Anatomy and Pathology
Anatomy and Pathology encompass the study of the normal and abnormal morphology of the body at macroscopic and microscopic levels. The emphasis in anatomy is on understanding how structure relates to function in humans and animals, and in pathology on developing an understanding of the causes, mechanisms of development and consequences of disease.
Members of the discipline include persons from a variety of academic backgrounds who are committed to excellence in teaching and research and to encouraging students to think and learn for themselves.
Together with a large group of clinical and affiliate title holders at SA Pathology, the Forensic Science Centre, the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the Adelaide Zoo and elsewhere, and with extensive collaboration with persons from other organizations at local, national and international levels, the Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology provides a vibrant supportive environment in which to begin and develop your career in the medical sciences.
 | Human Biology IAHuman Biology is the study of human life. It
incorporates a variety of disciplines and focuses on issues that affect
humans at the individual, population and species levels. As well as
introducing students to content, emphasis is placed on developing skills
in research, critical analysis and communication of scientific
information relevant to the study of humans. Human Biology IA
specifically investigates the relationships between normal structure and
function in human cells, tissues and organs, along with mechanisms that
maintain homeostasis within an individual. The course materials are
organised into 4 modules dealing with Level of Organisation, Support and
Movement, Integration and Control, and Reproduction and Inheritance.
The course does not assume prior knowledge of year 12 biology of
chemistry. |
Human Biology IBHuman Biology is the study of human life. It
incorporates a variety of disciplines and focuses on issues that affect
humans at the individual, population and species levels. As well as
introducing students to content, emphasis is placed on developing skills
in research, critical analysis and communication of scientific
information relevant to the study of humans. In Human Biology 1B,
coverage of organ systems completes investigation of the structure and
function of the human body. The course focus then shifts to factors that
influence and shape human populations and the human species. Topics are
organised into 5 modules: Scientific Reasoning and Methods, Body Fluids
and Transport, Environmental Exchange, Human Evolution and Ecology, and
Infection and Immunity. The Course does not assume prior knowledge of
year 12 biology or chemistry. |
Cells, Tissues & Development IICells, Tissues and
Development builds upon the knowledge of basic tissues gained in Human
Biology I. The course investigates the microscopic structure-function
relationships of cells and tissues in blood and haemopoiesis, the
respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphoid, renal, digestive, and endocrine
systems. Topics in reproductive biology include the development of
gametes, fertilization, early embryonic and placental development,
assisted reproductive technology and contraceptive methods. Practical
and tutorial sessions provide opportunities for visual investigation of
material and expansion of concepts presented in the lectures as well as
developing student skills in oral and written scientific presentations
of topics in biomedical research. |
Biology of Disease IIThe course provides a general
introduction to pathology, i.e. the scientific study of disease. Topics
covered include the classification, causes and mechanisms of basic
tissue processes which underlie disease (e.g. inflammation, ischaemia,
neoplasia) as well as discussion of the pathology of some common
diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus, ischaemic heart disease, and some
cancers). |  |
Functional Human Anatomy IIStudents will be introduced to
the basic principles of gross anatomy and will study in detail the
functional anatomy of the human musculoskeletal system. Teaching
sessions will include lectures and practicals, the latter using
prosected human material. In addition, students will be required to
complete a project. The content will include detailed information on the
anatomy of the lupper and ower limbs, vertebral column, and head/neck
with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system as well as relevant parts of
the nervous system. In addition, students will study the more advanced
functional aspects of joint anatomy. |
 | Ethics, Science and SocietyThis course aims to develop
students' awareness of the ethical and social challenges in the health
sciences. It is suitable for health science, science, and humanities and
social science students. Topic areas may include ethical analysis of
the following: research practice; reproduction and reproductive
technologies; genetics; animal and human experimentation; use of human
bodies in research and teaching. The focus on these topical issues in
modern science will be underpinned by an introduction to the philosophy
of science and methods in bioethics. Relevant NH&MRC codes are
studied in detail. Note: Enrolments in this course can be at either
Level II or III - this is an advanced course for BA programs. |
Comparative Reproductive Biology of Mammals IIIThe course
provides an overview of mammalian reproductive biology processes with an
emphasis on the diversity of reproductive mechanisms that have evolved
in eutherian, marsupial, and monotreme mammals. The topics include sex
determination and sex differentiation, development of the gonads,
gonadal ducts and external genitalia, the differentiation and dynamics
of production of the male and female gametes together with changes that
