6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
Chief examiner(s)
Assoc. Professor Elizabeth Davis
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
Physiology is the study of how living organisms work. It involves the functions of cells, tissues, organs and the whole organism. This unit will provide you with an overview of how the body maintains a constant environment for its cells and tissues through the integrated functions of the following physiological systems: cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, respiratory, reproductive and gastrointestinal. You will also consider how the body adapts to changes in the external environment and to disease states.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Explain the functions and controls of the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive and digestive systems in the human body;
- Describe how the body systems integrate in order to maintain homeostasis following exercise or blood loss;
- Plan and conduct scientific experiments and analyse and interpret the associated experimental data related to the effects of ventricular filling on cardiac contraction, the effect of exercise on cardiovascular function, the effect of a water loading on urinary excretion and the effects of autonomic nerves on gut motility;
- Communicate experimental results in the format of scientific figures and written reports.
Assessment
- Examination (2 hours) (50%) (hurdle)
- Assignments (20%)
- Tests (30%)
A pass in the final exam must be obtained to pass the unit.
Workload requirements
2 hours of lectures, 2 hour tutorial, 3 hours of practical classes per week
See also Unit timetable information