HLTH SC 1005 - Principles of Human Health and Disease

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2025

Foundation concepts in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology will be presented via lectures clustered into six themes. Each theme will begin with a case-study description of human clinical symptoms, followed by a guided exploration of the case to gain greater understanding of the basic concepts that underlie human health and disease. Past themes have included endocrine disorders, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, neurodegenerative disease, cancer and reproductive disorders (subject to change each year). Lectures are supported by recommended readings, tutorials and study exercises. Online concept check quizzes promote regular revision of main concepts throughout the semester. Two special "Ask-An-Expert" guest lectures at the end of term will feature invited world-class research scientists in Adelaide who will speak to students about cutting-edge research relevant to a lecture theme, and answer questions.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code HLTH SC 1005
    Course Principles of Human Health and Disease
    Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites ANAT SC 1102 (or approval from the course coordinator)
    Assumed Knowledge SACE Stage 1 & 2 or IB Biology or equivalent
    Assessment On-line examinations, online quizzes, report based on an online seminar, tutorial participation
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Nicola Eastaff-Leung

    Course Co-cordinator: Dr Lilli Stephenson

    Course email: phhd@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

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

    The theory will be presented in lectures clustered into six themes, selected from topics such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, cancer; cardiovascular disease; neurodegenerative disease; reproductive and developmental disorders;  inherited disorders and other human disease conditions. Each theme will begin with a case-study description of human clinical symptoms, as a starting point for building an integrated view of the relevant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology foundations. Over the fortnight, the students gain knowledge that allows them to 'discover' the diagnosis and understand the key principles that underpin human health and disease. Lectures are supported by in-class review sessions (‘lectorials') and on-line concept check quizzes. Further exploration of concepts is supported by recommended readings and self-paced on-line formative exercises. Six assessed online concept check quizzes promote regular revision of concepts throughout the semester, and the development of problem-solving skills. Two special guest lectures "Ask An Expert" at the end of term will feature invited world-class research scientists in Adelaide who will speak to the students at a lay person's level about cutting-edge research relevant to a lecture theme, and answer questions. Online workshops will develop scientific skills in gathering, organising, understanding and citing scientific information, culminating in a referenced essay on current research progress in an area relevant to one of the lecture themes.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Explain, at an introductory level, biological processes essential for the maintenance of health and the mechanisms underlying the cause, consequence, and treatment of a range of human diseases.
    2. Evaluate and interpret case study information to understand clinical signs and symptoms.
    3. Discuss gaps in our knowledge of health and disease and gain insight into the contemporary process of medical science research.
    4. Locate relevant information using on-line search tools and databases.
    5. Evaluate the quality and rigor of evidence presented to support an idea.
    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 - 5

    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.

    2 - 5

    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.

    3,5

    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.

    1,3

    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.

    1. 3

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

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

    4, 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.

    2 - 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 for download and will serve as a reference or template for taking notes.
    Recommended Resources
    Recommended course readings and links to relevant websites may be posted by theme lecturers on the MyUni course pages.

    The recommended textbook, Visual Anatomy & Physiology by Martini, Ober & Nath (published by Pearson), is available either as a hardcopy textbook or electronic text (e-book).  The text (online or hardcopy) also provides access to additional formative materials and animations that instructors may incorporate into their lecture presentations and course notes.
    Online Learning
    All lectures will be available online via MyUni.

    Recommended course readings and links to relevant websites will be posted on the course MyUni website, alongside each lecture.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Theme lectures
    Theory will be presented in 6 blocks of lectures, each block relating to a clinical case.  Case study themes vary from year to year but past themes have included diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, infertility, and developmental disorders.  Each case study will be used as a starting point to introduce a number of key principles that underpin human health and disease and to build an integrated view of relevant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology concepts.  Further exploration of concepts covered in lectures may be supported by recommended readings and self-paced formative exercises. 

    Tutorials
    Concepts will be reinforced and expanded upon during 6 tutorial sessions spaced throughout the semester to support each lecture theme.

