Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

A solid grounding in the principles of human anatomy and physiology is fundamental to the knowledge base of Allied Health Professionals, teachers of biology and physical education and medically-oriented biological scientists. This unit introduces you to concepts of the structure of the cell and tissues and the structural organisation and function of each of the major systems that constitute the human body. Provision of a sound background in these concepts is essential for future studies of more complicated or detailed physiological mechanisms and pathophysiology.

Aims

The aims of this unit are to:

Provide you with a clear understanding of anatomical terminology used in the Allied health professions.

Review the structure of the normal human body at the level of the cell, tissue, organ and organ system.

Develop your understanding of the complimentary relationships that exist between cellular/tissue/organ morphology and the functions of the major organ systems.

Enable you to comprehend the physiological mechanisms that underlie organ system functions and know how these functions help maintain homeostasis.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Identify an extensive range of normal human structures using the appropriate anatomical terminology.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the hierarchy of structural organisation that exists in the human body from the level of molecules to organ systems.

3. Competently discuss the complementary relationships that exist between tissue/organ structure and the functions of each of the major organ systems.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic physiological processes that underlie the functions of the major organ systems.

5. Clearly explain how the functions of each major organ system contribute to homeostasis and the maintenance of life.

Content

Structural and Functional Organisation of the Human Body:
Introduction to the basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology.
Overview of the structural organisation of the human body including directional terms, planes and sections, body cavities, quadrants and regions.

The Cell:
Overview of different cell types in the human body.
Introduction to the basic physiology of cell membranes including the concepts of selective permeability, diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
Cell organelles and their inclusions.

Development:
Further introduction to cell physiology and development of the major organ systems in the context of human development from conception to early adulthood.
Introduction to the role of basic cell physiology in underpinning the integrated nature of the major organ systems.

Tissues and Integumentary System:
Overview of the four major tissue types.
Morphology of epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous tissues and general functions. Introduction to the structure and function of the skin.

The Musculo-Skeletal System:
Organisation of the axial and appendicular skeleton.
Overview of major joint types and the basic forms of human movement they facilitate.
Introduction to skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle. Major skeletal muscles.

Nervous System:
Overview of the neurones and neuroglia.
Basic structural organisation of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their major functional roles.
The structure and function of general and special sensory receptors.
Sensory processing in the central nervous system. Motor divisions of the peripheral nervous system.

Cardiovascular System:
Structure of blood vessels and the heart.
Structure and function of red blood cells.
Introduction to basic cardiac physiology including the mechanical and electrical events that maintain normal blood flow.

Respiratory System:
Gross and microscopic features of the respiratory system.
The mechanics of breathing and respiratory function tests.

Gastrointestinal System:
Gross and microscopic features of the gastrointestinal system and accessory glands.
Basic principles of ingestion, digestion, absorption and waste elimination

Renal System:
Gross features and histology of the kidneys and accessory structures.
Basic principles of renal system function including water balance and regulation of blood pressure.

Lymphatic System:
The structure and function of the major types of immune cells.
Gross and microscopic features of the lymphatic system.
Introduction to the body's defence systems and immunity.
Endocrine System and Metabolism Gross and microscopic features of the endocrine system.
Hormonal interactions.
Energy balance and temperature regulation.

Reproductive System:
Gross features and histology of the gonads and accessory structures.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The subject matter will be presented by the teaching team as lectures (2 hours/week) with reinforcement of the material taking place in the form of laboratory sessions (2 hours/week). Laboratory sessions will include the examination of anatomical models, histological preparations and, where available, specimens of preserved human organs or animal equivalents. Basic physiological experiments, such as the measurement of respiratory function, will also be undertaken.

The combination of lecture and laboratory based sessions will allow you to develop:

The capacity to accurately describe the spatial organisation of human body structures (objectives 1-2).

Competency with the ability to explain the structural and functional integration of the major organ systems (objective 3).

The capacity to monitor and interpret basic physiological processes that maintain life (objectives 4-5).

Assessment

Formative Assessment:

To enable you to determine if you are meeting the unit objectives, regular formative assessment will be undertaken during the weekly practical sessions. This assessment will not contribute to any formal grades, but instead will provide a mechanism for you to regularly evaluate your understanding of the subject matter presented in the unit. This formative assessment will take the following forms:

1. Type: Weekly theory examinations
Description: Each week during the practical sessions, you will attempt 8-10 multiple-choice theoretical questions relating to recent lecture material. These short examinations will be presented using QUT blackboard.

2. Type: Weekly practical examinations
Description: Each week during the practical sessions, you will attempt to identify 8-10 human anatomical structures on either models or histological preparations which relate directly to subject material presented in recent lectures and/or practical sessions.Students will receive the answers to the formative assessment questions so that they may evaluate their own progress in the unit. Feedback on the reasoning and rationale for the formative assessment will be provided following completion of the formative examinations.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Progress theory examination, multiple-choice questions related to weeks 1-6. Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 4.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Satisfactory completion of weekly practicals related to the identification or function of various human anatomical structures followed by an end-semester practical examination; short answer questions; Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: End-semester theory examination; multiple-choice questions related to weeks 7-13; summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 4.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Final Exam Period

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:

1. Seeley, Stephens & Tate, Anatomy & Physiology, 8th edition, McGraw Hill Publishing Company
or
2. Marieb & Hoehn, Human Anatomy and Physiology, 7th edition, Pearson/Benjamin Cummings Publishing Company

And

3. LSB142 Laboratory Manual, QUT Printery.

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 will be provided with the latest edition of a comprehensive safety booklet pertinent to life sciences laboratories and specifically to this unit, and you will be required to adhere to the safety procedures detailed in it. 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