LSB110 Understanding Disease Concepts

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Online

Overview

This unit reinforces fundamental assumed knowledge of anatomy and physiology and introduces the study of human disease processes or pathophysiology. General concepts underlying human diseases as well as disorders relating to organ systems will be studied and the major diseases affecting Australians, in particular those identified as contributing significantly to disability and death in Australia by the National Health Priority Areas, will be addressed. The ability to understand and interpret the pathophysiology underpinning clinical contexts and to communicate this information using appropriate medical terminology are essential requirements for all students undertaking allied health courses and prepares them for professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Recall concepts that underlie the pathophysiology of disease.
2. Analyse and interpret clinical case studies to inform health assessment within your professional scope of practice
3. Effectively communicate information in clinical contexts using appropriate medical terminology
4. Describe and explain the pathophysiology of diseases affecting organ systems.

Content

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following:

• weekly online learning modules
• workshop (optional) offered synchronously online and recordings are available
• recommended readings available online
• discussion board in Canvas

In order to maximise your learning experience in this unit, preparation in advance of workshop sessions and active participation is expected of you. Case studies and other active learning approaches will allow you to explore and apply your learning to real-world scenarios, develop communication and problem-solving skills.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

There are informal automated feedback opportunities built into the online learning modules. You will have the opportunity to gain feedback on your learning from the teaching team by engaging with the workshops. Whole of cohort feedback on the quizzes will be provided by the teaching team via the Canvas site. You will receive individual formal written feedback on the Case Study assessment. 

Assessment

Overview

There are three assessments in this unit:

1. Quizzes - These progressively assess your knowledge of the concepts underlying the pathophysiology of disease.

2. Case Study - This connects the pathophysiology of disease with analysis of clinical case studies and communicating appropriately using medical terminology.

3. Final Theory Examination - This will bring together all of your knowledge and understanding developed across the unit on the causes and pathogenesis of diseases.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Quizzes

You will demonstrate and apply knowledge of introductory disease concepts and the causes and pathogenesis of diseases across 2 online quizzes (each worth 10%) during the semester.

Assessment: Case Study

Acting as a health care professional, you will be provided a clinical case study relating to diseases that have the greatest impact on Australians. Using your understanding and knowledge of introductory pathophysiology you will interpret and analyse case information to answer a series of related research questions. You will communicate your findings using appropriate medical terminology through a digital presentation to health care colleagues and health care students.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Final Theory Exam

You will describe and explain disease concepts, the causes and pathogenesis of diseases and analyse and interpret relevant clinical information in an invigilated examination setting through multiple choice and short answer questions.

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.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Craft, J., Gordon, C, Huether, S.E., McCance, K.L., Brashers, V.L. Rote, N.S. (Current Edition). Understanding Pathophysiology, ANZ. Elsevier Australia

Norris, T.L. Porth's Pathophysiology: Concepts of altered health states (Current Edition). Wolters Kluwer, Lippincott,Williams & Wilkins

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit includes imagery of human donor material, including skeletal material, prosected regional anatomical specimens, and/or potted pathology specimens.

This unit includes an optional laboratory component. If you attend on campus for the laboratory component, 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.

Viewing and handling human donor material in this unit is voluntary. If you attend the laboratory component, you will be required to view a series of online resources on Cadaver Preparedness and complete an online human donor material quiz prior to being able to participate in demonstrations that involve human material; check your Canvas site for information on how to access the quiz and complete the student declaration of compliance. You are to exhibit professional and ethical conduct at all times when accessing human material.

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

Course Learning Outcomes

PU52 Bachelor of Public Health

1. Apply public health principles and evidence to improve population health outcomes.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Quizzes, Case Study, Final Theory Exam
2. Critically analyse scholarly literature and effectively conduct research to inform evidence based public health practice.
   Relates to: ULO2, Case Study, Final Theory Exam
3. Communicate with professional, non-professional and community audiences about public health using diverse technologies.
   Relates to: ULO3, Case Study