This course uses a systems approach to explain the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the normal functions of the skeletal muscles, heart, lungs, kidneys, circulatory system, stomach, intestine, liver, and pancreas. The interaction of physiological systems in nutrition, energy metabolism and exercise is introduced. Students will develop a contextualised understanding of how external signals elicit changes in cellular function and how the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems orchestrate physiological responses to external and internal stimuli. Examples of common medical conditions will be presented together with the principles of pharmacological management to address the resultant physiological derangements. Online learning activities, laboratory demonstrations, and practical exercises will illustrate the clinical assessment of important physiological parameters. Group work and facilitated discussions of an assigned research paper will build skills in reading scientific journals and science communication.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Discuss the relationship between structure and function in organ systems, with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, circulatory, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems.
- Define homeostasis and describe the roles of the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system in the regulation of physiological systems and metabolism.
- Describe the nutritional needs of the healthy body and how the body adapts to changes in levels of nutrients in response to diet.
- Describe the integrated physiological responses that occur locally within working muscles, and the changes that occur within the in the blood, cardiovascular and respiratory systems in response to metabolic demands.
- Describe principles of pharmacology and the nature of pharmacological targets to correct physiological derangements in organ function and metabolism in a variety of medical conditions.
- Collect experimental data and interpret graphical representations of measured physiological parameters in light of established physiological principles.
Indicative Assessment
- Post-practical Reports (n=4; 7.5% each) (30) [LO 1,2,4,6]
- Mid-semester Examination (20) [LO 1,2,4]
- Group Project (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- End of Semester Examination (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester, including:
- Face-to-face component, which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures per week (total of 36 hours over the semester), and 2 hours of labs on selected weeks (8 hours over the semester).
- Approximately 7 hours of self-study per week (86 hours over the semester) which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
Students must be physically able to safely attend the medical science laboratory to fully participate/observe during the laboratory practicals. Students who, due to physical limitations, cannot safely attend the practicals will be provided with alternative resources to enable them to meet the learning outcomes of these sessions.
Students with other needs should consult the ANU Access and Inclusion (A&I) unit for advice and support where participation in academic activities in this course may be impacted by physical and learning disabilities, mental health conditions, or medical conditions.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Textbook of Medical Physiology Guyton and Hall ISBN-13: 978-1455770052
ISBN-10: 1455770051
The following two textbooks are also recommended (Understanding Pathophysiology is a required textbook in semester 2 MEDN2002):
Understanding Pathophysiology 3e (Australia and New Zealand Edition) Craft and Gordon eBook ISBN: 9780729586337 Paperback ISBN: 9780729542647
Pharmacology For Health Professionals, 5e; ISBN 9780729542753
Preliminary Reading
There are no assigned readings in this course. It is assumed that students will undertake a self-directed study of available resources to supplement their learning. The textbook is suggested as the primary supplementary learning resource and includes some online exercises that some students may find helpful. Students are encouraged to identify any difficulties with the curriculum and to approach their tutors and lecturers for assistance as required.
Assumed Knowledge
Knowledge of high school chemistry or equivalent is assumed, particularly water chemistry and solutions, concentration units, the nature of chemical bonds, stereochemistry and chirality of organic molecules, basic chemical structures of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, and biophysical forces governing diffusion of charged and non-charged molecules. Students who have not completed chemistry in either year 12 or at university level should consider enrolling in the ANU Chemistry bridging course available prior to the start of the semester or delay their study of MEDN2001 until later in their academic program when they will likely be better prepared for the demands of this curriculum.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $5280 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $7080 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2862 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