occur to the spermatozoon during transit of the male and female genital
ducts. The cell and molecular biology of sperm-egg interactions and
fertilisation are then given, followed by the processes involved in egg
activation and differentiation of the early embryo. Macromorphological
and cellular changes associated with implantation, placentation and
lactation in various groups of mammals are then covered. This is
followed by an overview of the causation of, and ways of overcoming,
sub- and infertility in the human species. Finally an outline of the
biological principles underlying contraceptive technology, and the
application of assisted reproductive technology to the conservation of
rare and endangered species of mammals is given. Students who undertake
this course will obtain background knowledge that will ideally suit them
for future courses in either reproductive health or in wildlife
biology. |
Integrative and Comparative Neuroanatomy IIIThis course has
as its base the functional anatomy of the human nervous system. It also
deals with (i) the comparative morphology and evolution of the
vertebrate central nervous system and (ii) the structure and function of
sense organs and how sensory information is processed and integrated by
the central nervous system. The human neuroanatomy component focuses on
the main subdivisions of the brain and spinal cord, sensory and motor
pathways, pain and thermoregulatory mechanisms and neural degeneration
and regeneration. The comparative component will cover the functional
morphology and evolution of visual and auditory reception and processing
in different environments, extra-retinal photoreceptors and their role
in circadian rhythms, and chemo-receptive mechanisms. Some lesser known
sensory systems will be examined such as infrared receptors of snakes.
Practicals will include a study of human and other vertebrate brains as
well as a small dissection or analytical research project. |
Anthropological and Forensic Anatomy IIIThe objectives of
this course are to appreciate the biological nature of humans and to
appreciate the biological variability of humans. Our evolutionary
origins are discussed as well as place of humans in nature. Students
will learn skills in anthropometric examination and in skeletal
identification for forensic and archaeological purposes. Aspects of
Biological Anthropology such as dental anthropology and paleopathology
will also be presented. Students will be required to complete a research
project and actively participate in seminars and discussion sessions.
Lecture topics include: the place of humans in nature, hominid evolution
and its mechanisms, recent human evolution and human evolutionary
future, modern human biological variation, primatology, human population
dynamics and ecology, human physical growth and development, osteology
and forensic applications of anthropology. Research skills are learned
in a problem based, self-directed mode. |
Structural Cell Biology IIIThis course studies cell biology
from a structural perspective, understanding the cell biological
knowledge is intimately related to the investigative techniques and
methods and the hypothesis being tested. Modern approaches to studying
structural approaches to cell biology are emphasized. Topics include
selected important aspects of cell function: trafficking, protein
synthesis, cell reproduction and cell death. The resource material and
some assessments for the course is predominately current scientific
literature. Students will therefore be expected to develop and exhibit
competence in evaluating scientific thinking in cell biology. |  |
 | Topics in Forensic SciencesThe aim of this course is to
provide students with an overview of a variety of topics within the area
of forensic sciences including pathology, toxicology, anthropology and
odontology. It is not intended to provide students with a detailed
knowledge of any of these areas, but rather provide insight into how
they may be used to investigate crime. Topics to be covered include the
changes in the body with death and decomposition; the pathology of
wounds; burns; disaster victim identification; sudden death in children
and adults; medical misadventure and drug related deaths. A background
knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology is expected. |
General Pathology IIIHSIn General Pathology IIIHS the main
basic pathological processes are reviewed and we look in more depth and
at a wider variety of common pathological conditions in Biology of
Disease II General topics covered include the nature and causes of cell
injury and death; adaptive cellular changes; healing and repair,
thrombosis, embolism and infarction and neoplasia. More detailed
attention is given to cardiovascular, pulmonary and gastrointestinal
diseases and common cancers and the pathology is correlated with major
clinical symptoms and signs. In addition, tutorials and practical
classes provide an opportunity for students to examine macroscopic and
microscopic specimens illustrating the pathology covered in lectures. A
background knowledge of basic anatomy, histology and physiology is
expected. |  |
 | Neurological DiseasesThe aim of this course is to provide
students with an understanding of a range of diseases and conditions
affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. General topics
covered include the causes and consequences of raised intracranial
pressure, headache, infections, tumours and dementia, as well as more
specific disorders such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Traumatic
brain and spinal cord injury, stroke and the effects of alcohol and
illicit drugs on the brain will also be discussed. The practical classes
provide an opportunity for students to examine macroscopic and
microscopic specimens illustrating selected pathologies covered in
lectures. |
