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    Overview

    The structural and functional organisation of the human body at cellular, tissue, system and regional levels.

    MELS 241 provides a structured introduction to modern anatomy and cell biology by giving a hierarchical description of the human body, spanning cells and tissues through to systems and regional anatomy. Topical examples are used to illustrate each hierarchical level.

    About this paper

    Paper title Human Biology: Cells to Systems (for BMLSc)
    Subject Medical Laboratory Science
    EFTS 0.1425
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,447.66
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    CELS 191, CHEM 191, (HUBS 191 or PTWY 131) and 18 further 100-level points
    Restriction
    ANAT 241
    Limited to
    BMLSc
    Contact

    mels241.admin@otago.ac.nz
    Anatomy Office
    Room 231, 2nd Floor
    Lindo Ferguson Building (LFB)
    Tel 479 7362

    Teaching staff

    2026 teaching staff to be confirmed - please contact the Department for more information.

    Paper Structure

    Modules:

    • Module 1: Cell Regulation
    • Module 2: Cells in Tissues
    • Module 3: Musculoskeletal System
    • Module 4: Regional Anatomy and Physiology
    Teaching Arrangements
    All teaching is undertaken on campus.
    Textbooks

    Marieb and Hoehn "Human Anatomy & Physiology" (10th ed.; Pearson/Benjamin Cummings)

    Young, Lowe, Stevens and Heath "Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas" (6th ed.; Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier)

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will develop:

    • An understanding of the function and inter-relationship between key cellular organelles and processes 
    • An understanding of how cells are regulated within tissues to meet specific structural and functional demands 
    • A knowledge of the major body tissues and the skills to identify their normal histological features as a foundation for the study of systems and pathology 
    • A knowledge of structure and function of the skull, vertebral column and limbs 
    • An understanding of how various tissues and organs are organised and function in the thoracic and abdominal regions 
    • Key laboratory skills including microscopy, dissection and cadaver handling 
    • An understanding of how to write scientifically and present information in a standard lab report format 
    • The ability to work as part of a team, and present anatomical information in small group presentations

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Aoroa

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 11:00-11:50 9-14, 16-17, 20-22
    Tuesday 11:00-11:50 9-14, 16-22
    Friday 12:00-12:50 9-13, 16-22

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 14:00-15:50 10-14, 16-17, 19-22
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