NATS 1021 Concepts in Human Physiology (WSTC)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 700295

Coordinator Virginia Shepherd Opens in new window

Description This unit introduces the core concepts and terminology necessary to provide a basic understanding of the physiological responses of the human body using relevant examples. These include the processes of homeostasis, cell-cell interactions and the physical and chemical transport processes that are required to carry out integrated functions. Students will explore these key physiological concepts through practical hands-on experiments and in interactive group work in prac and tutorial classes, respectively. The unit provides the foundation to study the physiology of human organ systems.

School Science

Discipline Medical Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects BIOS 1033 Concepts in Human Physiology

Incompatible Subjects BIOS 1025 Introduction to Physiology
NATS 1009 Human Anatomy Physiology 1
BIOS 1022 Introduction to Human Biology
BIOS 1026 Introduction to Physiology (WSTC)

Restrictions Students must be enrolled at Western Sydney University, The College. Students enrolled in Extended Diplomas must pass 40 credit points from the preparatory subjects listed in the program structure prior to enrolling in this University level subject.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Describe the component parts of a cell and how cell interactions occur
  2. Recognise that all physiological systems are interdependent
  3. Define the concept of homeostasis and explain how different mechanisms regulate its function
  4. Explain physical, chemical and electrical principles of cell communication
  5. Recognise structure and function relationships
  6. Collect and interpret data from practical classes investigating physiological principles

Subject Content

1.Cell function, membranes, communication and their interdependence
2.Information flow:
a.Physical principles of physiology: pressure driven (flow, viscosity and resistance) and electrically driven (force, potential, and currents)
b.Chemical principles of physiology: energy, intermolecular forces, gradients and kinetics
3.Homeostasis
4.Interpretation of physiological data

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Multiple Choice 30 minutes each 30 N Individual
Multiple Choice 30 minutes each 30 N Individual
Intra-session examination 2 hours 40 Y Individual

Teaching Periods

Term 3

Nirimba Education Precinct

Day

Subject Contact Virginia Shepherd Opens in new window

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Structures that include subject