    Online revision quizzes
    Online quizzes spaced throughout the semester are designed to promote regular revision of the material covered in lecture and tutorial sessions. Questions will be released approximately one week prior to the quiz submission deadline to give students adequate time to prepare their answers.  

    Research Spotlight: Live Seminar
    Two special guest lectures will feature invited world-class research scientists in Adelaide who will speak about cutting-edge research relevant to a lecture theme.  Student will write a reflective report based on the presentation.


    Workload

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

    Contact sessions
    Number of sessions
    Duration of each session (hrs)
    Total hours (hrs/semester)
    Theme lectures 24 1 24
    In-class review sessions
    (Note: May appear as 'Workshop' on timetable)
    6 1 6
    In-class examinations
    (Note: May appear as 'Paper' on timetable)
    3 1 3
    Research Spotlight: Seminar 1-2 1 2
    Tutorials 6 1 6
    Non contact
    Number Expected time
    Total hours (hrs/semester)
    Weekly review of lectures 12 3 36
    Study for examinations 4 6 24
    Preparation and completion of online revision quizzes 3 4 12
    Preparation and completion of tutorial tasks 6 4 24
    Total semester workload:  137 hours
    Expected workload per week: 11-12 hours

    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 HLTH SC 1005: Principles of Human Health & Disease is a 3 unit course then it is expected that you spend approximately 12 hours per week studying this course.  The table above provides a suggestion as to how you may divide your time between the various learning activities - bearing in mind that this can be flexible depending on each student's individual learning methods.
    Learning Activities Summary
    An up-to-date timetable of course activities can be downloaded from MyUni.

    The course is organised into 6 lecture blocks, each block themed on a clinical case study.  In-class and end-of-semester examinations will test comprehension and application of theory concepts.

    Lectures are supported by fortnightly in-class review sessions and concept check summative quizzes which are completed online.

    In preparation for tutorial sessions students will be challenged to think about the best ways to gather, critique and summarise information. Tutorial meetings will give students an opportunity to review concepts covered in lectures and consolidate their learning.

    Two special guest lectures "Ask An Expert" at the end of term will feature invited world-class research scientists who will speak to the students at a lay person's level about cutting-edge research relevant to a lecture theme.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Prerequisite(s): ANAT SCI 1102 (Human Biology 1A) OR approval from the course coordinator.
  • 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 Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    Concept check quizzes (6) Summative 3% each x 6 = 18% 1-3
    Exam 1 Summative  20% 1-3
    Exam 2 Summative 20% 1-3
    Exam 3 Summative  20% 1-3
    Tutorial submissions Summative 2% each x 6 = 12% 1-5
    Research Seminar Report Summative 10% 4,5
    Online quizzes Formative 0% 1-3
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Three examinations will be held during scheduled class times (usually in weeks 5, 9 and 12 of the semester, but please check schedule for details). Each exam covers material from the preceeding two blocks of lectures. 

    Assessment Detail
    Theory exams (3 x 20% = 60%)
    Three examinations will be held during scheduled class times. Each exam covers material from the preceeding two blocks of lectures. 

    Online revision quizzes (6 x 3% = 18%)
    To promote progressive learning and review of the material presented in lectures, online quizzes will be released during the semester (the timing of which will be indicated on the course timetable on MyUni).  

    Tutorial assessments (6 x 2% = 12%)
    Tutorial activities have been designed to promote understanding of the concepts covered in each themed lecture block.  Students will be required to submit tutorial assessments for all 6 tutorials.

    Research Seminar Report (10%)
    Students will attend and actively engage in a Research Seminar , in their area of interest and write a short report summarising the research presented, why it is novel and how this relates to what they have learned in the corresponding theme throughout the semester. .
    Submission
    On-line quiz materials will be made available on MyUni at least one week in advance of the quiz deadline. Late submissions are not accepted and will receive no score. Extensions or supplemental assessments will not be provided for on-line quizzes unless there are exceptional extenuating circumstances (at the discretion of the course coordinator).
    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.

    Instructor and course SELTs will be run annually.  A summary of the previous years SELT reports, including an overview of actions taken by the course coordinators in response to any issues raised, will be provided via the MyUni course pages.
  • 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.

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