Unit rationale, description and aim

Occupational Therapists require a sound understanding of human anatomy in order to assess and manage client needs. The knowledge and skills gained in this unit will form the basis to learn about occupational therapy assessment and intervention later in the course. Students will study, through practical and applied learning, the foundational anatomical and functional basis of the human body’s structure and function.  This unit will develop students’ knowledge of human musculoskeletal structure and function relevant to understanding typical movement and form the foundation for analysis of occupational performance. 

2025 10

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Prerequisites

BIOL121 Human Biological Science 1

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Identify and describe structures of the musculoske...

Learning Outcome 01

Identify and describe structures of the musculoskeletal system; including bones, joints, muscles, nerves and vessels.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1

Describe the function of major muscle groups of th...

Learning Outcome 02

Describe the function of major muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs, trunk, head and neck in selected activities
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2

Using correct anatomical terminology, analyse ever...

Learning Outcome 03

Using correct anatomical terminology, analyse everyday body movements by describing the joints, muscles and nerves involved, and infer functional outcomes resulting from damage or disorder
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC7

Content

Topics will include:

Introduction to Anatomical Terminology

  • Anatomical referencing system


Structural and functional features

  • Skeletal articular system
  • Muscular system
  • Major vascular system structures
  • Surface landmarks


Regional Structure and Function

  • Head, vertebral column, axial musculature and posturing
  • Pelvis, Lower limb and gait 
  • Upper limb, hand function and grasp


Peripheral nervous system

  • Overview of nervous system, neurons and peripheral nerves
  • Innervation of representative muscles and regions of the body

Assessment strategy and rationale

This unit aims to develop student's foundational knowledge of the structures and processes relating to typical movements of the human body. Assessment 1 enables students to demonstrate their factual and conceptual understanding of foundational anatomical knowledge (LO1, LO2) and their ability to apply it to various functional activities (LO3).  It also incorporates assessing their ability to communicate these concepts effectively in written communication.  It allows students to gauge their own personal learning throughout the semester.  Assessment 2 tasks students with locating and naming as well as effectively communicating their understanding of normal function through a spot test. Students work independently to identify, and name pinned or presented structures (LO1, LO2) and then answer a range of general and applied questions related to those items (LO3). This assessment helps students build on their foundational knowledge and challenges them to apply their understanding. Assessment task 3 is an exam comprised of multiple choice questions and extended response questions  This final task allows students to demonstrate their understanding of both the foundational functional  anatomy (LO1, LO2) and their ability to apply it to various functional activities  (LO3), it also incorporates assessing their ability to communicate these concepts effectively in written communication.

Overview of assessments

Assessment 1: Quiz. Summative assessment that e...

Assessment 1: Quiz.

Summative assessment that enables students to demonstrate understanding of foundational anatomical knowledge and application to functional activities.

Weighting

25%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment 2: Spot test. Summative assessment t...

Assessment 2: Spot test.

Summative assessment that enables students to identify structures and apply their understanding of foundational functional anatomy to normal presentations.

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment 3: Written Examination. Summative as...

Assessment 3: Written Examination.

Summative assessment that enables students to communicate, in writing, their understanding of foundational functional anatomy and application of their knowledge to functional activities.

Weighting

45%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit fosters student-centred active learning and accommodates diverse student needs. It includes a combination of self-paced, online learning and real-time classes. Early and additional feedback on learning, and tailored support, are provided to facilitate students’ transition to university. Tutorials incorporate small group, collaborative learning with students engaging in activities utilising anatomy teaching tools These activities are coupled with whole group theoretical discussions of the content around each of the main body regions studied. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within group activities, demonstrating respect for the individual as an independent learner. The teaching and learning approaches employed in this unit helps students to develop lifelong learning and problem-solving skills that are beneficial for successful professional practice.   

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards (AOTCS) 2018

In connection to the learning outcomes, Australian occupational therapy competency standards (AOTCS) 2018 developed within this unit are:

  • Relating to

    Professionalism

    An occupational therapist practises in an ethical, safe, lawful and accountable manner, supporting client health and wellbeing through occupation and consideration of the person and their environment.

    An occupational therapist:

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Knowledge and learning

    An occupational therapist’s knowledge, skills and behaviours in practice are informed by relevant and contemporary theory, practice knowledge and evidence, and are maintained and developed by ongoing professional development and learning.

    An occupational therapist:

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Occupational therapy process and practice

    An occupational therapist’s practice acknowledges the relationship between health, wellbeing and human occupation, and their practice is client-centred for individuals, groups, communities and populations.

    An occupational therapist:

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Communication

    Occupational therapists practise with open, responsive and appropriate communication to maximise the occupational performance and engagement of clients and relevant others.

    An occupational therapist:

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Abrahams, P. H., Spratt, J. D., Loukas, M., & Van Schoor, A.-N. (2020). Abrahams’ and McMinn’s clinical atlas of human anatomy (8th ed.). Elsevier.

Agur, A. M. R., Dalley, A. F., & Moore, K. L. (2019). Moore’s essential clinical anatomy (6th ed). Wolters Kluwer.

Kapit, W., & Elson, L. M. (2014). The anatomy coloring book (4th ed.). Pearson Education.

Soames, R., & Palastanga, N. (2019). Anatomy and human movement : structure and function (7th ed.). Elsevier.

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