Course Outline

LFS112 Human Physiology

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

2025Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning You can do this course without coming onto campus, unless your program has specified a mandatory onsite requirement.

Please go to usc.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 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – On campus workshop - Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 2hrs Week 1 6 times
Laboratory 1 – On campus laboratories - Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 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.

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 10%
Approximately 1-2 hours weekly.
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Publisher Assessment
All 1b Case Study Individual 40%
Each case study assessment will range from approximately 20-50 minutes each.
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) In Class
All 2 Written Piece Individual and Group 30%
Approximately 8 hours.
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 20%
Approximately 70 minutes.
Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1a:Preparation and Participation
Goal:
To understand theoretical principles covered in the eModules and support the facilitation and consolidation of learning.
Product: Portfolio
Format:
Online via Canvas weekly. 
Due dates: week 7 (eModules 1-6) and week 13 (eModules 7-12). 
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 3
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 1b:Case studies
Goal:
To apply theoretical and practical principles covered in the course by interpreting integrated physiological responses in a clear written format.
Product: Case Study
Format:
Week 4 (Case study 1) and week 9 (Case study 2).
Please refer to the course Canvas site for further details.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Apply relevant theoretical knowledge to case study scenarios using active recall
1
2
Demonstrate critical thinking, accurate interpretation of physiological data, and the ability to propose evidence-based explanations or responses
2 3
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Written Task
Goal:
To analyse and critically evaluate integrated physiological responses in a collaborative and scientifically appropriate written format. To recognise the value of collaboration in scientific practice through reflection.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
Online via Canvas in week 6 (Group Plan) and week 13 (Group Task and Individual Reflection). 
Please refer to the course Canvas site for further details.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Apply accurate and relevant disciplinary knowledge to effectively present, interpret, and critically evaluate physiological data and integrated system responses
1 2 3
2
Demonstrate effective collaboration and reflective practice to support the clear presentation, interpretation, and critical evaluation of physiological data and integrated system responses
2 3
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:End of Semester Examination
Goal:
To understand and apply theoretical and practical principles covered in the course.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
End of Semester 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 3
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

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 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

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

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

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au