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Unit outline_

PHSI2008: Integrated Physiology

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The study of physiology is in essence the understanding of the integration of function and homeostasis. In this unit you will extend your learning in MEDS2001/PHSI2X07, applying your understanding of basic physiology to systems-based scenarios in three modules: sensory, metabolism and integrated physiology. This will consolidate your conceptual understanding of physiology and the homeostatic mechanisms that can change in disease. To support your learning you will undertake laboratory activities that involve experiments on humans as well isolated tissues, with an emphasis on hypothesis generation and data analysis. These sessions will consolidate your conceptual understanding with practical application of core physiological principles in an experimental context. Additional workshops and tutorials will develop critical thinking, your understanding of the integrative nature of physiology, and generic skills in scientific writing and presentation. The practicals and tutorials also emphasise group learning and team work. Completion of this unit will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the complex systems that regulate the human body and provide the platform for undertaking a major in Physiology in third year.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
PHSI2X07 or MEDS2001 or PHSI2X05
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
PHSI2908
Assumed knowledge
? 

Human biology; (PHSI2X07 or MEDS2001)]

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Steven Wise, steven.wise@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Melissa Cameron, melissa.cameron@sydney.edu.au
Andrew Hoy, andrew.hoy@sydney.edu.au
Robert Vandenberg, robert.vandenberg@sydney.edu.au
Anna Waterhouse, anna.waterhouse@sydney.edu.au
Peter Thorn (Physiology), peter.thorn@sydney.edu.au
Steven Wise, steven.wise@sydney.edu.au
Amanda Brandon, amanda.brandon@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small test Module 1 quiz
Module 1 quiz
20% Week 05 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO4 LO3 LO2
Tutorial quiz Renal practical quiz
Practical quiz
10% Week 09 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO10 LO8 LO3 LO2
Small test Module 2 quiz
Module 2 quiz
20% Week 09 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Practical report
Practical report
20% Week 10 2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO9 LO10
Presentation group assignment New technologies in physiology
Video presentation
10% Week 12 10 min presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small test Module 3 quiz
Module 3 quiz
20% Week 13 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

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

Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level

Credit

65 - 74

Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit

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 Module 1 Intro & Energetic pathways Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Energetic pathways (pt.2) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Fuel Sources during aerobic exercise Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Week 02 Respiration, oxygen delivery and aerobic exercise Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Cardiovascular system and aerobic exercise Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Thermoregulation and aerobic exercise Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Week 03 Cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations to exercise training Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Fatigue and aerobic exercise Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Introduction to nutritional physiology Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Exercise physiology 1 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8
Week 04 Nutrition and lifestyle diseases Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Dietary interventions Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Module 1 review Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Exercise physiology 2 Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8
Week 05 Gastrointestinal system #1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Gastrointestinal system #2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Gastrointestinal system #3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Week 06 CNS/Pain #1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
CNS/Pain #2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
CNS/Pain #3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Week 07 Renal #1 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Renal #2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Renal #3 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Week 08 Structure and function of the ear – How do we hear? Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
The inner ear and auditory pathways Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Cochlear implants and improving the bionic interface Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Renal practical/activity Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 09 Typical materials Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Module 3 introduction (bioengineering and physiology) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Foreign body response - old paradigm of biomaterials Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Week 10 Situation specific materials - new design paradigm Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
In vitro models of cell-biomaterial interactions Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Animal models of cell-biomaterials interactions Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Week 11 Studying blood in vitro Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Blood and its relevance to materials Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Blood contacting materials Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Bioengineering exercise Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 12 Case study #1 Grafts Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Case study #2 Heart valves Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Module 3 review Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

The current standard work load for a 6 credit point unit of study is up to 6 hours per week of teaching contact hours and an additional approximately one hour out of class time independent study for each timetabled hour. This means for every face-to-face hour you are expected to undertake independent student effort of 1 hour for each unit of study.

In PHSI2008 it is expected that you attend the online live Zoom lectures during their sceduled time.  It is important to note that although lectures will be recorded through Zoom, we cannot guarantee that every lecture will be recorded successfully. Lecture notes and recordings are intended to support, not replace, your attendance at lectures.  Remember, you are in control of your own study strategy and it is up to you to devise a study plan that best suits you.

Attendance is essential for successful completion of this course. Practical classes are COMPULSORY and any missed class without approved special consideration will be marked absent and deemed not to have met the threshold learning outcomes for this unit of study.  Faculty guidelines stipulate a minimum 80% attendance to ALL scheduled classes must be maintained.  Failure to attend may lead to an Absent Fail being awarded.

The assessments, as outlined on canvas, are COMPULSORY, and failure to attend/complete an assessment may result in a grade of Absent Fail (AF) for the Unit of Study. Each assessment task has marking criteria  established and the marks generated should comply with University assessment policy. It is important to note that raw marks for individual assessments may be moderated in accordance with University Academic Board guidelines. Where this occurs, moderated results will be indicated as such with postings and notification provided on Canvas.

For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

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.

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. Explain the role and basic workings of the major systems of the human body
  • LO2. Articulate and demonstrate the methods used in the physiological sciences and be able to explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry.
  • LO3. Explain the role and relevance of physiology research findings to society including the translation to clinical and medical outcomes.
  • LO4. Demonstrate the ability to integrate physiological knowledge to knowledge in other disciplinary areas of the biomedical sciences.
  • LO5. Collect, synthesise, analyse and critically evaluate physiological data and information from a range of sources.
  • LO6. Define a physiological problem, formulate a hypotheses and plan an investigation and, in the process, understand the ethical and regulatory frameworks relevant to Physiological science and academic integrity.
  • LO7. Select and apply practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation in Physiology.
  • LO8. Demonstrate creative and innovative approaches to problem solving in the field of physiological research and work effectively, responsibly and safely in individual and collaborative contexts.
  • LO9. Communicate observations and experimental findings in Physiology and their implications through a broad variety of media to diverse audiences.
  • LO10. Apply tools and practices that will help you in your life-long learning.

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.

This unit was first implemented in 2019. As a result of this, significant changes have been made to modularise and convert the unit to a primary online-mode of delivery in 2020.

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.