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Unit outline_

BIOS2170: Body Systems and Human Performance

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit will present the gross anatomy, functional histology, physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems (including acid-base homeostasis) relevant to human movement. This unit includes laboratory classes in which human cadaveric material is studied; attendance at such classes is compulsory. It includes classes during which students interpret physiological data and explain the physiological principles associated demonstrated. These classes link across all topics culminating in a capstone activity which emphasizes the integrated nature of human movement and performance.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BIOS1170 or BMED2403 or PHSI2005
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jaimie Polson, jaimie.polson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Elizabeth Hegedus, elizabeth.hegedus@sydney.edu.au
Jin Huang, jin.huang@sydney.edu.au
Jaimie Polson, jaimie.polson@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Supervised Final exam
Extended response questions
55% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Small continuous assessment Feedback questions
Written response
10% Multiple weeks One page each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Small continuous assessment Quizzes
Online MCQ
10% Multiple weeks 15 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Supervised test
? 
Mid-semester exam
Extended short answer type questions
25% Week 07
Due date: 06 Apr 2023 at 13:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2

Assessment summary

  • Online quizzes: The final mark and will include the 5 best performances. Each quiz will be available online for a limited time. You will be advised when quizzes are available and must complete the quizzes within the period of availability.
  • Feedback questions: Feedback questions will be made available weekly. You must submit your answers by email. You must complete 5 weeks of feedback questions. Completion of the other week’s feedback questions is optional.
  • Mid-semester assessment: This activity will cover introduction to basic biology and cardiovascular system (anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology).
  • Final assessment: This open book exam will cover the material that was not covered in the mid-semester exam. Calculators are not permitted in examinations; assessments have been modified so that calculators are not required.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

  • Demonstrates an extensive knowledge and understanding of the concepts of BIOS2170 content including prescribed focus areas and broader context
  • Displays an outstanding ability to describe and explain anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology concepts, including abstract ideas, clearly and accurately, and to apply the concepts to unfamiliar situations
  • Applies a high level of critical thinking skills in developing appropriate solutions to problems involving a long sequence of related tasks
  • Analyses, evaluates and extrapolates anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology data effectively, identifies complex relationships, quantifies explanations and descriptions, and synthesizes information to draw conclusions
  • Communicates succinctly, logically and sequentially using a variety of scientific formats

Distinction

75 - 84

  • Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the concepts of BIOS2170 content including prescribed focus areas and broader context
  • Effectively communicates a detailed understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology concepts using appropriate terminology and scientific formats, and applies the concepts to unfamiliar situations
  • Analyses information given in written, tabular, graphical and diagrammatic forms and relates this to other relevant information
  • Displays competence in manipulating information to solve problems involving a number of steps

Credit

65 - 74

  • Demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of the concepts of BIOS2170 content including prescribed focus areas and broader context
  • Describes concepts and information clearly in written, graphical and diagrammatic forms, and applies these concepts in familiar situations
  • Demonstrates a broad ability to apply concepts to unfamiliar situations
  • Displays proficiency in selecting relevant data from information given in written, tabular, graphical and diagrammatic form

Pass

50 - 64

  • Demonstrates a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of BIOS2170 content including prescribed focus areas and broader context
  • Uses simple anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology definitions, terms, diagrams and graphs to communicate understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology concepts
  • Substitutes data from information given in written, tabular, graphical and diagrammatic form, and manipulates basic anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology data

Fail

0 - 49

  • Demonstrates a limited or no knowledge and understanding of BIOS2170 content including prescribed focus areas and broader context
  • Recalls elementary terminology related to some areas of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 L1, Introduction to Body Systems Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
L2, Body Fluids and Homeostasis 1; L3, Body Fluids and Homeostasis 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Week 02 L4, Cardiovascular 1; L5, Cardiovascular 2; L6, Cardiovascular 3 Lecture (3 hr) LO2
Cardiovascular anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO2
Week 03 L7, Cardiovascular 4; L8, Cardiovascular 5; L9, Cardiovascular 6 Lecture (3 hr) LO2
Applied cardiovascular physiology and drugs in sport Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 04 Cardiovascular functions Practical (2 hr) LO2
L10, Cardiovascular 7; L11, Cardiovascular 8; L12, Cardiovascular 9 Lecture (3 hr) LO2
Week 05 Control of blood pressure Tutorial (2 hr) LO2
L13, Respiration 1; L14, Respiration 2; L15, Respiration 3 Lecture (3 hr) LO3
Week 06 L16, Respiration 4; L17, Respiration 5; L18, Respiration 6 Lecture (3 hr) LO3
Respiratory anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO3
Week 07 L19, Cardiovascular system review Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Week 08 CVS/respiratory applied physiology and drugs in sport Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
L20 Respiration 7; L21 Respiration 8; L22 Respiratory 9 Lecture (3 hr) LO3
Week 09 L23, Urinary 1; L24, Urinary 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO6
Pulmonary function tests Practical (2 hr) LO3
Week 10 L25, Urinary 3; L26, Urinary 4 Lecture (2 hr) LO6
CVS/respiratory/urinary applied physiology and drugs in sport Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 11 L27, Urinary 5; L28, Urinary 6; L29, Urinary 7 Lecture (3 hr) LO6
Urinary anatomy Practical (2 hr) LO6
Week 12 L30, Acid-Base balance 1; L31, Acid-Base balance 2; Lecture (2 hr) LO8
CVS/respiratory/urinary/acid-base balance applied physiology and drugs in sport Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO7 LO9
Urinary tutorial Lecture and tutorial (1 hr) LO6
Week 13 L32 Urinary System Review Lecture (1 hr) LO6
Acid-Base balance tutorial Tutorial (1 hr) LO8

