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.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.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 a...
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
Topics will include:
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 outcome
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 o...
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 ...
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 enab...
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
To support the learning experience of students in ways that are the most engaging, the approach to learning and teaching is via active learning where students are supported through the provision of learning resources and class activities (either in physical or virtual classrooms) to take responsibility for their individual learning. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress. The use of the Learning Management System (LMS) is integral to the delivery of the learning and teaching strategy. Students are expected to participate in the activities provided either in class or online and to be able to extend their learning through working alongside other students and undertaking individual research and activities.
BIOZ121 is delivered in different modes. Students will only study in one of these modes. The modes are:
- Campus attendance mode during secondary school holidays, with a small number of online classes prior to and/or after the intensive campus-based classes;
- Online mode during a normal university semester period, with classes delivered weekly and typically one night per week.