Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Human physiology involves the study of the functional aspects of the human body that are responsible for the maintenance of health. It considers how small molecules through to whole body systems interact to control the complex functions of the human body. Human physiology therefore forms the foundation for many other disciplines within the biomedical, health and life sciences. This unit provides an overview of the physiology of the major systems of the human body as a foundation for the study of other health-related disciplines or further study of human physiology.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide an overview of the functional aspects of the human body and thereby provide a frame of reference for understanding the basis of human health and disease.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Understand what the major body systems do and how they interact to maintain health.
2. Provide some real world examples of the functions of the major human body systems and appreciate some of the limitations in our understanding of human physiology as well as how these are being addressed.
3. Perform introductory physiology experiments, be able to analyse and interpret the results and understand their significance.

Content

The content of this unit includes theoretical consideration and practical investigations of the following physiological subject areas:
Membrane Transport
Endocrine System
Nervous System
Musculoskeletal System
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Urinary System
Digestive System
Reproduction
Human Development
Special Senses

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

One, two-hour lecture each week is complemented by a two-hour practical session related to the lecture topic. The teaching team includes academic staff with higher degrees and research interests in human physiology. Practical classes are held in dedicated teaching laboratories and employ an investigative approach that encourages critical thinking and data analysis.

Assessment

The assessment in this unit is designed to assist you with your learning. Progressive assessment will take place on a weekly basis (in the practical class) and during the first half of semester to allow you to determine whether you are meeting the learning outcomes for the unit.Online quizzes (which do not contribute towards your grade) will provide you with feedback on your level of understanding on a week-week basis.

Rapid feedback on your understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject will be provided through weekly assessment of Laboratory Books.

A session will also be offered after the progress exam to provide feedback on performance in this assessment item as well as approaches to study and assessment strategies.

Assessment name: Progressive Theory Exam
Description: Multiple choice exam early in semester on material covered to date.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 1st half of semester

Assessment name: Exam
Description: Multiple choice and short answer exam based on material covered in entire semester.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Laboratory Workbook
Description: Completion of weekly laboratory book. This assessment will require reviewing theoretical aspects of each week¿s topic as well as recording of results, completion of data analysis and interpretation of results from experiments performed in practical classes.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 3
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

Prescribed Texts:
1. LSB258 Principles of Human Physiology Laboratory Manual (2012) QUT Publishing.

Recommended Texts:
2. Marieb EN and Hoehn KN (2009) Human Anatomy and Physiology (Eighth edition)

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 unit coordinator, 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: 09-Jan-2013