NURS5042: Semester 1, 2025

Overview

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the risk factors and health consequences associated with various medical conditions, with a special focus on the critical aspects of Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure, Fluid and Electrolytes, and Gastrointestinal-Physiology (A, B, C, D, E, F). Key Topics Include: Airway and Breathing: Examining how different health conditions impact respiratory function and the strategies for effective management. Circulation: Understanding the risk factors affecting circulatory health, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, and the importance of timely intervention. Disability: Investigating the long-term effects of health conditions on physical and cognitive abilities, and strategies for rehabilitation. Exposure: Identifying environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to health risks and how to mitigate them. Fluid and Electrolytes: Exploring the role of fluid balance and electrolyte management in maintaining overall health. Gastrointestinal-Physiology: Understanding the relationship between gastrointestinal health and overall physiological well-being. Additionally, the course will cover the latest treatment options and management strategies for patients. This unit is designed for all students and does not require a background in biology.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kyungjoon (Joon) Lim, kyungjoon.lim@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kyungjoon (Joon) Lim, kyungjoon.lim@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ashik Srinivasan, ashik.srinivasan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Assessment 3: Final Exam Short and Long Answer Questions.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Assessment 1A: Tutorial Quiz MCQ & SAQ will run during the tutorial class.	10%	Week 04	10 minutes + 5 min Reading time / quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Assessment 1B: Tutorial Quiz MCQ & SAQ will run during the tutorial class.	10%	Week 06	10 minutes + 5 min Reading time / quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Assessment 1C: Tutorial Quiz MCQ & SAQ will run during the tutorial class.	10%	Week 08	10 minutes + 5 min Reading time / quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Assessment 1D: Tutorial Quiz MCQ & SAQ will run during the tutorial class.	10%	Week 10	10 minutes + 5 min Reading time / quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 2: Group presentation Case Study Assessment.	20%	Week 11	5min per group within 2 hour tutorial
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 (a,b,c) Tutorial Quizzes: Students will sit a total of 3 quizzes in weeks 4, 8 and 11 which will test the preceding week’s lecture, tutorial and online learning content inclusive. Students will have 20 minutes to complete online quizes which consists with multiple choice and short answer questions. Each quiz will be worth 10% for a total of 30% across the 3 quizzes. To ensure fairness across all students will receive questions from a randomised test bank.
Assessment 2: Individual workbook Assessment: Students will be given number of case studies to examine and related short answer questions to complete related to content covered in weeks 1-8 inclusive. Students will be expected to analyse the case study, identify any pathophysiological/pharmacological reason for the patient’s signs and symptoms and consider any nursing/pharmacological interventions required.
Assessment 3: Final Exam: The Final Exam will cover all aspects of the unit of study and will consist of shortand long answer questions. The examination will emphasise the interrelatedness of body organ systems and conceptual frameworks that underpin the areas of cellular biology, homeostasis, cardiorespiratory physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, metabolism, neuro-endocrine regulation, pain and immunity.

Please note: Each student is required to submit/attend all assessment items in order to pass this unit. 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	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Where an assignment is submitted late without an approved extension, a late penalty will apply. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero marks will be awarded. Exam based assessment will require a special consideration application be made according to exam policy.

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.

Learning support

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Module 1: Introduction to the Human Body • 1A: Introduction to Unit (A-G) • 1B. Pharmacology Module 1A: Brief Introduction to quality use of medicines and medication safety in nursing practice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Practical workshop in Human anatomy (non-compulsary).	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	2A. Quality use of Medication 2B. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Human anatomy & Medication safety	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Module 2: Introduction to Cardiorespiratory Physiology A: Airways B: Breathing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	C. Circulation (cardiac physiology)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Alterations to Airways and Breathing: structural and airway related eg. Asthma, COPD	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Module 3: Fuels, Control and Protection D: Disability • The Nervous System	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	D: Disability • Alterations in nervous system • Pain	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Alterations to circulation: hypertension, dyslipidaemia, CHF, CHD, atrial fibrillation.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Pharmacology Module 2A: • Autonomic nervous system pharmacotherapy, medications used in Alzheimer’s/dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Pharmacology Module 2B: • Pain management and anaesthetics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	E: Exposure: Infection and Inflammatory Response	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Disability - Alteration in Nervous system & Pain	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	F: Fluid and Electrolytes + incontinence - overview Pharmacology Module 2B: Pain management and anaesthetics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	G: Gut, Liver and Pancreas: Gastrointestinal Physiology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Exposure Tutorial: Inflammatory Response and Wound Healing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Pharmacology Module 3: Antimicrobials (1 hour) Revision and Q&A (1 hour)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Fluid and gut tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney Nursing School Resolutions specifically outline attendance requirements. Resolution 7.2 states that if students are absent without leave for more than 10% of classes in a particular unit of study in any one semester, the Dean may call upon them to show cause why they should not be deemed to have failed that unit of study.

