NURSING 2005 - Biology of Human Disease I

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

Biology of Human Disease I identifies some of the most significant pathologies challenging the health of the Australian population. The use of clinical cases encourages students to relate scientific principles to medical and nursing interventions. The course provides a systematic approach to the description of pathological changes of immune, integumentary, cardiovascular, respiratory and skeletal systems. The base of knowledge provided by this course will encourage students to adopt an attitude to incorporating scientific concepts throughout their nursing career.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code NURSING 2005
    Course Biology of Human Disease I
    Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites NURSING 1005
    Restrictions Bachelor of Nursing
    Assessment Online assessments, mid-Semester test, SGDE assignments, written final exam.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Bonnie Williams

    Co-Cordinator:Dr Bonnie Williams

    Course email: biologyofdisease@adelaide.edu.au 


    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Apply the principles of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body to the pathophysiological processes of common health problems.
    2 Analyse human adaptive and compensatory mechanisms affected by specific pathological processes.
    3 Explain the physiological processes, interactions and controls to maintain homeostasis in the specific areas of; immunological, skin, skeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular and haematological, metabolic and endocrine disorders.
    4 Discuss the clinical manifestations and nursing management of selected disease processes and health problems.
    5 Work in teams to apply their knowledge to investigate clinical scenarios and discuss pathophysiology concepts.
    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1-5

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1-5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    4-5

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    3, 4

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1-5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Course information will be provided on MyUni. Students are expected to engage frequently and deeply with this material. 
    Course notes for each lecture session will be provided and will serve as a reference for taking notes.


    Recommended Resources
    Recommended course readings and links to relevant websites may be posted by lecturers on the MyUni course page.

    Recommended Textbook:
    Bullock S, Hales M. Principles of pathophysiology . Second edition. Melbourne, VIC: Pearson Australia; 2019.

    The above textbook is available as an Ebook via The University of Adelaide Library.

    Both the 2013 and 2019 publication are suitable resources to support the content delivered within NURSING 2005.
    Online Learning
    The online delivery of lectures in this course offers flexibility and enables students to study at their own pace. However, due to the asynchronous nature of the course, it is highly recommended that students are actively participating in course material on a weekly basis so as not to fall behind in course work.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    NURSING 2005 topics are covered through weekly online lectures. Concepts will be reinforced and expanded upon during weekly tutorials throughout the semester. Online revision quizzes spaced throughout the semester are designed to promote regular revision of the material covered in the lectures.
    Workload

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

    Students are reminded that the overall predicted workload for a full-time student (taking 4 x 3-unit courses per semester) is an average of 48-hours per week. This includes contact and non-contact hours and includes general study and time to complete assignments. As NURSING 2005 is a 3-unit course then it is expected that you spend approximately 12 hours per week studying this course. This includes 48 hours of online and face-to-face teaching contact across the semester (lectures, tutorials), along with additional preparatuion for assessment tasks, tutorials and examinations.
    Learning Activities Summary
    An up-to-date timetable of course activities can be downloaded from MyUni.

    The course is organised in lecture series framed around different organ systems. Lecture series may vary from year to year, but past organ systems included immune, integumentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal and endocrine systems. Lectures are supported by weekly tutorials and concept check summative quizzes.

    Specific Course Requirements
    The prerequisite for this course is a pass in BIOLOGY FOR NURSING PRACTICE (Nursing 1005) or other equivalent course.
  • 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

    Item No. Assessment Task Weighting
    1 Online Concept Check Quizzes x3 (2 x 7.5%, and one x formative) 15%
    2 SGDE assignment and participation 20%
    3 Mid-Semester Exam 20%
    4 Active Tutorial participation 10%
    5 End of Semester Exam 35%


    Assessment Related Requirements

    Details of assessment items will be found on the MyUni course pages and will be further discussed in class.
    Assessment Detail
    ASSESSMENT 1: ONLINE CONCEPT CHECK QUIZZES
    Weighting: 15% (0% for Quiz #1, 7.5% each for Quiz #2 and #3)
    Description: 15 MCQs per quiz to assess concepts from the previous weeks.

    ASSESSMENT 2: SGDE GROUP PROJECT
    Weighting: 20%
    Description: This assignment will examine the ability of students to work in a team to conduct high quality research on a topic related to the pathophysiology of human disease. This assignment provides an assessment of student’s ability to present health information to scientific audiences in a clear, concise and scientific way.

    ASSESSMENT 3: MID-SEMESTER EXAM
    Weighting: 20%
    Description: This test will examine lecture material through MCQs and SAQs from the first half of the semester. Note that a range of questions will be used, which will require students to provide information, apply information in defined settings, and/or integrate knowledge derived from a variety of sources in the formulation of an answer.

    ASSESSMENT 4: ACTIVE TUTORIAL PARTICIPATION
    Weighting:10%
    Description: Students will be awarded 10% for participating in tutorial sessions throughout the semester and being involved in the completion of tutorial exercises and activities.

    ASSESSMENT 5: END OF SEMESTER EXAM
    Weighting: 35%
    Description: The end of semester examination is aimed at ascertaining each student’s grasp of the principles and core course content presented during this course and will be held in the University’s official examination period.  It will contain multiple choice and short answer questions that require students to provide information, apply information in defined settings, and/or integrate knowledge derived from a variety of sources in the formulation of an answer. The time allocated will be 110 minutes (including reading time), but many students should be able to complete it in less than this; the additional time is provided to enable planning and review of answers.

    Submission
    Unless otherwise indicated all assignments are to be submitted through MyUni. 

    Extensions are generally awarded for no more than 10 working days unless there are exceptional circumstances.
    To apply for an Assessment Extension, a student must submit an application for extension form prior to the assessment deadline. You will find this on the School of Nursing Website or use the link provided here.

    See the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303/
    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.


    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 feedback for course satisfaction, as indicated by the 2019 eSELT, indicated a mean score of 5.6 and SD 1.3 with 89% broad agreement (46 out of 226 students responded). Unfortunately, there was not a sufficient number of responders that answered the optional questions of the course eSELT in 2019. Course eSELTs from 2018 indicated various positive aspects of the course, such as blended learning strategies, weekly in-class and post-class quizzes, tutorial activities, SGDE tasks and the quality of the lectures. This was maintained in 2019 and will be maintained in 2020. Some student concerns were raised in the course in 2018, including some technical problems with recordings, and some tutorial worksheets being too long. There were also some concerns about mark allocations for students in performing group tasks. Concerns were also raised regarding fewer weeks in the semester for the course as compared to previous years (9 weeks compared to 12 weeks).
    Action has been taken in 2019 in response to student's feedback from 2018. The recording system was checked before each lecture to make sure it was functioning properly. Some tutorial worksheets have been simplified. In addition, the rubric for SGDE participation has been modified to indicate that the mark is proportionate to student's contribution. Since 2019, the number of weeks for the course has been increased to 10 weeks.
  • 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.