Unit rationale, description and aim
To function successfully as a health professional, it is essential that one has a thorough understanding of the principles of anatomy and physiology in the healthy human. This fundamental knowledge then underpins the development of an extended understanding of anatomy and physiology in the individual's chosen profession. This unit introduces students to the normal structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of major body systems; and the principles of pharmacology and microbiology. Using the guiding principle of homeostasis, the contribution of each organ system to maintenance of health is explored. The aim of this unit is to provide a firm basis for further studies of the human body in health and disease.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe how the structure of cells and tissues ar...
Learning Outcome 01
Describe how the structure of selected organs and ...
Learning Outcome 02
Explain the contributions of selected organ system...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Body organisation
- Anatomical/Directional terminology
- Body regions, body cavities
Cell structure and function
- Cell membrane
- Selected organelles
- Genes and genetics
Tissues
- Structure and function
- Location
Homeostasis
- Principles
- Role of body systems
Body defences
- Introductory principles of microbiology
- Integumentary system structure and function
- Lymphatic system structure and function
- Immune system structure and function
Nervous system
- Structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems
- Autonomic nervous system
- Nerve physiology
Musculoskeletal system
- Principles of movement and support
- Basic anatomy of bones and bone metabolism
- Basic structure and function of the three types of muscle tissue
Endocrine system
- Structure and function
- Overview of selected glands and their hormones
- Hormone action
Cardiovascular system
- Cardiac and vascular structure and function
- Regulation of heart rate and blood pressure
- Components of blood and haemostasis
Respiratory system
- Structure and function
- Ventilation, gas transportand gas exchange
Renal system
- Structure and function
- Renal regulation and urine formation
- Fluid and electrolyte balance
Gastrointestinal system
- Structure and function
- Digestion, absorption and metabolism
Principles of pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacodynamics
- Routes of administration
Reproductive system
- Structure and function
- Conception
- Pregnancy
- Maternal changes
Assessment strategy and rationale
This unit is generally taken as a first-year unit. Many students have come straight from secondary school and are adjusting to the increased freedoms and responsibilities that come with university learning. The assessment strategy is designed to assist students to reach their learning outcomes in a stepwise fashion; encouraging them to work consistently throughout the semester. Early feedback is provided so students can seek assistance if required and no assessment task is so heavily weighted as to preclude the possibility of passing the unit if one task is failed.
The first quiz is relatively low stakes, being of low weighting and assessing only the first few weeks of material. Feedback is provided quickly, allowing students to gauge their progress and to seek early assistance if required. The second quiz builds on this, being of a higher weighting and assessing more content later in semester.
The oral assessment task allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the structure and function of a specific organ or structure in relation to normal function of the human body. As take-home assessment task, the oral assessment provides an opportunity for students who tend to underperform in exam conditions to shine. In addition, more complex questions can be raised as students have several weeks to think about and read around the topics being questioned.
The final exam allows students to demonstrate their integrated understanding of the anatomy and physiology of all body systems. Feedback from earlier assessments is important for students to develop their understanding of human anatomy and physiology in preparation for this task.
Formative assessment is also provided throughout the semester in the form of weekly knowledge quizzes and guided online learning activities. Opportunities to practice exam type questions are incorporated into small-group and lecture chat activities, so that students gain insight into staff expectations of answers to these kinds of questions.
In order to pass this unit, students are required to achieve a final grade of 50% or more to demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes.
Overview of assessments
Assessment 1: Quiz A Enables students to display ...
Assessment 1: Quiz A
Enables students to display their early understanding of fundamental concepts in human anatomy and physiology.
5%
Assessment 2: Quiz B Provides students with an op...
Assessment 2: Quiz B
Provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their integrated knowledge of the anatomical and physiological workings of the healthy human body.
25%
Assessment 3: Oral presentation Allows students t...
Assessment 3: Oral presentation
Allows students to show their understanding of the structure and function of a specific organ or structure in relation to normal functioning of the human body.
35%
Assessment 4: Written Examination This task enabl...
Assessment 4: Written Examination
This task enables students to display their knowledge of the anatomical and physiological workings of the healthy human body.
35%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit fosters student-centred active learning and accommodates diverse student needs. It includes a combination of self-paced, online learning and real-time classes. Early and additional feedback on learning, and tailored support, are provided to facilitate students’ transition to university.
The self-paced online learning activities include structured learning activities, weekly knowledge quizzes; relevant links to external material such as YouTube videos, and formative activities directly related to workshop material. This format has proven very popular with many students, who appreciate the opportunity to approach and review the material in a variety of ways.
Active participation and questioning of content are encouraged to assist you to develop an increasingly complex and integrated understanding of human anatomy (structure) and physiology (function). The real-time classes reinforce key concepts introduced in the self-paced, online learning activities and offer a more intimate opportunity to engage with the material. Peer learning strategies are routinely employed in the real-time teaching environment; facilitation of group work by staff allows you to work with other students to construct a greater understanding of the content.
Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards (AOTCS) 2018
In connection to the learning outcomes, Australian occupational therapy competency standards (AOTCS) 2018 developed within this unit are:
Relating to
Knowledge and learning
An occupational therapist’s knowledge, skills and behaviours in practice are informed by relevant and contemporary theory, practice knowledge and evidence, and are maintained and developed by ongoing professional development and learning.
An occupational therapist:
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Maintains and improves currency of knowledge, skills and new evidence for practice by adhering to the requirements for continuing professional development
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Midwife Standards for Practice
In connection to the learning outcomes, these Midwife standards for practice provide a framework for midwifery practice in all contexts. They also inform women, and others including consumers, those who regulate, educate, collaborate with and manage midwives on what to expect from a midwife’s practice.
Relating to
Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Uses health assessment and health education to support birth and reproductive health, and minimise the potential for complications
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for Practice
In connection to the learning outcomes, these are the national Registered nurse standards for practice for all RNs. Together with NMBA standards, codes and guidelines, these Registered nurse standards for practice should be evident in current practice, and inform the development of the scopes of practice and aspirations of RNs.
Relating toProvides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating toWorks in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and wellbeing of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/ or for referral, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Paramedicine Board of Australia Professional Capabilities for Registered Paramedics
The Paramedicine Board of Australia is responsible for assessing, consulting on and setting the standards for paramedics practicing in Australia. These standards and relevant domains are articulated in the Professional Capabilities for a Registered Paramedic document. The learning outcomes of this unit are matched to the relevant capabilities, in order to align your development with the requirements of a paramedic.
Relating to
Understand the key concepts of the bodies of knowledge which are specifically relevant to paramedicine practice
- Understand the structure, function and pathophysiology of the human body, relevant to their practice, together with knowledge of health, human growth and development, disease, disorder and dysfunction.
- Understand the principles and applications of scientific enquiry, including the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the research process.
- Understand the theoretical basis of and the variety of approaches to assessment and intervention.
- Demonstrate an applied knowledge of human anatomy and physiology sufficient to understand the nature and effects of injury or illness and to conduct assessment and observation in order to establish patient management strategies.
- Understand psychological and social factors, including intergenerational trauma that impact and influence an individual in health and illness.
- Understand the clinical sciences underpinning paramedic practice, including physiological, pharmacological, behavioural and functional.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1