PHYSIOL 2510 - Physiology IIA: Heart, Lung & Neuromuscular Systems

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2019

Physiology is the study of the function of the human body. This course is designed to develop critical skills and provide a foundation in human physiology with an emphasis on homeostasis and human performance. The major lecture topics covered are cellular physiology, neuromuscular physiology, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Topics include the cellular basis of sensation and neural communication, the control of movement, and how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems adapt in normal conditions and during challenges such as exercise and stress. In the practical laboratory sessions, students undertake a human-based project aligned with each of the subject areas that involves gathering physiological data and interpreting and analysing that data. The practical component is supported by on-line material that leads to a deeper understanding of research methods, ethical considerations, experimental techniques, and data processing in scientific research.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PHYSIOL 2510
    Course Physiology IIA: Heart, Lung & Neuromuscular Systems
    Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 9 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites ANAT SC 1102 or (CHEM 1100 & CHEM 1200 or CHEM 1101 & CHEM 1201) or (BIOLOGY 1101 & BIOLOGY 1201)
    Incompatible PHYSIOL 2511 or PHYSIOL 2101
    Assumed Knowledge 6 units of Level I Chemistry or Biology
    Course Description Physiology is the study of the function of the human body. This course is designed to develop critical skills and provide a foundation in human physiology with an emphasis on homeostasis and human performance. The major lecture topics covered are cellular physiology, neuromuscular physiology, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Topics include the cellular basis of sensation and neural communication, the control of movement, and how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems adapt in normal conditions and during challenges such as exercise and stress. In the practical laboratory sessions, students undertake a human-based project aligned with each of the subject areas that involves gathering physiological data and interpreting and analysing that data. The practical component is supported by on-line material that leads to a deeper understanding of research methods, ethical considerations, experimental techniques, and data processing in scientific research.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor David Saint

    Course Coordinator: Dr David Saint
    Phone: +61 8 8313
    Email: david.saint@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Helen Mayo North
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Understand the function and control of the following areas of physiology:
    - the cellular basis of neuromuscular physiology
    - skeletal muscle organisation and function
    - nervous system control of voluntary movement
    - the cardiovascular system
    - the respiratory system
    2 Understand that the control of physiological variables involves interactions between different systems
    3 Be able to apply their knowledge of physiological systems to develop an understanding of real life situations
    4 Understand the processes involved in gathering experimental data and how this data relates to physiological systems and adaptation.
    5 Be able to interpret, analyse and evaluate information relevant to physiological concepts and systems.
    6 Understand the concepts of adequate experimental design, experimental controls, sound experimental technique and data analysis and interpretation
    7 Be aware of contemporary approaches and techniques used to advance physiological knowledge and how this relates to health and disease
    8 Understand the role of teamwork in addressing scientific problems.
    9 Be able to communicate their understanding of physiology
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-7
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    4-7
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    8,9
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    5-8
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    8
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    8
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered in the following means:
    24 lectures, in class exams and interactive lectures
    24 hours practical
    2 summative online quizzes, and 4 online formative quizzes.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Lectures: 24 during the semester (average of 3 per week). These include interactive revision sessions and in-class exams. Subtotal 24 hrs
    Practicals: 6 sessions of 4 hours duration (one per fortnight) Subtotal 24 hrs
    Tutorials: 6 sessions of 1 hr Subtotal 6 hrs
    TOTAL 54 hrs
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week Topic Lectures
    Week 1 Nervous system. Introduction, Sensory perception, Membrane potentials.
    Week 2 Nervous system Action potentials, Signal Conduction, Synaptic transmissoin
    Week 3 Motor Control Overview, Skeletal Muscle,
    Week 4 Motor control Skeletal Muscle II, Sensory Feedback, Human Movement
    Week 5 Motor control Movement Disorders, Lectorial on Nervous system and Motpr Control
    Week 6 Cardiovascular System Smooth and Cardiac muscle, Cardiac Excitation
    Week 7 Cardiovascular system Arteries and Coronary circulation, Capillaries, Veins
    Week 8 Cardiovascular system Veins, Control of Blood pressure
    Week 9 Respiration Breathing, Ventilation and Gas Exchange, Gas transport
    Week 10 Respiration Control of Ventilation, Lung defences, Lectorial on CVS and Respiration
    Week 11 Guided Revision time - NS and MC, CVS and Respiration 
    Week 12 Exam guidance Research Skills Exam discussion, Theory Exam discussion
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Practical classes are conducted in small groups (4-5 students) and involve data collection, interpretation and analysis.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed
    Exams
    Weeks 6, 11, end of semester
    Formative/Summative 55% 1-3
    Practicals plus Research Skills Exam Summative 39% 3-9
    Tutorials and practorials Formative/Summative 6% 1-3
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students must achieve at least 50% aggregate in the exam component

    Assessment Detail
    Exams:  2x1 hr exams held in class, during semester, count for 16% each. Final exam held during University exam period, counts for 23% (theory component) and 15% (research skills component)

    Practorials: 2 online practorials held weeks 1-3 of the semester to cover basic concepts and materials: count for 6%

    Practicals:  Four practical worksheets throughout the semester 20% (5% each), 4 associated prereading quizzes 4%
    Submission
    LATE SUBMISSION POLICY: 15% of total available points will be penalised per day (24 hour period or fraction thereof). An automatic zero mark will be applied after 7 days.

    SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS
    Replacement/additional examinations are held to provide an opportunity to students whose academic performance was impaired by circumstances beyond their control in the primary examinations to demonstrate their true performance.
    The university policy on replacement/additional examinations can be found at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/supps.html

    ABSENCES FROM PRACTICALS
    Attendance at all scheduled practicals is compulsory to pass the course. However, if a student is absent from a practical due to medical reasons or compassionate reasons, s/he will need to provide a Physiology Practical Attendance Waiver Request Form supported by an original signed medical or compassionate letterhead note or certificate. The Practical Attendance Waiver Request Form (pdf file) is available on the Physiology course website on MyUni. The accompanying professional letter/certificate will be sighted by MSTRC staff, and copied and returned to the student. Please do not email these forms to the MSTRC as originals are required.
    These materials should be presented to MSTRC staff in advance when possible, or within TWO WEEKS (10 working days) of the practical session in which the student was absent.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.