BIOM20002 Human Structure and Function
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 25 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- Final exam 40%: mostly coursework
- About 9 class hours a week
Is BIOM20002 hard?
BIOM20002: About average. Not counted by Bachelor of Science, so it isn't on its lists. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it takes a lot of time, 9 class hours a week.
What you learn
How the human body is built and how it works: anatomy, physiology, keeping the body in balance, and how drugs act.
After it you can
- Describe the normal structure of the human body
- Explain how organ systems keep the body in balance
- Explain the basics of how drugs work
What you need first
(BIOL10002 and CHEM10006) and (BIOM10002 or BIOL10003)
What it leads to
- ANAT30007 Human Locomotor Systems
- ANAT30008 Viscera and Visceral Systems
- BIOL30001 Reproductive Physiology
- BIOL30002 Experimental Animal Biology
- BIOM30001 Frontiers in Biomedicine
- BIOM30002 Biomedicine: Molecule to Malady
- BMEN30010 Mechanics for Bioengineering
- OPTO30008 Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
- PHRM30002 Drugs Affecting the Nervous System
- PHRM30003 Drug Treatment of Disease
- PHRM30008 Drugs: From Discovery to Market
- PHRM30009 Drugs in Biomedical Experiments
- PHYS30009 Experimental Physiology
- PHYS30010 Advanced Human Physiology
- PHYS30012 Physiology: Adapting to Challenges
Can’t be taken together with
Careers
Helps toward: Medical practitioner (doctor), Dietitian, Laboratory scientist, Biochemist, Microbiologist, Dentist, Optometrist, Physiotherapist, Registered nurse, Zoologist, Psychologist, Veterinarian, Biomedical Engineer, Biotechnologist
How it’s assessed
Assignments 20%, Tests 30%, Reports and essays 10%, Final exam 40%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 9 students on StudentVIP (2019–2023)
- A 25 point subject combining anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. All agree it is very content-heavy: anatomy is mostly memorising detail, physiology is the hardest conceptually.
- The cadaver anatomy labs were consistently praised; physiology workshops and masterclasses got mixed or poor reviews.
- Most found it easier than BIOM20001 and said a H1 is reachable if you keep up with the many weekly lectures. Little feedback during semester was a common complaint.
- Coordination and staff approachability were criticised in several 2019-2023 reviews.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate BIOM20002
Quick answers
- When is BIOM20002 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking BIOM20002?
- Needs (BIOL10002 and CHEM10006) and (BIOM10002 or BIOL10003).
- Does BIOM20002 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 40% of the mark. Assessment: Assignments 20%, Tests 30%, Reports and essays 10%, Final exam 40%.
- Is BIOM20002 hard?
- From 9 student reviews on StudentVIP: A 25 point subject combining anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. All agree it is very content-heavy: anatomy is mostly memorising detail, physiology is the hardest conceptually.
- What do students say about BIOM20002?
- A 25 point subject combining anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. All agree it is very content-heavy: anatomy is mostly memorising detail, physiology is the hardest conceptually. The cadaver anatomy labs were consistently praised; physiology workshops and masterclasses got mixed or poor reviews. Most found it easier than BIOM20001 and said a H1 is reachable if you keep up with the many weekly lectures. Little feedback during semester was a common complaint.
- How many class hours a week does BIOM20002 have?
- 9 h a week in class
- Can I take BIOM20002 as breadth?
- No, it isn’t listed as breadth for any course.
- What can I take after BIOM20002?
- 15 subjects need it first, for example ANAT30007, ANAT30008, BIOL30001, BIOL30002.
- Can I rate BIOM20002?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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