BI3D201 - Human Structure 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI3D201
Module Title: Human Structure
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Sciences
Module Leader: Josephine Bradley
Module Team: Cerith Jones
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100264 - anatomy 100267 - clinical medicine 100962 - research skills
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 25 25

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

On successful completion of this module, students will demonstrate an understanding of three-dimensional human anatomy, appreciating the range of variation in both normal structure and various clinical conditions, via human cadaveric dissection. Pathophysiology and pharmacological intervention are also considered in critical analysis of the patient’s life and death.

The module is delivered using a team-based whole human cadaveric dissection at Cardiff University School of Biosciences, with the practical element delivered by their staff. Students must be an adaptable and reliable team member to fulfil various roles required in each practical session. Students must effectively lead their team to success in completing tasks to an appropriate level and timeliness. All students will maintain the highest level of professional conduct, understanding the importance of ethical and legal guidelines under the Human Tissue Act (2004) whilst also adhering to strict health and safety procedures.

Students must produce a factual and appropriate critical evaluation of their patient and the identified pathologies and anomalies, presenting this information both in a written dissertation (marked by USW) and a poster presentation (marked by both USW and Cardiff School of Biosciences).

In engaging with the module, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:

Commercial Awareness: Behaviour 1, 2

Communication: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Leadership: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Project Management: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.

Content Summary

Students will participate in a course of human clinical dissections at Cardiff University School of Biosciences. This will include up to two days per week in the first term, and several keynote lectures, as specified by Cardiff University Schools of Medicine and Biosciences. This is a thorough whole-body dissection, comprising 3-week blocks of dissection and accompanying lectures on the anatomical regions: thorax, abdomen, upper and lower limbs. The head and neck, and nervous system are taught over 3 weeks using lectures, prosections, and practical workshops. This content will be assessed by Cardiff University School using individual viva voce, anatomy spotter tests, and an individual poster presentation.

Notes and observations from these dissections will be used by individual students to produce a dissertation. This will describe any pathologies found during dissection, placing them in context of relevant, recent, peer-reviewed sources, and discussing the implications of these pathologies for the cause of death and life history of the patient.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 28
Tutorial 10
Practical classes and workshops 30
Independent Study 300
Directed Study 30
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 2
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 By utilising appropriate cadaveric dissection techniques within a team setting, be able to record, identify and investigate anatomical anomalies and pathologies, critically evaluating their potential impact on the life and death of a patient, and the interplay between clinical conditions.
LO2 Evaluate the three-dimensional structure of the human body, and the physical relationship between tissues, by undertaking human cadaveric dissection.
LO3 Recognise and adhere to the ethical and legal guidelines under the Human Tissue Act (2004), along with various health and safety procedures associated with dissection and prosection practicals

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Practical / Clinical Viva (Onsite) 1 Individual anatomy viva assessment 10 N/A 10 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Oral Assessment (Externally assessed, Onsite) 1 Individual poster presentation 10 N/A 15 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Dissertation / Major Project 1 Pathology report based on cadaveric dissection and engagement with practical elements 0 8000 60 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 Prosection and images anatomy spotter test 45 N/A 15 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Practical / Clinical Viva (Onsite) 1
Oral Assessment (Externally assessed, Onsite) 1
Dissertation / Major Project 1
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1

Reading List

Moore, KL, Agur, AMR & Dalley, AF (2013) Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th edition; Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

Drake, RL, Vogl, W & Mitchell, AWM (2014) Gray’s Anatomy for Students (3rd edition; Churchill Livingstone)