Study information

Musculo-skeletal Anatomy

Module titleMusculo-skeletal Anatomy
Module codeARCM414
Academic year2019/0
Credits30
Module staff

Dr Laura Evis (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

10

Module description

In this module you will be provided with in-depth training in musculoskeletal anatomy. This module will enable you to distinguish human from non-human remains, identify and describe both intact and fragmented human remains, learn the major muscles, ligaments and nerves that impact the human skeleton. The module will involve taught lectures and supervised lab sessions in which you can use the teaching casts and skeletal collections to develop your osteological skills. You will also have access to the laboratory outside of the lectures and practical sessions, to provide you with the opportunity to train with the collections during your own time. The module will be taught as if you are completely unfamiliar with the human skeleton and its associated soft tissues. Therefore, there are no pre-requisites in place for this module.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module provides a detailed study of human musculo-skeletal anatomy that emphasises a functional approach to the identification and description of fragmented human remains recovered from archaeological and forensic contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Demonstrate a functional understanding of human musculo-skeletal anatomy
  • 2. Use anatomically terms correctly
  • 3. Demonstrate competence in the identification of heavily fragmented human bones under a short time allocation
  • 4. Understand the relationship between tendinous and ligamentous entheses and their influence on bone morphology
  • 5. Comprehend the importance of fragmented assemblages to understanding the human past and in forensic contexts

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 6. Interpret three-dimensional shapes
  • 7. Be aware of information contained in anatomical texts

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 8. Team-working skills
  • 9. Heightened awareness of our bodies and its form and function
  • 10. Demonstrate competent laboratory protocols

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

  • This module examines different groups of bones and muscles in the human body each week to build up an in-depth knowledge of the human skeleton and the surrounding soft tissues.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
552450

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching55Lectures and practical sessions (11 x 5 hours)
Guided independent study245Independent study using anatomical computer-aided learning and reference resources

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
50050

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Anatomy quizzes508 x 0.5 hour tests1-6, 9-10Return of marked quiz scripts with lab-based discussion
Practical examination502 x 1 hour examination1-8, 10Return of marked examination scripts with lab-based discussion

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Anatomy quizzesAnatomy quizzes 8 x 0.5 hour tests1-6, 9-10Referral/deferral period
Practical examinationEssay (2000 words)1-8, 10Referral/deferral period

Re-assessment notes

For the re-assessment the practical examination will be replaced by a 2000 word essay. 

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment. 

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

  • McMinn, R.M.H. and Hutchings, R.T. (1985). Color Atlas of Human Anatomy. Medical Publishers Inc., Chicago.
  • van Beek, G.C. (1983). Dental Morphology: An Illustrated Guide. (Second Edition). Wright, Oxford.
  • Stone, R.J. and Stone, J.A. (1990). Atlas of the Skeletal Muscles. Wm. C. Brown Publishers, Dubuque (IA).
  • White, T.D. and Folkens, P.A. (2005). The Human Bone Manual. Academic Press, Amsterdam

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

  • Anatomical drawing hand-outs, laboratory casts and human skeletal collection

Key words search

Archaeology, anatomy

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

2011

Last revision date

05/02/2019