PHYSICS 7548 - Human Biology for Medical Physics

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This course provides an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the organs and constituents of the human body. It also introduces the basic concepts of human cell biology and genetics that are relevant in understanding the effects of ionising radiation on the human body. The course material is arranged in 24 modules delivered online and designed for independent study. Students participate in a weekly tutorial, either face-to-face or online.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PHYSICS 7548
    Course Human Biology for Medical Physics
    Coordinating Unit School of Physical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 2 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge PHYSICS 7011
    Biennial Course Odd
    Assessment Tutorial preparation, assignment, exam
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Scott Penfold

    Course Timetable

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

    Workshops – 12 x 2-hour sessions with one session per week.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Define terms used in anatomy and physiology;
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of basic cellular biology in a healthy organism;
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the link between carcinogensis and cellular biology;
    4. Identify anatomical landmarks from medical imaging cross-sections;
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of normal physiological functions and major types of disease;
    6. Demonstrate an understanding of basic human genetics.
    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)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-6
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2,3,5,6
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3,6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 4,6
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-6
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 4,6
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    • E. N. Marieb, Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 8th ed., [Benjamin Cummings, 2006]
    • T. Strachan and A. Read, Human Molecular Genetics 3, Garland Press, 2003
    • D. Hartl and E. Jones, Genetics: Analysis of Genes and Genomes, 5th ed., Jones and Bartlett, 2001
    Online Learning
    MyUni
    Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on the MyUni website
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Workshops – 12 x 2-hour sessions with one session per week.
    Workload

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

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g.,  reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary
    The course content will include the following:
    1. Basic Chemistry for Human Biology
    2. Cells and Tissues
    3. Surface Anatomy and Major Systems
    4. The Integumentary System
    5. The Skeletal System
    6. The Muscular System
    7. The Nervous System
    8. Special Senses
    9. The Endocrine System
    10. Blood and the Cardiovascular System
    11. The Lymphatic System I
    12. The Lymphatic System II : Immune System
    13. The Respiratory System
    14. The Digestive System
    15. The Urinary System
    16. The Reproductive System
    17. Essentials of Molecular Genetics
    18. Human Chromosomes
    19. Cells and Development
    20. Mendelian Genetics
    21. Organisation of the Human Genome
    22. Regulation of Gene Expression
    23. DNA Mutation and Repair
    24. Introduction to Cancer Genetics
  • 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 Type of Assessment Percentage of Total Assessment

    Hurdle

    Yes or No

    Objectives Being Assessed/Achieved
    Workshop Preparation Formative and Summative 5% No HCB1-6, AP1-4, HG 1-6
    Assignments Formative and Summative 45% No HCB1-6, AP1-4, HG 1-6
    Examination Formative and Summative 50% No HCB1-6, AP1-4, HG 1-6
    Assessment Detail
    Workshop Preparation
    Workshops will be used during the semester to address understanding of and ability to use the course material. Answer to preparatory questions will be assessed.

    Assignments
    Summative assignments will be used during the semester to address understanding of and ability to use the course material and
    to provide students a benchmark for the progress in the course.

    Examination
    A 3 hour examination will be used to assess knowledge and understanding of and ability to use the course material.

    Absence from Classes due to illness (or other valid reason)
    If you are unable to attend a Workshop due to illness (or any other valid reason) you should access the related material on MyUni.

    Replacement/Additional Assessment Exams
    Academic grounds: offered to students who achieve a final course mark between 45-49%. Note that Replacement/Additional Exams on academic grounds will be held within the University’s official Replacement/Additional Assessment Exam period (i.e. July for semester 1 courses and December for semester 2 courses).

    Medical and/or compassionate grounds may also be granted to provide an opportunity for students whose academic performance was impaired by circumstances beyond their control in the primary examinations (i.e. medical and/or compassionate grounds).
    Submission
    Submission of Assigned Work
    Coversheets must be completed and attached to all submitted work. Coversheets can be obtained from the School Office (room G33 Physics) or from MyUni. Work should be submitted in person, or via email.
    Extensions for Assessment Tasks
    Extensions of deadlines for assessment tasks may be allowed for reasonable causes. Such situations would include compassionate and medical grounds of the severity that would justify the awarding of a supplementary examination. Evidence for the grounds must be provided when an extension is requested. Students are required to apply for an extension to the Course Coordinator before the assessment task is due.  Extensions will not be provided on the grounds of poor prioritising of time.
     Late Submission of Assessments
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied.  This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark.
    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.