ARMMSA-Musculo-Skeletal Anatomy

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Ceri Falys
Email: c.g.falys@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces the musculoskeletal system, dental anatomy, skeletal development, and how the action of the soft tissues (muscle, tendons and ligaments) produce the characteristic morphology of individual bones.  You will gain comprehensive knowledge to enable you to accurately identify complete and fragmentary adult and child skeletal remains from archaeological contexts, and become familiar with anatomical terms and names of structures. This detailed knowledge of the human skeleton builds up over the module with regular marked assessments and feedback sessions.

Aims:

This module provides you with an understanding of the bodies systems, their functions and how they impact the growth, development and remodelling of the human skeleton. You will learn to use anatomical terminology with confidence and develop a comprehensive understanding of the language used to describe features on the child and adult skeleton. Through this familiarity you will be able to identify even fragmentary remains from archaeological sites.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module you will have developed:

• An in-depth practical knowledge of human musculo-skeletal anatomy and dental structures


• A comprehensive understanding of the other body systems, their functions and how they impact the skeletal system


• An advanced knowledge of the human skeleton, individual elements and structures, and how they develop


• Skills to enable you to identify even fragmentary human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts

Additional outcomes:

The laboratory practicals are designed to develop your osteological and anatomical knowledge and to reinforce information outlined in the lectures. You will learn to work effectively both independently, and in groups to gain information from human skeletal material. 

Outline content:

Lectures and practicals will cover: bone microstructures, the musculoskeletal anatomy of the head and neck, thorax, upper limbs and lower limbs, spine, dental structures and tooth identification, bones of the non-adult, anatomical terms and movements.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Each session will comprise a 1hour introductory lecture followed by a 2 hour practical

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	11
Practicals classes and workshops	22
Supervised time in studio/workshop	11
Guided independent study:	156
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Class test administered by School	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

You will be assessed through five of fortnightly in-class tests (20% each) that will examine your ability to name anatomical structures and identify fragments. The tests will increase with difficulty as the module progresses.

Formative assessment methods:

You will have the opportunity to test your progress through the module with ‘bone of the week’ quizzes, with the answers provided at the end of each week. In each of the practical sessions you will also be tested on your knowledge of human skeletal anatomy and use of terminology through informal discussions with the demonstrators and lecturer. In this way you will be provided with immediate feedback on your progression, and ways in which you can improve your skills.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework in September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 September 2022