Course overview
The aim of this course is to gain an understanding of the physiological dimensions of body function in health and disease. Introductory biology: characteristics and classification of living things, homeostasis. Study of body functions and structure with emphasis on changes through the lifespan: blood and fluids, the cardiovascular system and circulation, haemostasis, the muscular, nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems; metabolism and nutrition; immunity. Integrative physiology: examination of systemic function, control and interaction between systems.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply a range of scientific and medical terminology to describe the functions of the human body.
- Describe the normal structure and functions of cells and tissues and explain how cells and tissues are arranged into organs and organ systems.
- Discuss the functions of the nervous, muscular, skeletal, integumentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, immune, digestive, and urinary systems, and genetic inheritance.
- Explain how the organ systems interact with each other to sustain life, maintain homeostasis, and enable body function and movement.
- Apply knowledge of normal body function to explain how specific diseases affect the function of cells, tissues, and organ systems.
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.