Units
Medical Physiology 1
Unit code: LQB388
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit deals specifically with the physiological systems that are responsible for the maintenance of health in humans. In the course of the semester students will investigate half the systems that constitute the human body (with the remainder dealt with in the second semester unit Physiology 2 [LQB488]). The unit offers a useful frame of reference for students enrolled in courses such as animal biology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, nutrition and human movements. Together with Physiology 2 [LQB488] this unit is a prerequisite to the third level unit, Applied Physiology [LQB588] and will be of particular interest to students considering medicine as a postgraduate career option.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
An appreciation of how the human body works is an essential prerequisite to understanding the basis of health, disease, diagnostic technologies and treatment strategies. This unit deals specifically with the physiological systems that are responsible for the maintenance of health in humans. It therefore provides a useful frame of reference for students enrolled in biomedical science, pharmacy, human movement studies, nutrition and dietetics or any of the life science majors.
In the course of the semester you will investigate half the systems that constitute the human body (with the remainder dealt with in the second semester unit Medical Physiology 2 [LQB488]). This unit can be used as a prerequisite to the third level units; Applied Medical Physiology [LQB588] and Clinical Physiology [LSB658].
Aims
The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the normal physiology of the human body in order to facilitate an understanding of how injury or disease effect health as well as the mechanism of action of drugs and other therapeutic interventions.
Objectives
On completion of this unit, you should:
1. Understand the functional organisation and integration of each of the major organ systems of the human body.
2. Understand the mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of health, the physiological basis of some diseases and of some therapeutic strategies.
3. Be familiar with the experimental approaches utilised in physiological investigations.
4. Be able to demonstrate the methods of scientific inquiry including the importance of observation, data recording, data analysis and critical thinking.
Content
The content of this unit includes theoretical consideration and practical investigations of the following physiological subject areas:
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit uses blended learning approaches. Theoretical aspects are provided by interactive online lessons written specifically for the unit and/or traditional face-to-face lectures. These are complemented by a three-hour practical session related to the theory and an optional one-hour tutorial every second week. The teaching team includes academic staff with higher degrees and research interests in physiology. Practical classes are held in well-equipped physiological laboratories and use an investigative approach to the area of study that encourages experimental design, critical thinking and data analysis.
Assessment
General Comments
Online lessons and tutorials include formative assessment items and (where possible) rapid feedback is provided on all aspects of summative assessment.Feedback will be available on your progress.
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
Progress formative and summative examination consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions designed to provide you with feedback on your learning early in the semester. Feedback sessions following the exam provide you with correct answers, examples of common errors and suggestions for improved examination technique.
Relates to objectives:
1 - 4.
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Early in semester
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
Final summative examination consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions on all material dealt with during the semester.
Relates to objectives:
1 - 4.
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Exam period
Assessment name:
Laboratory/Practical
Description:
Weekly formative and summative practical tests on the activities performed in the previous weeks laboratory class. Rapid online feedback on tests is provided to enable you to evaluate whether learning outcomes of practicals have been achieved.
Relates to objectives:
3 and 4
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Weekly
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Texts:
There is no recommended text for this subject, however for reading around the topic or obtaining a different perspective we suggest the latest edition of Vander's Human Physiology (by Eric P Widmaier, Hershel Raff and Kevin T Strang).
Practical Manual:
You will need to obtain a copy of the LQB388 Laboratory Manual before the first scheduled practical class.
References:
Web-site: The online lessons (including links to additional material to extend your learning and understanding) as well as other key resources are available on the unit website. The address of this site is available from the unit coordinator.
Risk assessment statement
This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to complete an online health and safety quiz prior to entry to the laboratory. A passing score of 9/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory. You may resit the quiz until this score is achieved. You are referred to the university's health and safety web site http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/index.jsp for further information.
If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 05-Oct-2012
