Unit rationale, description and aim
To join successful research teams and conduct high-quality research in the field of biomedicine, one must have the ability to follow and appraise relevant scientific articles, think critically, and demonstrate understanding of key concepts of the field. Neuro, renal, and gastrointestinal physiology are rapidly advancing areas of biomedical research, and BMSC306 provides in-depth discussion of the physiology of these systems. In BMSC306, students can explore neuronal communication; clinically important elements of the organization and function of the motor and sensory systems with emphasis on pain sensation and special senses; and the complex nature of cortical activity. Molecular aspects of renal function, and the intriguing, multifaceted interaction between the enteric, central, and peripheral nervous systems will also be discussed. BMSC306 has a clinically-oriented approach with relevance to molecular medicine and biomedical research. Clinical issues discussed include Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's diseases; cholera, botulism, tetanus, and various pH disturbances. BMSC306 builds heavily on earlier units that explained the basic anatomy and physiology of the systems discussed. The aim of this unit is to strengthen students' critical thinking skills; advance their understanding of the neuronal, renal, and gastrointestinal systems; and boost health literacy to enable students to join research groups working in these fields.
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.
Explain the structure, organisation and function o...
Learning Outcome 01
Illustrate the impact of major pathologies affecti...
Learning Outcome 02
Appraise current research aimed at diagnosing, pre...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
- Graded and action potentials
- Electrical and chemical synapses in the central and peripheral nervous systems
- General sensory and somatosensory physiology
- Characteristics, physiology, and clinical aspects of pain perception
- Spinal and supraspinal control of movements
- Vision
- Hearing
- Chemical senses
- The sense of balance
- Higher brain functions (EEG, evoked potentials, learning, memory, and consciousness)
- Glomerular filtration
- Tubular transport mechanisms
- Osmo- and volume regulation
- pH balance and pH disturbances
- Endocrine and metabolic functions of the kidneys
- Structure and function of the enteric nervous system
- Regulation of gastrointestinal function
- Motor functions of the gastrointestinal apparatus
- Secretory functions of the gastrointestinal apparatus
- Absorption from the gastrointestinal tract
- Liver as an organ
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The assessment tasks for this unit are designed to demonstrate achievement of each learning outcome. There are ongoing (weekly) formative assessments to provide immediate feedback about students’ learning and three summative assessments.
In order to pass this unit, students are required to achieve a final grade of 50% or better as an aggregate score of all points from the assessment tasks completed in this unit.
Formative assessment—i.e., online quizzes
The online quizzes assess discipline knowledge and critical thinking skills and provide regular feedback on students’ progress.
Summative assessments
Assignment 1 is a quiz that has two parts (part A and part B). This task assesses students’ factual knowledge, understanding of the learning material, and critical thinking skills.
Assignment 2 requires students to submit a case study. This assessment task requires students to reflect on the learning material, utilize their advanced critical thinking skills, showcase their written communication skills, and their ability to search, access, and critically evaluate scientific information.
Assignment 3 is the final written assessment task on BMSC306, where students are required to design, create, and submit an examination paper that could be used to assess achievement of all learning outcomes of the unit. This assessment task requires students to exploit their creativity, demonstrate their advanced critical and communication skills, and reflect on the learning material of BMSC306.
Overview of assessments
Assignment 1— Quiz Part A P...
Assignment 1— Quiz
Part A
Part B
This task assesses students’ factual knowledge, understanding of the learning material, and critical thinking skills
15%
15%
Assignment 2—Case study submitted via Canvas The ...
Assignment 2—Case study submitted via Canvas
The case study encourages students to reflect on the learning material, utilise their advanced critical thinking skills, showcase their written communication skills and their ability to search, access, and critically evaluate scientific information.
30%
Assignment 3—Final written assessment This asses...
Assignment 3—Final written assessment
This assessment task allows students to take advantage of their creativity, demonstrate their advanced critical thinking and communication skills, and reflect on the learning material of BMSC306.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Advanced Physiology uses active learning to help students understand the function of the neuronal, excretory and gastrointestinal systems. Students will be provided with weekly lectures, where their questions, active participation, and feedback are encouraged. Lectures help students acquire the fundamentals of the physiological functions, morphological basis, and significance of all major phenomena taught.
Students are encouraged to attend and participate in weekly workshops. These workshops serve to both assimilate and apply the knowledge relevant to the given week's topic learning objectives. These activities provide the opportunity for discussion of several challenging concepts, relate structure to function, problem-based learning, case studies, group work, and peer learning. Workshops also help students to review, recall and reinforce key concepts.