Outline

Overview

Physiology plays a central role in the medical sciences, integrating the molecular and cellular levels through to the whole tissue and organs to understand whole body function. The study of physiology involves learning core concepts and principles that are applied to the various organ systems. You will explore these concepts in four modules: compartmentalisation, cell specialisation, communication between cells and responding to the environment. You will be able to apply these fundamentals as you learn about other organs systems and how their homeostatic interactions govern human body function. To support your learning you will undertake laboratory activities that involve experiments on humans as well as 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. Furthermore, specialised activities in physiological research will allow small group learning and interaction with staff. Workshops and tutorials will develop critical thinking, 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 strong foundational understanding of the homeostatic principles that underpin whole body physiology.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	A mark of 70 or above in {6cp from [(MEDS1X01 or BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3) or (BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1) or CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903]}
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PHSI2007 or MEDS2001
Assumed knowledge ?	Human biology (BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3 or MEDS1X01)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jeremy Pinyon, jeremy.pinyon@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Richard Tan, richard.tan@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Anna Waterhouse, anna.waterhouse@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tara Christie, tara.christie@sydney.edu.au
	Khoon Lim, khoon.lim@sydney.edu.au
	Melkam Kebede, melkam.kebede@sydney.edu.au
	Michelle Mcdonald, michelle.mcdonald@sydney.edu.au
	Jeremy Pinyon, jeremy.pinyon@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam MCQs and SAQs	30%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Advanced project report Written commentary - 2 x 1,000 word commentaries each worth 10%	20%	Multiple weeks	2 x 1,000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Practical submission Submission of prac lessons from kuracloud - 5 in total	15%	Multiple weeks	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Prac participation Submission of completed Kuracloud exercises	5%	Multiple weeks	variable
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Endocrine and neural Quiz MCQ	10%	Week 06	40 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Muscle CV and respiration quiz MCQ	10%	Week 09	40 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Renal, GIT and reproduction quiz MCQ	10%	Week 13	40 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

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.

Grade	Descriptors	Explanation / Interpretation
High distinction (85-100)	Work of exceptional standard	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)	Work of superior standard	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)	Competent work demonstrating potential for higher study	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)	Work of acceptable standard	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 (<50)	Work not of acceptable standard	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.

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:

All assignments must be submitted by the due date and quizzes and exams attended when they are scheduled. Students are expected to manage their time and to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur penalties. Failure to meet assessment deadlines will incur mark deductions of 5% of the maximum awardable mark available for every day past the due date (for electronic submissions, days late includes Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days, until the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be 0/100.

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.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction to PHSI2X07; 2. Overview of the endocrine system; 3. HPA axis	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	1. Adrenal Control in the Body; 2. Thyroid function and control; 3. Regulation of blood glucose	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	1. Body structure - bone; 2. Nerves and action potentials; 3. Synaptic transmission	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Endocrine practical	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	1. Cutaneous sensation; 2. Motor system; 3. Autonomic nervous system	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Sensory and Motor	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	1. Three muscle types; 2. Muscle contraction; 3. Muscle energetics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Muscle practical	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	1. Endocrine and nerve revision; 2. Blood cell production	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	1. Haemostasis; 2. Circulation and heart; 3. Heart as a pump	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	1. Resistance and exchange; 2. Mechanics of breathing; 3. Control of breathing	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	1. muscle, cardiovascular and respiratory revision; 2. Kidney as a filter	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Cardiovascular practical	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	1. Renal control and function; 2. Control of blood pressure; 3. GIT structure and function	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Respiration practical	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	1. Control of digestion; 2. Transport of organics; 3. Male reproduction	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	1. Non-pregnant female reproduction; 3. Pregnancy and lactation; 3. Renal, GIT and reproduction review	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The current standard workload 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 PHSI2X07 all lectures will be delivered live in person. It is encouraged that you attend the live lectures lectures during their scheduled time. It is important to note that although lectures will be recorded, 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.

Advance Research Seminars

Attendance is compulsory at all of the Thursday seminars to be eligible to pass the 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

Textbook: Silverthorn D.U., Human Physiology: An Intergrated Approach

Online: Introduction to Cell Biology lessons (kuracloud.com)

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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 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. integrate physiological knowledge with 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. select and apply practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation in physiology
LO7. 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
LO8. communicate observations and experimental findings in physiology and their implications through a broad variety of media to diverse audiences
LO9. 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

The assessment has changed from 2022 in light of online learning and with the return of supervised final exams.

Additional information

Science student portal

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHSI2907: Key Concepts in Physiology (Advanced)

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect