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

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 first semester unit Medical Physiology 1 [LQB388]). 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 affect 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:

· Cardiac physiology.
· Vascular physiology.
· Blood.
· Lymphatic system.
· Respiratory system.
· Urinary system.
· Fluid & acid-base balance.
· Reproductive systems.

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-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.Please refer to assessment details below.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Mid-semester formative and summative examination consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions designed to provide you with feedback on your learning in the first part of 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, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid 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, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Weekly formative and summative practical tests on the activities performed in the previous weeks laboratory class. Rapid 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

Text:

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 & Kevin T Strang).

Practical Manual:

You will need to obtain a copy of the LQB488 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 via the unit website.

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: 08-Oct-2012