Units
Clinical Physiology
Unit code: LSB658
Contact hours: 5 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
The aims of this unit are to help you develop a full understanding of how the pathophysiology of the major disorders of the human body derives from a knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology, and critical thinking and complex reasoning skills that provide you with a strong basis for cogently discussing and understanding case histories, their diagnoses and treatments.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit builds on basic mechanisms in physiology and anatomy to link normal structure and function of the human body with the pathophysiolological processes that occur in disease. You will be guided into the pathophysiology of major disorders and the subsequent rationale for diagnostic evaluation and state of the art treatment. The knowledge gained in this unit will prepare you in your studies related to health care professions and biomedical research.
Aims
The aims of this unit are to help you develop:
(i) To gain an in-depth understanding of how the pathophysiology of diseases relates to anatomy and physiology,
(ii) to develop critical thinking- and complex reasoning-skills necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Objectives
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1. understand the relationship between anatomy (structure), physiology (function), and pathophysiology (dysfunction)
2. critically analyse and interpret clinical case studies.
3. present your own arguments for alternative diagnoses and treatments of diseases.
Content
Topics covered include:
(i) Physiology and anatomy of the human organ systems, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive and endocrine system.
(ii) Pathophysiology of diseases affecting these systems.
(iii) Different treatment options.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This capstone unit includes (1) lectures and (2) practicals/tutorials. The unit is based on problem-based approaches in which you use your knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology, together with critical thinking-/complex reasoning-skills to explore, analyse and interpret case histories. The unit is particularly focussed on increasing your understanding of how structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body relates to the process of diseases. Emphasis is placed on understanding the interrelationships between different organ systems, as well as alternative diagnoses and treatments.
The Blackboard site for this unit provides you with a variety of resources, such as critical thinking/complex reasoning exercises, answers to activities, examples of essays of different standards and extra case histories with answers. All assessment components are criteria-based, not percentage-based.
Educational research has clearly demonstrated that group-based learning increases the depth, quality and retention of knowledge, in particular of health science and physiology1-3. The practical component of this unit includes critical discussion of alternative diagnoses /treatments in groups. For some of these sessions you will be viewing human preserved specimens of organs affected by various disorders. As a student in this unit you are very fortunate as the university exhibits an extraordinary collection of such specimens. Please note that photography of specimens is strictly prohibited.
1Cortright et al., Student retention of course content is improved by collaborative-group testing Adv Physiol Educ.
2Rao et al., Collaborative testing enhances student learning. Adv Physiol Educ., 2002
26:37-41.
3 Pourshanazari et al., Comparing the long-term retention of a physiology course for medical students with the traditional and problem-based learning.
Assessment
Feedback will be provided during practicals, in class and on Blackboard. You are welcome to contact any member of the unit via e-mail, or in person during scheduled times.
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
Essay to be completed in your own time; criteria for the essay component include demonstration and application of knowledge, interpretation and analysis of clinical case histories, and presentation of arguments discussing possible diagnoses of cases. Formative and Summative.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 3.
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
See Blackboard Site
Assessment name:
Examination - Criteria Based
Description:
End of semester Theory Exam - short essays. The exam will include several case studies which you will interpret to suggest diagnoses and treatments. Again, you will be applying your knowledge of the relationship between anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology as well as demonstrate skills of critical analysis. Summative.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 3.
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Assessment name:
Quiz/Test
Description:
(1) Preparation for practicals (note that practical attendance is compulsory and mandatory for the preparation for the essays in the examinations), (2) contribution to and interaction during practical group work (you will be provided with a criteria sheet). Formative and Summative.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 3.
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
See Blackboard Site
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 books:
1. Costanzo LS, Physiology Cases and Problems, Current edition, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins
2. Any advanced Physiology textbook, e.g. Medical Physiology by Boron WF and Boulpaep EL, current edition, Textbook of Medical Physiology by Guyton AC and Hall JE, current edition.
References:
1. Berne RM & Levy MN, Case Studies in Physiology, current edition, Mosby
2. Porth CM (1994) Pathophysiology - Concepts of Altered Health States, current edition, Philadelphia: Lippincott
3. Beck ER, Francis JL & Souhani RL, Tutorials in Differential Diagnosis, current edition, London: Pitman
4. Gillmer MDG, Gordon D, Sever PS & Steer PJ, 100 Cases for Students of Medicine, current edition, Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone
5. Roddie IC & Wallace WFM, Multiple Choice Questions in Human Physiology, With Answers and Comments, current edition, London: Edward Arnold
6. Hall, JE, Guyton & Hall Physiology Review, current edition, Saunders.
7. Silverthorn D, Human Physiology, An Integrated Approach, Current edition, Prentice Hall
Risk assessment statement
This unit includes a very low-risk laboratory component (viewing of preserved specimens).There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
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
