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Course Outline

LFS112 Human Physiology

Course Coordinator:Linda Gallo (lgallo@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine

2026Trimester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 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 unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Human Physiology covers the normal mechanisms of function in the human body. It includes topics on thermoregulation, neuro- and sensory physiology, muscles, endocrinology, reproduction, cell metabolism, respiration, immunology, cardiovascular, acid-base balance, osmoregulation, renal, and digestion. Emphasis is on normal function of the human body and the integrative nature of each body system.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Self-directed eModule completion 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online Tutorial 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – On campus 2hrs Week 1 6 times
Laboratory 1 – On campus 2hrs Week 2 5 times

Course Topics

  • Core principles, Homeostasis, and Thermoregulation
  • Neuro- and sensory physiology
  • Muscle 
  • Endocrinology and reproduction
  • Cell metabolism
  • Respiration
  • Blood and Immunity
  • Cardiovascular
  • Renal
  • Digestion

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Explain the physiology of individual body systems. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
2 Demonstrate practical procedures in physiology, including presentation and interpretation of data. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
3 Test and evaluate integrative physiological responses using sound scientific methods and reasoning. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

LFS201 or LFS202 or LFS203

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

An understanding of cell biology including structure and function of cell membranes and cellular transport; basic anatomy of human tissues, organs and systems; basic chemistry of molecules important in biological systems. An understanding of principles of data presentation and interpretation. Therefore, it is recommended that you first complete relevant courses.

Microcredential Information

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Formative feedback will be provided throughout the course. This involves provision of:
model answers for tutorial and workshop questions; discussion of practical components including data analysis with tutors; multiple attempts to complete online quizzes; revision questions that students can discuss with teaching staff.

Assessment tasks

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 Portfolio Individual 30% 
Approximately 2 hours weekly.
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Submission
All 1b Portfolio Individual 15% 
1x A4 page revision notes, plus ~600-word guided reflection.
 Week 8 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Case Study Individual 35% 
Approximately 60 minutes.
 Week 11 In Class
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 20% 
Approximately 70 minutes.
 Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1a:Theory and practical skill development
Goal: 
To demonstrate an understanding of theoretical and practical principles covered in the course, and support the integration and consolidation of learning.
Product: Portfolio
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Online via Canvas. 
eModule due dates: Week 7 (eModules 1-6) and Study week (eModules 7-12); 10%.
Laboratory quiz due dates: During laboratory weeks; 20%.
Please refer to the course Canvas site for further details.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate accurate responses to questions, reflecting active engagement with learning materials and understanding of core concepts
 1
2 
Demonstrate accurate interpretation and integration of laboratory data with theoretical concepts, reflecting active and collaborative participation in laboratories
 2 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 1b:Study skills development
Goal: 
To develop effective study skills through revision, peer learning, and collaborative note-making that supports deep understanding and preparation for subsequent assessments. Students will also reflect on the value and effectiveness of collaborative learning exercises.
Product: Portfolio
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Online via Canvas. Please refer to the course Canvas site for further details.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate an accurate understanding of core physiology concepts through the development of well-structured summary notes that apply effective design-for-learning principles to support comprehension and revision
 1
2 
Demonstrate effective collaboration, supported by a clear and insightful reflection on how collaborative processes function as a rigorous scientific approach to developing a deeper understanding of physiological concepts.
 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Case study
Goal: 
To apply theoretical and practical principles covered in the course by interpreting integrated physiological responses in a clear written format.
Product: Case Study
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
On-campus during scheduled Workshop class. Please refer to the course Canvas site for further details.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate critical thinking and accurate interpretation of physiological data via explanations or responses
 2 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:End of Trimester Examination
Goal: 
To understand and apply theoretical and practical principles covered in the course.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
End of Trimester Examination in the centrally scheduled examination period. Date and venue will be provided by UniSC Central.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate accurate responses to questions, reflecting a sound understanding and evaluation of individual body systems, integrated physiological responses, and the ability to present and interpret relevant data.
 1 2
Generic Skills: 
Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy

Directed study hours

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.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

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.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

You need regular access to the resource(s) below. Many texts are available as ebooks through the Library at no additional cost.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Frederic H. Martini,Judi L. Nath,Edwin F. Bartholomew 0 Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, Global Edition 11th edition n/a

Specific requirements

To complete this course, students will require the LFS112 Human Physiology Workshop Manual and Tutorial Workbook (two separate resources). This is available for purchase from UniSC MyPrint; with an electronic copy available on Canvas. It is strongly recommended to have a hard copy of these manuals, as they are invaluable resources to successfully complete the course. Students will require personal protective equipment (PPE) for laboratory classes. This includes: a clean laboratory coat, fully-enclosed footwear, and safety glasses. Students must present with their own PPE to gain entry into the laboratory; no PPE is available for loan. Students are also required to complete the online Laboratory Induction on Canvas prior to gaining entry into the laboratory.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all laboratory classes and a moderate level of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks are those associated with laboratory work such as working with chemicals and hazardous substances. You will be required to undertake laboratory induction training and it is also your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

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.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

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

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment is dependent on the following conditions being met: The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%. The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale. You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct.

Assessment: Submission penalties

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

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: 

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