PHY2042 - Human physiology: Cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems

Overview

The focus for this unit is 'homeostasis': how the body maintains a normal internal environment for optimal function. You will examine the roles of three major body systems that are vital for homeostasis: the respiratory system and gas exchange, the cardiovascular system and delivery of blood and nutrients, and the kidneys and their role in maintaining body fluid composition. You will consider each system at rest and in a variety of active states, and the role of control mechanisms in each system. In addition to core physiological principles you will be introduced to disease states associated with dysfunctions of these systems to allow for a greater understanding and appreciation of both the normal physiology and dysfunction of these systems.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Professor Kate Denton

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Lucinda Krause

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Describe the structure and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems of the body;

Explain how these body systems integrate in a way that facilitates maintenance of homeostasis and responses to challenges such as exercise and blood loss;

Evaluate how altered structure and/or function of these body systems may lead to disease;

Apply evidence from experimental and clinical observations to generate knowledge of physiological principles;

Perform physiology laboratory techniques, including calculation of drug concentrations, the use of stimulating electrodes and physiological data acquisition systems and the tabulation and graphing of experimental data;

Communicate experimental observations and the conclusions drawn from them the using written and/or audio-visual formats as an individual and in teams.

Teaching approach

Research activities

Laboratory practical work is an essential part of a course in Physiology because it gives first-hand experience of some of the properties in isolated living tissues, and various responses of whole animals, including human subjects. It illustrates and complements material covered in the lectures, gives practice at observing, measuring and recording with the techniques of physiology, and gives some idea of the difficulties and variation found in studying living processes. The skills obtained in collecting data and drawing conclusions from your experiments will provide a foundation for further scientific studies and help you make more informed decisions about scientific matters that affect your daily life.

Active learning

Online learning

Lectures will be available as recorded videos and will be available online and on-demand each week. They will be accompanied by activities and revision quizzes to help you consolidate your understanding. It is expected that you keep up to date with the lecture schedule, as the content will be expanded upon in class, providing you with opportunities to engage, confirm and further your understanding.

Assessment

1 - In-semester online quizzes

2 - Practical/workshop assessments

3 - Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Laboratories

Lectures

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Required resources

Availability in areas of study

Pharmacology
Physiology