LQB488 Medical Physiology 2
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 code: | LQB488 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | LQB388 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $6,840 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | LQB488 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | LQB388 |
| Coordinator: | Mark Plenderleith | m.plenderleith@qut.edu.au |
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 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 first semester unit Medical Physiology 1 (LQB388).
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the functional organisation of the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems.
- Demonstrate the experimental techniques required to study the physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems.
- Apply observational, data analysis and critical thinking skills to solve physiological problems.
Content
The content of this unit includes theoretical consideration and practical investigations of the following physiological subject areas:
- Cardiac physiology.
- Vascular physiology.
- Blood.
- Respiratory system.
- Urinary system.
- Fluid & acid-base balance.
- Reproductive systems.
Learning Approaches
This unit uses blended learning approaches. 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 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 feedback on your performance provided.
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 assessment will take the form of activities where you will demonstrate the development of your laboratory and problem-solving skills and an examination held at the end of semester.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Laboratory Skills
At regular intervals throughout the semester you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate that you have developed the technical and problem skills required by a physiologist. Depending on the topic this might involve demonstrating your ability to use equipment, perform experiments, analyse data and understand its significance. In weeks 4, 9, 11 and 13 your performance of these tasks will contribute to your final grade. In other weeks your performance in the tasks will provide you with feedback on your progress, but not contribute to your final grade.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.
Assessment: Final Exam
An examination consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions 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 problem solving skills required of a physiologist.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited in this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
Cost of lab gowns and safety protection glasses are the students responsibility.
Resources
Text:
There is no recommended text for this unit.
Practical Manual:
You will need to obtain a copy of the LQB488 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 Coat - 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
- 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, Final Exam - 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 - Demonstrate the cognitive skills required to find solutions to scientific problems.
Relates to: Laboratory Skills, Final Exam
XN43 Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- Apply broad theoretical, technical and cultural knowledge and skills in food and nutrition, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, to respond to a diverse range of contexts and audiences.
Relates to: Laboratory Skills, Final Exam
XN45 Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours)
- Apply advanced theoretical, technical and cultural knowledge and skills in food, nutrition and dietetics, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, tailored to respond to a diverse range of contexts and audiences.
Relates to: Laboratory Skills, Final Exam