells
    Life history of leukocytes and platelets

    Lymphoid System
    Lymph circulation, structure-function relationships of lymph nodes
    Distribution and basic functio of T and B lymphocytes
    Features of the thymus
    Structure-function relationships of the spleen

    Endocrine Tissue
    General structural biology of endocrines; immunocytochemical identification of endocrine cells
    Characteristics of hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pancreatic islets of Langerhans

    Digestive System
    Generic structure of the gastrointestinal tract
    Regional specialisation including structural basis of digestion, absorption, barrier/immunity
    Regulation and integration of digestive processes, cellular differentiation and division
    Functional histology of the liver

    Reproductive Systems
    Exocrine and endocrine functions of the testis
    Follicular dynamics of the ovary
    Structural and functional changes of the uterus during the menstrual cycle
    Prostate and breast in health and disease

    Reproductive Biology and Early Embryology
    Fertilization
    Implantation
    Early embryo development
    Formation of the placenta
    Contraception
    Causes and treatment of infertility

    Respiratory System
    Microstructure and function of upper respiratory tract
    Functional microstructure of lungs

    Kidneys
    Overview of renal system
    Microstructural basis of kidney function
    Specialised features of the lower urinary tract
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    There is no official SGDE in Biology and Development of Human Tissues, however several opportunities exist whereby students interact in small groups to undertake research or communicate research findings.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed
    Final Theory Exam Summative 40% 1, 4
    Final Practical Exam Summative 10% 1, 2, 3, 4
    Topic Reviews/Quizzes Formative and Summative 25% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
    Progress Test Formative and Summative 10% 1, 2, 3
    Student Presentation Formative and Summative 5% 1, 2, 5, 6, 7
    Analysis of a Histological Slide Formative and Summative 10% 1, 2, 3, 6

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students must attain an aggregated score (i.e. weighted, combined mark across all summative assessments) of at least 50% to be awarded a pass grade in Biology and Development of Human Tissues. While, no minimum score has been set for any individual assessment, students are strongly encouraged to attempt all assessment tasks to maximise their grades. Any assessment task that is not completed by its due date will be awarded a mark of zero (except in cases where an extension has been negotiated with the course coordinator prior to the submission deadline).


    Assessment Detail
    Assessment details are provided to students following enrolment via MyUni.
    Submission
    Submission Process
    All assessment tasks (except examinations) must be submitted online via Assignments in MyUni.

    Submission Deadlines
    All submission deadlines are prominently displayed in MyUni; the deadline for each individual assessment task is also included in the task instructions.

    Penalties for Late Submission
    Each assessment task must be received by its advertised due date. Late submissions will be marked, however penalties (a deduction of 10% of the mark allocated for the assessment/per day or part thereof) will be applied up until 7 days post-deadline at which time an automatic 0 mark will apply. Non-submission of any task will result in a mark of 0 for that task.

    Results and Feedback
    Scores for automatically marked quizzes are available immediately upon submission, with feedback on correct and incorrect answers provided one week following the submission deadline to allow for submission by students with approved extensions of deadline. The anticipated turn-around for feedback and return of other types of assessment is 10 working days after the submission deadline. While every endeavour is made to achieve this, delays may occur due to staff workload.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

    PRIMARY EXAMINATIONS
    Semester 1 primary exams will be held from late June to early July. The exam timetable is available mid May.
    For Biology and Development of Human Tissues the practical exam will be held on campus, and may be scheduled in the week prior to The University's official examination period.
    The theory exam will be held at the Adelaide Showgrounds, Wayville during the official examination period.

    SEMESTER 1 REPLACEMENT/ ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT
    Details on replacement/ additional assessment can be found at: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/

    Semester 1 replacement/ additional assessments are held in the last week of the mid-year break.
    Unless advised otherwise, the replacement/additional assessment theory exam for Biology and Development of Human Tissues is scheduled for a morning exam session, and the practical exam for the afternoon session of the same day.
    NB: PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE REPLACEMENT/ ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT WILL NOT BE OFFERED AT A VENUE OUTSIDE THE NORTH TERRACE CAMPUS, UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE, OR ON A DIFFERENT DAY.


  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

    More detailed feedback from the 2018 student cohort is available in the Course Information module in MyUni.

    The best aspects of the course as identified by students are:
    • its interesting content.
    • access to formative learning activities and question banks via MyUni.
    • frequent assessments of content during the semester, some of which are redeemable.
    For 2019, the guidelines and objectives for practical classes have been revised, with a greater emphasis on the development of recognition skills and relating structural characteristics of cells, tissues and organs, as observed in micrographs, with their developmental state and functions.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.