It is expected that all students participate and fully engage in the content of this unit of study by attending lectures, tutorials and laboratories, being prepared for tutorials and laboratories, contributing to discussions in class and online, and providing and receiving feedback in a respectful and dignified manner.

Referencing style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.

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

Craft, Gordon, Huether, McCance and Brashers. Understanding Pathophysiology: ANZ Edition (current ed.) Elsevier, Sydney (Electronic edition preferred)

Recommended Readings

Bryant B and Knights K. Pharmacology for Health Professionals (current edition) Mosby Elsevier, Sydney

Rossi, S (ed) Australian Medicines Handbook (current ed.) Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd, Adelaide (available online from University of Sydney Library)

Brown, Edwards, H., Buckley, T., Aitken, R. L., & Lewis, S. M. (2020). Lewis’s medical-surgical nursing : assessment and management of clinical problems (5e, Australia and New Zealand edition.). Elsevier Australia. (available online from University of Sydney Library)

Learning outcomes

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 normal anatomy and physiological function within the body
LO2. explain pathogenic processes within the human body and their expression as observable alterations to normal anatomy/ physiological function across the lifespan
LO3. synthesise, integrate and apply foundational human bioscience knowledge to specific contexts and situations in health
LO4. locate and critically evaluate evidence-based drug information with respect to quality and relevance for informing decision making in nursing practice
LO5. apply and integrate evidence-based pharmacotherapy knowledge to complex patients in order to optimise quality and quality use of medicines
LO6. discuss the clinical governance, legal and professional requirements associated with the use of pharmacotherapy in nursing practice
LO7. adopt an ethical, social and professional ethos in relation to the use of pharmacological therapies in health.

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 6.3. Appropriately delegates aspects of practice to enrolled nurses and others, according to enrolled nurse’s scope of practice or others’ clinical or nonclinical roles 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation 7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation 7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 5. Standard 5: Develops a plan for nursing practice 5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation 7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 5. Standard 5: Develops a plan for nursing practice 5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation 7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice

Registered Nurses Standards for Practice -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1		Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
2.2		Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
2.4		Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions
2.8		Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice
3.2		Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health
5.1		Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
6.1		Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
7.1		Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

On the basis of previous student feedback, modifications have been made to the lecture content to broaden the physiology and pathophysiology content taught in specific relation to clinical units. Pharmacology content will be introductory and the second semester unit NURS5043 will emphasise more pharmacology concepts. Tutorials have been reviewed to ensure they are clinically relevant and self directed online material has been developed to support student learning and revision. Feedback opportunities have been made through drop in Q&A sessions and announcement based assessment feedback items. The mid semester quiz has been revised to consist of multiple small quizzes rather than a single item test. The duration of the mid semester take home exam has been extended. Cardiorespiratory content has been added in this unit to provide a more comprehensive overview of body function.

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, discrimination, assault, suicide, illness, death and dying or culturally sensitive issues (coordinator is to provide examples relevant to their unit). These topics are relevant to your learning in this unit of study and your knowledge and skill development for nursing practice. You will be advised before the information/topic is presented. If you are participating in the teaching session/activity online, you are advised to use headphones and ensure that anyone not participating in the session cannot see images that you may be watching on your device. If the nature of the content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed, it is important that you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Handbook

Disclaimer

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

This unit of study outline was last modified on 28 Jan 2025.

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

NURS5042: The Body, Its Function and Pharmacology

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect