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Course Outline

LFS203 Integrated Physiology

Course Coordinator:Ann Parkinson (aparkins@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Biomedicine

2026Trimester 1

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

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.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online learning materials 2hrs Week 1 12 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 12 times
Laboratory 1 – Science wetlab with practical skill development 3hrs Week 1 6 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Small class tutorial with interactive, collaborative learning, case study analysis and assessment assistance 2hrs Week 2 6 times

Course Topics

Nervous system

Endocrine System

Muscle Physiology

Cardiovascular System

Respiratory System

Renal System

Digestive System

Reproductive Physiology

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

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 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

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

LFS112

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

LFS201 and LFS202

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

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

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

You will receive early feedback in various ways. These include formative feedback on physiology skill development, including 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.

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 1 Portfolio Individual 50% 
Approximately 8 hours across the semester.
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check and in class
All 2 Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece Individual and Group 25% 
Final assignment - 600 words ± 10% and one diagram
 Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 25% 
60 minutes
 Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1:Theoretical and Practical Portfolio
Goal: 
To regularly engage in the theoretical and practical components of the course through synthesis, analysis, application, and skill development.
Product: Portfolio
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
This assessment task will include a series of subtasks associated with the practical and theoretical components of the course. 

These include: 
1A: Laboratory and workshop class preparation and participation (15%; Weeks 1 -12)
1B: In class theory and practical quiz (15%; Week 6 workshop)
1C: In class theory and practical quiz (20%; Week 12 workshop)

Please refer to the Assessment module in the LFS203 Canvas site and the LFS203 Workbook for further details. This includes task descriptions, format, submission instructions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstration of knowledge of human physiology
 1 2 5
2 
Demonstration of the integration of human physiological systems
 2
3 
Application of knowledge of physiology to solve problems
 4
4 
Demonstration of physiology skills in the laboratory setting.
 5
5 
Collection, analysis and interpretation of data from physiology experiments.
 1 2 4 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Applying technologies
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
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
You will work in a group (2 - 3 students) 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). 
The assignment consists of four related components:
2A: Milestone submission (3%, Friday 3 weeks prior to the Final Assignment submission (Group submission)
2B: Turnitin self-audit (0%, Monday of Week 8; Group)
2C:  Final submission (20%, Friday of Week 8; Group)
2D: Self-reflection on your contribution to the group assignment (2%; Friday Week 9; Individual)

Please refer to the Assessment module in the LFS203 Canvas site for further details. This includes Comprehensive instructions, resources and a rubric, task descriptions, format, and submission instructions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Critical evaluation and synthesis of scientific literature to describe the physiology of the ion channel/hormone system its role in communication in the human body.
 1 2 3
2 
Communication of the ion channel’s/hormone’s mode of action using visual means.
 1 2 3
3 
Use of appropriate scientific and academic language.
 1 3
4 
Adherence to instructions on presentation and formatting, including referencing
 3
5 
Compliance with academic integrity when using and citing literature
 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Practical and Theoretical examination
Goal: 
To assess your physiology practical skills and ability to apply knowledge to theoretical concepts in human physiology covered in the course to solve physiology problems.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
A comprehensive, 60 minute examination, consisting of assessment of core competencies in physiology skills, data interpretation and written responses to questions. This examination will be held on campus in the science laboratory and will require you to wear PPE and have completed an induction. 
Please refer to the Assessment module in the LFS203 Canvas site for further details.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstration of depth and breadth of knowledge of human physiology theory presented in the course.
 1 2 5
2 
Demonstration of the integration of human physiological systems
 2
3 
Application of knowledge of physiology to solve problems
 4
4 
Demonstration of physiology skills developed in the course.
 5
5 
Collect and interpret physiology data to draw theoretical conclusions.
 4 5
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Applying technologies

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.

Schedule

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 - Dive Response
 
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: Digestive system and Reproductive Physiology

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 Lauralee Sherwood 2015 Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems 9th Edn. Cengage Learning

Specific requirements

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 Workbook or alternatively print it yourself (download from Canvas). The workbook is available for purchase from Mail and Print Services (MaPS).

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

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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