BMA1901 Human structure and function 1
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
BMA1901 Human structure and function 1 is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Peninsula. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 8 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Peninsula
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BMA1901
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
- BMS2011Human anatomyNo reviews yet
- BMA1011Foundations of anatomy and physiology for health practice 1No reviews yet
- BMA1012Foundations of anatomy and physiology for health practice 2No reviews yet
- BMS2021Human molecular cell biologyNo reviews yet
- PHY2032Human physiology: Hormonal and digestive systemsNo reviews yet
- BMS2031Human physiologyNo reviews yet
- PHY2042Human physiology: Cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systemsNo reviews yet
- NUR1112Fundamental skills and knowledge for nursing and midwifery practice 1No reviews yet
- PHY2011Neuroscience of communication, sensory and control systemsNo reviews yet
After BMA1901
1 unit list BMA1901 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Must be enrolled in Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) or Bachelor of Education
Overview
This unit is the first in a sequence of two biomedical science units that provides foundation knowledge of human anatomy and physiology relevant for allied health professions.
This unit develops skills in the critical evaluation of evidence and promotes an awareness of the changing nature of medical knowledge.
The major themes of study are the structural levels of body organisation, communication via the nervous and endocrine systems, the reproductive system and early stages of human development. Topics include the chemical and cellular basis of human life; integration of body functions and homeostasis; the structure and function of the integumentary system; the nervous system; the endocrine system; and the reproductive system.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Peninsula | On campus |
Assessment
- In-semester quizzes (MCQs)Quiz / Test10%
- Mid-semester test (MCQs)Quiz / Test20%
- End-of-semester test (MCQs)Quiz / Test20%
- Final examination (MCQ and/or EMQ, plus SAQ - 100 minutes)Examination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Identify levels of structural organisation within the body and discuss how primary tissue types cooperate to form organ systems using integumentary system as an example;
- 2
Describe and explain homeostatic control mechanisms and how they maintain conditions in the internal environment necessary for optimal organ system function;
- 3
Outline the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems, and explain how they facilitate the integration of organ system function and homeostasis;
- 4
Delineate the processes of gametogenesis and fertilisation in the context of male and female reproductive structures;
- 5
Analyse and interpret data utilising an evidenced-based approach to understand patient symptoms.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions4 hours
- Practical activities10 hours
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
5 hours of contact per week (lectures, tutorials, and practicals). 6 hours of student-directed study per week (including pre- and post-class activities).
For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Elise Randle-Barrett
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Natalie Bennett
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BMA1901?
BMA1901 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after BMA1901?
BMA1901 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including BMA1902. Those lead on to 8 units in all.
When is BMA1901 offered?
In 2026, BMA1901 runs in Semester 1 at Peninsula.
Does BMA1901 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.