SON4010 Embryology, anatomy and pathophysiology
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
SON4010 Embryology, anatomy and pathophysiology is a level 4, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 7 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review SON4010.
Requisites
Before SON4010
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After SON4010
7 units list SON4010 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- SON5000Ultrasound researchNo reviews yet
- SON5020Sonographic professional skills and sonography of the breast and thyroidNo reviews yet
- SON5021Sonographic abdominal imagingNo reviews yet
- SON5022Sonographic imaging of the reproductive systemNo reviews yet
- SON5023Obstetric sonographyNo reviews yet
- SON5024Musculoskeletal, neonatal and paediatric sonographyNo reviews yet
- SON5025Sonographic vascular and postoperative imagingNo reviews yet
Enrolment rules
Corequisite: Must be enrolled in course code M6005.
Overview
This unit provides a detailed study of embryology, anatomy, and physiology across key body systems, including the central nervous, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, vascular, musculoskeletal, and hepatobiliary systems. You will explore structure-function relationships and apply this knowledge to recognise normal and abnormal anatomical and physiological presentations. In this unit you will develop foundational ultrasound skills, enabling you to evaluate findings accurately, support safe, evidence-based diagnostic practice, and communicate results effectively within the healthcare team.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Online |
| Second semester | Clayton | Online |
Assessment
- ePortfolioPortfolio60%
- End-of-semester exam (100 mins)ExaminationCompetency hurdle40%
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
Integrate principles of embryological development and physiology to evaluate body systems.
- 2
Analyse structure-function relationships to explain abnormal anatomical presentations.
- 3
Assess clinical information to enable safe, evidence-based diagnostic ultrasound practice.
- 4
Apply knowledge of anatomical movement, function, and pathology to support clinical evaluation and diagnosis.
- 5
Evaluate ultrasound findings to differentiate pathological presentations in the support of clinical decisions.
- 6
Apply foundational image recognition skills to communicate findings to the broader healthcare team.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions24 hours
- Tutorials2 hours
Applied Sessions: 2 hours per week (2 x 12 weeks = 24 hours)
Tutorials: 2 hours per semester
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Carolynne Cormack
- Chief Examiners
- Ignatius Pereira
- Carolynne Cormack
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for SON4010?
SON4010 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after SON4010?
SON4010 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 7 units, including SON5000, SON5020, SON5021, SON5022, SON5023 and SON5024.
When is SON4010 offered?
In 2026, SON4010 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton, with an online option.
Does SON4010 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.