James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

MD1004:03

Musculoskeletal System

Townsville HECS Band 3

13 hours lectures, 52 hours other. Full year.

Available to level 1 students enrolled in the MBBS program.

Staff: Assoc. Professor A Bower.

This subject will provide an introduction to the basic structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and its role in human movement. It will provide an overview of the skeleton and bone, muscle tissue and the nervous system bone to provide a foundation for later anatomical studies and will also cover the functional anatomy of the limbs and back, giving and understanding of how humans move.

Learning Objectives:

  1. to know and understand the musculoskeletal system’s basic physiological processes and to understand the relationship between structure and function of bone and muscle tissue;
  2. to know and understand the functional anatomy of the upper and lower limbs and the basic structural types of joints;
  3. to understand the organisation of the nervous system;
  4. to be able to perform a basic clinical examination of the musculoskeletal system and develop professional attitudes towards the physical examination of the human body;
  5. to be able to interpret body images, to be able to identify major bones and muscles and their major features, to be able to recognise major body surface landmarks through living anatomy and to develop appropriate attitudes toward the use of cadaveric materials;
  6. to develop skills to acquire knowledge from different sources and critically evaluate evidence and to develop a self-dependent attitude to learning;
  7. to be able to use computers at an advanced level and be familiar with multi-media teaching materials;
  8. to be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing at an interpersonal and scientific level;
  9. to develop a capacity for self-audit, awareness of personal limitations and the ability to seek help when needed.

Assessed as part of the end-of-year integrated examination consisting of a written component (67%) and a practical component (33%); informal on-course assessment tasks.