| Credit |
6 points |
| Availability |
Semester 1, offshore teaching period |
| Old unit code |
980.255 |
| Outcomes |
Students are able to recall and integrate key knowledge and concepts about the control of body processes by the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system, as well as the function and control of the cardiovascular system, the function and control of the respiratory system for gas exchange, body fluid and electrolyte composition and its control and gastrointestinal functions.
Students acquire skills in the design of simple scientific experiments, taking accurate measurements of experimental variables, data analysis and interpretation of results and measuring body function using classical physiology techniques and modern computer data acquisition systems.
Students learn to communicate in writing the results of laboratory work, gain experience in oral communication to their group and teachers, work in groups to successfully complete practical tasks and to explore physiological topics. |
| Content |
This unit is suitable for all students interested in the integrated function of the body. The unit deals with the functional organisation of major human body systems. There is an emphasis on the mechanisms whereby the internal environment of the body is regulated via these systems. Throughout the unit examples are given of how abnormal conditions can arise from failures of the body systems.
After an overview of body organisation, neural and hormonal control systems, the unit is organised into the following themes: (1) perfusing the tissues—the physiology of cardiovascular function and control; (2) gaseous exchange—physiology of respiratory function and control; (3) regulation of body fluid and salt composition—kidney physiology; (4) absorption of nutrients—function of the gut; and (5) passing on the genes—the physiology of reproduction. The last topic is used as an example of hormonal control mechanisms and emphasis is placed on the general principles that can be derived from this example. |
| Assessment |
This comprises laboratory reports and other continuous assessment (40 per cent) and a final theory examination (60 per cent).
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course. |
| Unit Co-ordinator(s) |
Dr Tony Bakker |
| Location |
UWA (Crawley), Singapore |
| Mode |
on-campus |
| Unit Rules |
| Advisable prior study: 12 points of Level 1 human biology or biology and at least 6 points of Level 1 chemistry are recommended. Students without any high-school physics are encouraged to consider taking a suitable Level 1 physics unit. |
Contact hours—lectures: 2 hrs per week; labs: 3 hrs per week (for 5 weeks); tutorials: 2 hrs per week (for 6 weeks) (alternating with lab classes)
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Recommended
reading | |
Rhoades, R. A. and Tanner, G. A. Medical Physiology, 2nd edn: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2003 |
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- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.
- Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/learning). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.
- Books and other materials wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.
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