Course Coordinator:Nicole Flemming (nflemming@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine
UniSC Sunshine Coast |
Blended learning | Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online. |
Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
This course further develops the introductory knowledge you have gained in physiology, to develop an understanding of disease and dysfunction. Cellular adaptation and injury will be explored and expanded to investigate major disorders associated with the organ systems. This course focuses on exploring the major causes and clinical manifestations of disease and the use of diagnostic information to learn about and evaluate the disease process. It develops basic communication skills applicable to programs such as Medical Laboratory Science, Paramedic Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology.
| Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
| Blended learning | |||
| Learning materials – Pre-recorded e-Modules, H5P-embedded MCQ questions to check progress against learning outcomes, H5P-embedded drag-and-drop exercises to support practical classes | 2hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
| Tutorial/Workshop 1 – e-Lectorial (online via Zoom) | 1hr | Week 1 | 12 times |
| Tutorial/Workshop 2 – On campus | 2hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
200 Level (Developing)
12 units
| Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | Professional Standard Mapping * Competencies from multiple Professional Bodies (see below) * | |
| 1 | Describe, explain and clearly communicate knowledge of disease and dysfunction from cellular to organ system levels. |
Knowledgeable Empowered |
2.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 3.3.1, 6.2.4, 7.2.2, 7.3.2, 9.1.1, 10.4.2 |
| 2 | To understand the use of common diagnostic tests in assessing health and disease. |
Knowledgeable Engaged |
1.6.6, 1.6.7, 1.2, 2.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.2.4, 2.3, 3.3.1, 6.2.4, 10.4.2, 10.4.3 |
| 3 | Display knowledge of pathological processes involved in disease and dysfunction. |
Knowledgeable Empowered |
2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.4, 6.2.4, 9.1.1, 10.4.2 |
| 4 | Critically analyse and solve pathophysiology problems by collecting, accurately recording, interpreting clinical results, and drawing conclusions. |
Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker |
1.1.2, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.4, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 6.2.4, 10.1.5, 10.3.2, 10.4.2 |
| CODE | COMPETENCY |
| Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists | |
| 1.6.6 | Read and validate results - Observation based testing: Available clinical information is reviewed. |
| 1.6.7 | Read and validate results - Observation based testing: Critical observations are made and recorded. |
| 1.1.2 | Ensure the appropriateness of sample collection procedures: Identification of patient and demographic information is established. |
| 1.2 | Collection, preparation and analysis of clinical material: Ensure the appropriateness of specimen reception procedures |
| 2.1.1 | Assess validity of data/results against possible range of outcomes: Initial observation and limited interpretation for significance of the raw data/results is undertaken. |
| 2.1.2 | Assess validity of data/results against possible range of outcomes: Implausible results, results inconsistent with clinical information or expected outcomes based on other test results or those outside defined criteria are investigated further using defined troubleshooting strategies. |
| 2.3 | Correlation and validation of results of investigations using knowledge of method(s) including analytical principles and clinical information: Make decisions about reporting results, repeating procedures, consulting senior staff and carrying out further tests within established guidelines |
| 3.3.1 | Ensure that results with important diagnostic or treatment implications are communicated as per established protocols: Significant results, as defined by the laboratory, are identified |
| 3.3.2 | Ensure that results with important diagnostic or treatment implications are communicated as per established protocols: Results are interpreted in the light of clinical information provided and knowledge of the test(s) and limitations. |
| 6.2.4 | Maintain and update scientific/technical knowledge and skills: Opportunities to enhance learning from investigation of unusual clinical cases and/or results are pursued. |
| 7.2.2 | Makes independent, professional judgements: Implications associated with various outcomes of decision-making are recognised and understood. |
| 7.3.2 | Demonstrates knowledge of contemporary ethical issues impinging on Medical Science: Rights of individuals/groups are recognised and protected. |
| 9.1.1 | Research, prepare and deliver appropriate presentations: Educational topics are researched, prepared and presented to health workers and others. |
| 10.4.2 | Prepare and deliver report: Preparation of verbal and/or written reports or article (including for publication) is undertaken. |
| 10.4.3 | Prepare and deliver report: Report is presented for peer review. |
| 10.1.5 | Contribute to planning and design of research and development projects: Relevant information is accessed online, from libraries and other sources. |
| 10.3.2 | Evaluate results and the need for further experimental work: Contributions are made to the interpretation of results and conclusions. |
| Exercise and Sports Science Australia | |
| 2.2.1 | Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life. |
| 2.2.2 | Examine principles of biopsychosocial care, value-based care, person-centred care and social and cultural determinants of health and apply this to promote health and well-being for individual clients and population groups. |
| 2.2.4 | Evaluate the effect of commonly prescribed medications, diagnostic procedures, medical, surgical, and other interventions on both resting and exercise-related physiological responses across the full health spectrum. |
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
LFS112 or HLT100 and enrolled in Program SC211, SC304, SC367, SC391, SC392, SC394, SC395, SC346, SC306, UB001
Not applicable
LFS303 or NUR221 or PAR221
Students will be able to demonstrate understanding in human physiology as evidenced through the successful completion of pre-requisite courses or equivalent credit courses
Standard Grading (GRD)
| High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
Early feedback will be provided through formative quizzes available in Canvas. Additional formative assessment activities (exemplar multiple choice questions and/or short answer questions) will also be completed during weekly e-Lectorials and/or Workshops.
| Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | Weighting % | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
| All | 1a | Written Piece | Individual | 5% | 500 words |
Week 3 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 1b | Oral and Written Piece | Individual | 25% | 6-minute MP4 video and an ~800 word script |
Week 11 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 2 | Examination - not Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 30% | 90 minutes |
Week 6 | In Class |
| All | 3 | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 40% | 120 minutes |
Exam Period | Exam Venue |
| All - Assessment Task 1a:Topic Proposal | |||||||||||||
| Goal: | This task is designed to encourage students to independently select and justify a pathophysiology topic (from the provided topic list available on Canvas) relevant to their professional discipline. This task is designed to develop early research, critical thinking, and planning skills in preparation for your Task 1b submission. |
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| Product: | Written Piece | ||||||||||||
| Format: | Online via Canvas. Please refer to the course Canvas site for further details. |
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| Criteria: |
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| Generic Skills: | Communication, Organisation, Information literacy |
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| All - Assessment Task 1b:Narrated Powerpoint | |||||||||||||
| Goal: | This task builds on your Topic Proposal (Task 1a) and develops your ability to communicate complex pathophysiological concepts clearly and professionally. You will create a narrated PowerPoint presentation explaining the pathophysiology of your chosen topic and its relevance to your professional discipline. |
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| Product: | Oral and Written Piece | ||||||||||||
| Format: | A 6-minute narrated PowerPoint presentation saved as an MP4 file, including clear audio and video of the student presenting, with an accompanying written script including in-text citations and a full Harvard-style reference list. Please refer to the course Canvas site for further details. |
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| Criteria: |
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| Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy |
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| All - Assessment Task 2:Mid-trimester Exam | |||||||||||||
| Goal: | This examination is a check-point where you can demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of pathophysiological processes, diagnostic tests and to practice the use of key pathophysiology terminology acquired to date. |
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| Product: | Examination - not Centrally Scheduled | ||||||||||||
| Format: | An in-person, invigilated exam based on all course learning materials from Week 1 to 5. Please refer to the course Canvas site for further details. |
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| Criteria: |
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| Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy |
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| All - Assessment Task 3:End-of-Trimester Exam | |||||||||||||
| Goal: | This examination is a comprehensive end-of-trimester exam based on all course learning materials from Week 1 to 12, where you can demonstrate the theoretical and practical applications of pathophysiology that you have mastered to date. |
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| Product: | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | ||||||||||||
| Format: | An in-person, invigilated exam based on all course learning materials from Week 1 to 12. Please refer to the course Canvas site for further details. |
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| Criteria: |
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| Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy |
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A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
| Period and Topic | Activities |
Week 1: Introduction to pathophysiology and cellular adaptation |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 2: Cellular injury and Neoplasia |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 3: Endocrine disorders |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 4: Renal and electrolyte disorders |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 5: Inflammation and immunological disorders |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 6: Haematological disorders |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 7: Disorders of the special senses and reproductive disorders |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 8: Digestive and hepatic disorders |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 9: Vascular disease and hypertension |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 10: Cardiac disease |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 11: Pain and neurological disorders |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Week 12: Respiratory disorders |
e-Module, e-Lectorial, Workshop |
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.
| Required? | Author | Year | Title | Edition | Publisher |
| Required | Judy Craft, Christopher Gordon et al | 2022 | Understanding Pathophysiology Australia and New Zealand Edition | 4th edition | Elsevier |
For UB001 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology) to meet AIMS accreditation requirements all final theory assessments will be invigilated.
Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment
Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty
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