LQB388 Medical Physiology 1


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:LQB388
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:LSB258 or LSB111 or LSB131 or LSB142 or LSB255 or LQB185 or LQB187
Coordinator:Mark Plenderleith | m.plenderleith@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

An appreciation of how the human body works is an important prerequisite to understanding the basis of health, disease, diagnostic technologies and treatment strategies. This unit deals specifically with the physiological systems that are responsible for the maintenance of health in humans. It therefore provides a useful frame of reference for students enrolled in biomedical science, nutrition science, nutrition and dietetics, exercise science, medical engineering or any of the biological sciences. In the course of the semester you will investigate half the systems that constitute the human body with the remainder dealt with in the second semester unit Medical Physiology 2 (LQB488).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Understand the functional organisation and integration of some of the major organ systems of the human body.
  2. Understand the mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of health, the physiological basis of some diseases and of some therapeutic strategies.
  3. Be familiar with the experimental approaches employed in physiological investigations.
  4. Be able to demonstrate the methods of scientific inquiry including the importance of observation, data recording, data analysis and critical thinking.

Content

The content of this unit includes theoretical consideration and practical investigations of the following physiological subject areas:

  • Membrane Transport.
  • Excitable Tissues.
  • Synaptic Transmission.
  • Muscular System.
  • Somatosensory System.
  • Gastrointestinal System.
  • Endocrine System.

Learning Approaches

This unit uses a blended approach to learning and teaching. Theoretical aspects of each subject area will be taught using a range of online learning resources prepared specifically for the unit. This theory will then be reviewed and extended by three-hour practical sessions that use an investigative approach that facilitate the development of experimental design, critical thinking and data analysis skills. The teaching team includes academic staff with higher degrees and research interests in physiology and practical classes are held in modern well-equipped physiological laboratories that facilitate collaborative learning.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Wherever possible, summative assessment items will be returned for you to review and a marking scheme provided. Following the mid semester exam, a feedback session will be held to provide you with correct answers, examples of common errors and suggestions for improved performance.

Assessment

Overview

Online activities and laboratory classes will be complemented by regular formative assessment activities that will allow you to monitor your progress in the subject. Summative assessments will take the form of a mid semester and final examination as well as practical skills tests held at regular intervals during the semester.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory Skills Test

Regular skills tests on the practical activities performed during the laboratory class. Feedback on tests will be provided to enable you to evaluate whether learning outcomes of practicals have been achieved.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Weekly
Related Unit learning outcomes: 3, 4

Assessment: Examination (Theory)

Mid semester examination designed to provide you with feedback on all aspects of your learning in the first part of the semester.

Weight: 20
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Mid semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Examination (Theory)

An examination that will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the physiological systems dealt with over the whole of the semester as well the skills required of a physiologist.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

Cost of lab gowns and safety protection glasses are the student's responsibility.

Resources

Texts:
There is no recommended text for this unit.

Practical Manual:
You will need to obtain a copy of the LQB388 Laboratory Manual before the first scheduled practical class.

References:
Online learning materials (including links to additional material to extend your learning and understanding) as well as other key resources are available on Canvas.


Resource Materials

Safety and protective equipment

Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:
1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory, to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

LS40 Bachelor of Biomedical Science

  1. Critically review, analyse and synthesise foundational knowledge in a broad range of biomedical discipline areas and in depth theoretical, technical and practical knowledge in specialised discipline areas.
    Relates to: Laboratory Skills Test, Examination (Theory), Examination (Theory)
  2. Demonstrate the technical skills required to solve multi-disciplinary problems in biomedical research, industry and clinical settings and do so in an ethical, safe and responsible manner.
    Relates to: Laboratory Skills Test
  3. Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
    Relates to: Laboratory Skills Test, Examination (Theory), Examination (Theory)