ANAT30007: Human Locomotor Systems

2 x MST (10% each), 2 x 2 hour exam (40% each)

This subject covers the anatomy (and neuroanatomy in some detail) of locomotion. That is, how one locomotes, coordinates and adjusts movement, and how movement has developed across species to give human locomotion (read evolutionary anatomy). This also means that one is expected to know the musculoskeletal and neurovascular structures that afford humans the ability to locomote. Beyond locomotion, this subject delves into the clinical aspects that revolve around the aforesaid anatomy. For instance, how does a fall result in a particular type of fracture, which structures are likely to be endangered, what are the consequences of such structures being compressed/disturbed, and how is the fracture likely to be repaired surgically. The last point about surgical repair, while beyond the scope of the course per se, is covered by external lecturers and is examinable nevertheless (NB that general understanding is emphasised).

Dissections are arguably the best aspect of this subject. Each week, there is a dissection of a particular compartment of the body pertaining to the lecture material covered in the same and immediately preceding weeks. The demonstrators were for the most part very pleasant to deal with and very helpful. These classes, while three hours in duration, are split between dissection and examination of prosections. The weekly class culminates in a flag race.

Two short tests during the semester: One mostly on the upper limb and spine; The other mostly on the lower limb. They consist of multiple choice questions, none of which were unfair nor too hard. Time is a plenty during these tests.

• ANAT30007 MST 1 - 20.75 (mean); 21 (median)
• ANAT30007 MST 2 - 22.56 (mean); 23 (median)

Two fun exams at the end of semester: A theory one that focuses on an understanding of the musculoskeletal mechanics involved in locomotion and of the importance of neurovascular structures and their relation to locomotor mechanics; A practical one (in lieu of ongoing practical assessment that I suspect would have historically been conducted during dissection classes). The theory exam has multiple choice questions (simple and extended), short answer questions, and extended response questions. The practical exam consists of photographs of dissections and has multiple choice questions that largely pertain to identifying the functional and/or clinical significance of highlighted structures.

I enjoyed this subject, but thought that I would enjoy it more that I did. I would prefer that the Anatomy Department allow us to see our tests after marking is complete, but understand their reasons against doing so. Overall, there is quite a significant amount of memory work involved, but it is worth it because no other subject gives undergraduate students such a good footing for further studies in biomedical sciences, especially with respect to the dissection component of the subject.

Yes, with screen capture

V. Pilbrow, C. Briggs, J. Hayes, P. Kitchener

No past papers

4.5 out of 5

Clinically Oriented Anatomy

36 x 1 hour lecture, 10 x 3 hour practical

2015 Semester 1

H1

2 Mid-Semesters (30 MCQ) = 10% each, Two hour theory exam (Section A: MCQ, Section B: MCQ style fill in the blanks, Section C: Short Answer, Section D: Long Answer) = 40%, Two hour "practical" exam (100 MCQ) = 40%

I seem to have something of a love-hate relationship with this subject, to say the least, with several highs and lows that correspond to both my attitude and the nature of the subject itself. The subject itself can be split into 4 main parts as follows: The spine, upper limb, lower limb, and evolution + locomotion. The limb lectures make up the bulk of the subject and are probably the most interesting parts of the subject. Many lecturers were involved in the subject in different parts, such as Chris Briggs on the spine and back lectures, Jenny Hayes on limb nerves and vessels, and Varsha on most complexes of the limbs and evolution. Content in lectures range form skimmable (some guest lectures) to almost overwhelming (e.g. Knee complex). The content of the limb lectures remain fairly interesting and relate to principles as established in ANAT20006, while some of the guest lectures and those of locomotion were comparatively less stimulating. They could still be assessed, however.