Attendance and class requirements

  • The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states: 
    55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work. The Faculty of Medicine and Health resolutions states: 7(1) Students are required to attend at the correct time and place of any formal or informal examinations. Non-attendance on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration or special arrangement will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment. Participation in a minimum number of assessment items may be included in the requirements specified for a unit of study.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

none

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Describe: the distribution of water in the body. the difference between intra- and extra- cellular fluid. the structure and function of the cell membrane. membrane transport mechanisms. homeostatic systems (negative feedback, positive feedback, feedforward)
  • LO2. Describe: the anatomy of the heart, blood vessels and lymphatics; the external and internal features of the heart; the major components of the cardiac conducting system; the coronary circulation; the nerve supply of the heart and blood vessels; how the microstructure of different types of blood vessels relates to their function; lymphatic vessels; the location and role of valves (in the heart, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels); the origin and regulation of electrical events of the heart (with reference to microstructure of the cardiac myocyte); how the heart functions as a pump; the factors that influence cardiac output and how it is regulated, including the mathematical formulae used to describe these factors; the factors that influence blood flow and blood pressure and the mathematical formulae used to describe them; regulation of blood flow and blood pressure, including local, humoral and neural influences; the microcirculation and exchange of substances; the role of the lymphatic system and its relationship to the circulation; the pathophysiological processes underlying the development of common cardiovascular diseases.
  • LO3. Describe: the organs, passages and musculoskeletal framework of the respiratory system; the process of ventilation, including the gas laws and the relationships between pressure, resistance and flow, the role of the inspiratory and expiratory muscles, the various pressures inside the chest, the role of the pleura in facilitating ventilation; factors that affect ventilation with reference resistance and compliance and work of breathing; measurement of ventilation, measures of volume and capacitance, pulmonary function tests, common diseases of the airways; the process by which gas is exchanged between the alveoli and the blood, including the concept of partial pressures, the significance of dead space, ventilation (V) and perfusion (Q) matching; normal blood gas values, how they can be measured and how they can be affected in common disorders; the process by which gases are transported between the lungs and the tissues, focusing on oxygen and carbon dioxide, the key role of haemoglobin, the haemoglobin dissociation curve; control of ventilation, including the role of arterial levels of O2, CO2, H+; the common diseases that affect the respiratory system and the pathophysiological changes they produce.
  • LO4. Apply the learning covered in objective 3 to explain the physiological changes occurring during exercise, how they can be modified by training, and how they are affected by pharmacological agents. Use this information to develop policies regarding the use of drugs in sport.
  • LO5. Apply the learning covered in objective 2 to explain the physiological changes occurring during exercise, how they can be modified by training, and how they are affected by pharmacological agents. Use this information to develop policies regarding the use of drugs in sport.
  • LO6. Describe: the general functions of the urinary system and how the urinary system contributes to the homeostasis of the body; the anatomy of the organs involved in production, storage and elimination of urine; the relationship between the structure and function of the nephron; the process of urine formation and the factors controlling it; the micturiton reflex; the role of the urinary system in regulation of blood pressure; the endocrine functions of the kidney; Outline some common pathologies of the urinary system and management.
  • LO7. Apply the learning covered in objective 6 to explain the physiological changes occurring during exercise and how they are affected by pharmacological agents. Use this information to develop policies regarding the use of drugs in sport.
  • LO8. Describe: regulation of pH in the intracellular and extracellular fluid; the pH of the blood and how it is affected by carbon dioxide and bicarbonate ion concentration; how the body responds to changes in carbon dioxide and bicarbonate levels; the role of the respiratory system in the regulation of hydrogen ion concentration; the role of the kidneys in the regulation of hydrogen ion concentration; the terms: acidosis, acidaemia, respiratory acidosis, metabolic acidosis, alkalosis, alkalemia, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic alkalosis.Apply this knowledge to the diagnosis of the underlying cause of acid-base abnormalities.
  • LO9. Apply the learning covered in objective 8 to explain the physiological changes occurring during exercise and how they are affected by pharmacological agents. Use this information to develop policies regarding the use of drugs in sport.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Student feedback is considered when planning the unit for the following year.

Work, health and safety

anatomy laboratory induction is required

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.