Course Coordinator:Ann Parkinson (aparkins@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine
UniSC Sunshine CoastUniSC 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 usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
In Integrated Physiology you will further develop your knowledge and skills in human physiology. The emphasis in this course is to appreciate how homeostasis is achieved by the interplay between multiple systems, overseen by both neural and endocrine control. You will learn how the human body functions in a coordinated but complex way by studying the various cells, tissues and organs associated with the body systems. You will further develop skills in research and communicating science relevant to the biomedical discipline. This course will prepare you for further study into biomedical applications, including pathophysiology.
Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
Blended learning | |||
Learning materials – Online learning materials | 2hrs | Week 1 | 13 times |
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – The weekly online sessions allow you to engage with the theory content and work through problems on the course topics (1st hour) in a facilitated workshop. The second hour – weekly dropin - will be used for assessment assistance and any questions. | 2hrs | Week 1 | 13 times |
Laboratory 1 – Science wetlab with practical skill development | 3hrs | Week 1 | 7 times |
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Small class tutorial with interactive, collaborative learning and case studies | 2hrs | Week 2 | 6 times |
Nervous system
Endocrine System
Muscle Physiology
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Renal System
Digestive System
Reproductive system
Physiology of Pregnancy and Foetal Development
200 Level (Developing)
12 units
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 | Demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge in the discipline of human physiology relevant to the cells, tissues, organs and systems. | Knowledgeable |
2 | Demonstrate how the human body uses an integrated approach to coordinate bodily functions. |
Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker |
3 | Research, critically evaluate, and ethically present appropriate and relevant literature about human physiology in a creative and informative way. |
Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker Ethical |
4 | Apply knowledge of physiology to solve problems. |
Knowledgeable Creative and critical thinker |
5 | Ethically collect, record, interpret, and communicate findings from experiments using physiology knowledge. |
Empowered Ethical |
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
LFS112
Not applicable
LFS201 and LFS202
It is assumed that you have the following (to at least an Introductory level) understanding of quantitative statistics, information literacy skills - sourcing, synthesising and referencing of academic literature in the science domain
Standard Grading (GRD)
High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
You will receive early feedback in various ways. These include formative feedback on data analysis and presentation in week 1 and 3 Laboratory classes. Formative feedback from the weekly learning materials and associated revision questions will allow you to check your understanding and comprehension of the physiology concepts, especially the integration of systems.
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 | 1 | Portfolio | Individual | 35% | Multiple: Practical Skills - duration of Laboratory class plus preparation @ 20 min (assessed in class only); Quizzes @ 20 min; Results assignment approx. 2 hr. |
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check and in class |
All | 2 | Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece | Group | 25% | 600 words ± 10% and one diagram |
Refer to Format | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
All | 3 | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 40% | 2 hr |
Exam Period | Exam Venue |
All - Assessment Task 1:Theoretical and Practical Portfolio | |
Goal: | To engage in the theoretical and practical components of the course through analysis and application to facilitate your learning of physiology. |
Product: | Portfolio |
Format: | This assessment task will include a series of assignments associated with the practical and theoretical components of the course. The subtasks will include: Practical skills assessment (15%) to assess preparation for, active participation in and competency in core laboratory skills across the seven laboratory classes; 3 x quizzes (10%); and an experimental results assignment (10%). The Results assignment documents will be submitted online through Turnitin. Further details, including Rubric and instructions will be provided on Canvas. |
Criteria: |
|
All - Assessment Task 2:Cell Communication assignment | |
Goal: | This task is designed to help you explore the coordinated nature of the physiological systems in the human body, with emphasis on neural or hormone regulation and control. You will demonstrate depth of knowledge on your chosen ion channel OR hormone system and its specific actions. |
Product: | Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece |
Format: | You will work in a group (2 - 3 students – nominated by Week 5) to produce a 600 word written assignment with incorporation of one appropriate diagram, to describe the physiology of a chosen ion channel OR hormone (from a list provided). You must opt in to either the Week 8 – ion channel assignment or the Week 11 hormone assignment no later than Week 5. You will submit your written assignment with in-text references and reference list to Turnitin for Self Audit (text matching software for plagiarism checking) at the start of Week 8 (ion channel) or Week 11 (hormone). You will download your Turnitin originality report and check for any matching text and make any changes, if needed and as appropriate, to your text. You will submit the final document – written piece and diagram in week 8 (ion channel) OR week 11 (hormone). You will complete a self-reflection on your individual contribution to the group assignment after your final submission and this component will be marked on an individual basis. Comprehensive instructions, resources and a rubric will be available on Canvas. |
Criteria: |
|
All - Assessment Task 3:End of semester examination | |
Goal: | To assess your understanding of and ability to apply knowledge of the theoretical concepts in human physiology covered in the course and solve physiology problems. |
Product: | Examination - Centrally Scheduled |
Format: | A comprehensive, 2 hour final examination, consisting of multiple choice and written responses to short answer style questions. If the examination is administered online, written responses will be submitted to Turnitin. |
Criteria: |
|
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 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Nervous system I Laboratory: Physiological data acquisition and analysis |
Week 2 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Nervous system II Workshop: Neurophysiology review & Scientific Communication |
Week 3 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Endocrine system I Laboratory: Compound action potential in nerves |
Week 4 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Endocrine system II Workshop: Endocrine system |
Week 5 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Muscle physiology Laboratory: Integrative physiology - blood glucose homeostasis during the absorptive state |
Week 6 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Cardiovascular physiology I Workshop: Muscle Physiology |
Week 7 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Cardiovascular physiology II Laboratory: Cardiovascular physiology |
Week 8 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Respiratory physiology Workshop: Case Study Respiratory System |
Week 9 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Renal physiology I Laboratory: Integrative Physiology - Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia |
Week 10 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Renal physiology II Workshop: Case Study - Dehydration; Secondary active transport of sodium and glucose |
Week 11 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Digestive system Laboratory: Fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance |
Week 12 |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Reproductive Physiology Workshop: Reproductive Physiology |
Week 13: |
Online learning materials and Lectorial (workshop 2): Physiology of Pregnancy and Foetal Development Laboratory: Digestive System |
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 | Lauralee Sherwood | 2015 | Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems | 9th Edn. | Cengage Learning |
You must wear a lab coat, enclosed shoes, and safety glasses during laboratory classes. You must either purchase and bring to lab classes a copy of theLFS203 Integrated Physiology Laboratory manual, or alternatively print out the manual from Canvas. The manual is available for purchase from Mail and Print Services (MaPS).
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% b. The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale c. You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct
Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate (the rates are cumulative): - 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. - A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching
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.