The prac workshops are more or less like those of the 2nd year ones, with one being done before advancement into a new region with the cadavers, but they are now 3 hours long, which could be weary for some people. The prac dissections however, are the highlight of the subject, the main reason why people have chosen it and the reason for the quota, I daresay. For 6 of the 12 weeks, you get to partner up with someone else in your group and dissect a region of your choice that belongs to the topic (The anterior compartment/posterior compartment/joints of the Upper/lower limb). The conditions aren't what one would call unsanitary, although some cadavers may present difficulties in dissection with large amounts of fascia and fat. At the end of the prac, the demonstrator would place pins on several dissected regions and quiz you on your knowledge, which is useful for your understanding for the prac exam, second only to the anatomedia images themselves.

The midsems were not exceedingly hard and not hard to do well in if you study your stuff well. I recommend you to go over your stuff (mostly upper limb 1st midsem, lower limb 2nd sem) twice before the midsem itself, and you'll be fine.

The theoretical exam was the same as that of ANAT20006 for the most part in terms of structure. The MCQ content however, was largely concentrated on post-MST2 stuff, which is reasonable, although you may be slightly confounded on what to study. Try to cover everything with a bit more edge for the post MST2 stuff I guess, and you should do fine.

The practical exam however, consisted entirely of 100 MCQs, from 20 images with 5 questions being asked on each. IIRC, answers go from A to E here. The questions can range from "identify this structure" to "what is this structure innvervated by" or "select the correct response". Try to familiarize yourself with anatomedia's images and look through detailed anatomy atlases (like Moore's as I recommended) to get an understanding of the positioning and of structures, as well as your notes to remember their functions, innervations, etc. Time is valuable here, so try not to dwell too much on some questions.
Overall I'd say that the subject is rather well organized into its 4 sections, although some lectures are rather mind-numbing (no offense o'course) with different importances, but definitely try it if you are interested in anatomy and/or medicine, as I've heard that much of the content comes up in 1st year MD.

Yes, with screen capture

Varsha Pilbrow, Chris Briggs, Jenny Hayes, Peter Kitchener, Various guest lecturers

No.

3.5/5

Drake et al Gray's Anatomy for Students, Moore KL et al: Clinically Oriented Anatomy
I definitely recommend Moore's, which is very useful for knowing locations, positioning and such.

Three 1 hour lectures (Total 34 including intro + review, 6 of them clinical oriented) and one 3 hour practical per week

2014, Semester 1

78

50% final exam, 30% Flag Race, 2 x 10% MST

This subject was planned very well and it was probably the most challenging subject I've done. This subject covers anatomy of the back, upper limb and lower limb, as well as the principles of locomotion. It expands on second year anatomy knowledge with applied examples - E.g. How does a fractured hip joint lead to a total hip replacement? Which nerve in the leg is susceptible to compression and what is the clinical significance? What actions are affected? In addition to the applied anatomy lectures, we had 4 clinical lectures - 2 by an orthopaedic surgeon who showed us various cases of surgeries in his clinic, and 2 by a radiologist who gave a different perspective of anatomy. We also had a few lectures by researchers (biomechanical engineering etc), evolutionary perspectives and neuroscience (neural control of locomotion). Some of the guest lectures (~10) were not directly examined which made the course manageable so it's not 36 lectures full of anatomy to memorise!

The 3 hour sessions are weekly (as opposed to fortnightly in 2nd year). There are 3 dissections on the upper limb and 3 dissections on the lower limb. You will work in groups of 6 with a demonstrator to be shared by 4 groups. Dissections are compulsory and they will tick your names off. There are also 4 workshops where you look at specimens in HALL. Nothing different to second year practical classes. I found these pretty useless since the practical groups were so big and it was hard to hear them.

Yes, with screen capture etc.

None, exam outline provided. Final exam was made up of MCQ, short answer and long answer. Flag Race was made up of 30 MCQ where you answer questions based on pictures on a powerpoint slide.

5 Out of 5

Any anatomy text, I recommend Clinically Oriented Anatomy by Moore and an atlas (E.g. Netter). Lab coat and goggles and compulsory for dissections. Dissection notes are provided free on the LMS - thanks to Briggs

3 x 1hr lectures, 1 x 3hr workshop/dissection

2011, Semester 1