LSB111 Understanding Disease Concepts


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:LSB111
Credit points:12
Assumed Knowledge:

Introductory human anatomy and physiology is assumed knowledge

Coordinators:Elise Pelzer | e.pelzer@qut.edu.au
Tain Lloyd | t.lloyd@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

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, with focus on those that have the greatest impact on the Australian population.

Content

This unit will cover the pathophysiology of diseases. Topics include:

  • Cell adaptation, injury and death
  • Neoplasia
  • Inflammation and repair
  • Microbes and disease
  • Haemodynamics and vascular disease 
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Respiratory disease
  • Urinary system disorders
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Reproductive disorders
  • Neurological disorders
  • Musculoskeletal disorders

Learning Approaches

In this unit you will learn by engaging with online self-paced learning modules to advance your understanding of each week’s learning concepts. These concepts will be reinforced and extended in weekly workshops, where you will work collaboratively with the teaching team and your peers. Case studies and other learning activities will allow you to explore and apply your learning to real-world scenarios, develop communication and problem-solving skills. Towards the end of semester, you will have the opportunity to consolidate your learning and apply your understanding of disease concepts by engaging with anatomical models, and human specimens from the QUT pathology museum in a practical session.

To support your learning of disease concepts and development of academic skills you will also be made aware of external support resources available through the QUT library and workshop sessions specifically targeting disease concepts delivered by the Student Success Group through the unit’s Canvas page.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Formative activities and online tasks within topics are designed to support your understanding, and will enable you to apply your knowledge, analyse and interpret data, and communicate your understanding of unit material. General feedback from assessment items will be delivered to you via Canvas and classes throughout the semester.

Assessment

Overview

Summative assessment will be undertaken throughout the semester. The 2 quizzes build on the weekly activities and tasks to progressively assess your description and application of theoretical knowledge and clarify misunderstandings. The case study presentation gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your critical analysis skills and your ability to communicate using appropriate medical terminology in response to the interpretation of a case study. The final theory examination will build on the feedback you received in the two previous assessments to provide another opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge and application of introductory pathophysiology.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Quizzes

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of introductory disease concepts and the causes and pathogenesis of diseases in a series of 2 in-class and online quizzes (each worth 10%) throughout the semester.

Weight: 20
Length: Ranging from 10-20 minutes each
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Ongoing
During weeks 3-4 and 6-7 allowing for public holidays
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1

Assessment: Case Study

You will take on the role of a health care worker to interpret and analyse a clinical case study which has arisen in your health care service. The information in the case study will relate to diseases that have the greatest impact on Australians. Using your understanding and knowledge of introductory pathophysiology, you will interpret and analyse information to answer a series of related clinical questions. You will communicate your findings using appropriate medical terminology through a digital presentation to colleagues and health care students.

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

 

Weight: 40
Length: 7 minutes
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Weeks 9-12
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3

Assessment: Final Theory Exam

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of introductory disease concepts and the causes and pathogenesis of diseases and analyse and interpret relevant clinical information through an exam.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Central exam duration: 2:40 - Including 10 minute perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 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.

Resources

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 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.

This unit includes demonstrations of human donor material, including skeletal material, prosected regional anatomical specimens, and/or potted pathology specimens. Viewing and handling human donor material in this unit is voluntary. 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

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

NS89 Master of Nursing - Entry to Practice

  1. Analyse and apply scientific knowledge and skills in context of nursing and related disciplines to the provision of holistic, person-centred, evidence-based nursing across the life span
    Relates to: Quizzes, Case Study, Final Theory Exam
  2. Evaluate practice outcomes drawing upon critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to examine person-centred nursing care and make evidence-based decisions
    Relates to: Quizzes, Case Study, Final Theory Exam

PU52 Bachelor of Public Health

  1. Apply public health principles and evidence to improve population health outcomes.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Quizzes, 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