This course is designed to introduce the principles of medical physiology and pharmacology. Topics have been selected to illustrate key scientific principles that underpin the normal function of the healthy human body. Students will be introduced to the major drug classes that act upon important physiological processes. Online learning activities, laboratory demonstrations and practical exercises will be used to illustrate methodologies used to investigate the health of important body systems.

This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Discuss the relationship between structure and function in organ systems, with an emphasis on the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and endocrine systems;
2. Discuss the hypothalamo-pituitary axis and its role in regulation of homeostasis;
3. Describe the roles of organs and tissues in homeostasis;
4. Describe the research methods and outcomes from selected scientific publications related to the course curriculum;
5. Describe and apply principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics;
6. Identify key targets for pharmacological intervention in the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and endocrine systems;
7. Effectively communicate scientific information in written and oral formats.

Research-Led Teaching

The teaching academics in this course are active researchers in the field of medical education, human physiology, exercise and nutrition. Their expertise in these fields are utilised in the content delivery and the assessment style of this course. Students are actively encouraged to experiment in their interpretation of the content and apply their knowledge.

Required Resources

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

Recommended Resources

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• feedback to whole class, groups

This timely feedback will be provided for all assessments, including take-home question sets, post-practical reports and the group project. Students are encouraged to seek additional feedback from the course convenor as required.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lectures: L1 Cellular physiology I L2 Cellular physiology II L3 Regulation of homeostasis and the autonomic nervous system
2	Lectures: L1 Somatic nervous system and the action potential I L2 Somatic nervous system and the action potential II L3 Body tissues & muscle contraction PRACTICAL: MUSCLE CONTRACTION (GROUP A)	GROUP A Pre-practical quiz (2%) - Muscle contraction Post-practical report (6%) - Muscle contraction
3	Lectures: L1 Cardiovascular physiology I L2 Cardiovascular Physiology II L3 Cardiovascular Physiology III PRACTICAL: MUSCLE CONTRACTION (GROUP B)	Take home question set 1 (4%) GROUP B Pre-practical quiz (2%) - Muscle contraction Post-practical report (6%) - Muscle contraction
4	Lectures: L1 Renal I L2 Renal II L3 Renal II PRACTICAL: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENT (GROUP A)	GROUP A Pre-practical quiz (2%) - Cardiovascular assessment Post-practical report (6%) - Cardiovascular assessment Group project teams must be arranged by the end of Week 4.
5	Lectures: L1 Respiratory I L2 Respiratory II L3 Respiratory II PRACTICAL: CARDIOVASCULAR ASSESSMENT (GROUP B)	GROUP B Pre-practical quiz (2%) - Cardiovascular assessment Post-practical report (6%) - Cardiovascular assessment
6	Lectures: L1 Blood, circulation and capillary exchange I L2 Blood, circulation and capillary exchange II L3 Acid base, metabolism and the bicarbonate buffer system	Take home question set 2 (4%)
7	Lectures: L1 Endocrine physiology I L2 Endocrine Physiology II L3 Endocrine Physiology III	MID-SEMESTER TEST (15%)
8	Lectures: L1 Gastrointestinal physiology I L2 Gastrointestinal Physiology II L3 Gastrointestinal Physiology III PRACTICAL: SPIROMETRY (GROUP A)	GROUP A Pre-practical quiz (2%) - Spirometry Post-practical report (6%) - Spirometry
9	Lectures: L1 Nutrition I L2 Nutrition 2 L3 Exercise physiology PRACTICAL: SPIROMETRY (GROUP B)	GROUP B Pre-practical quiz (2%) - Spirometry Post-practical report (6%) - Spirometry
10	Lectures: L1 Integrative physiology - temperature (guest lecturer) L2 Integrative physiology - altitude (guest lecturer) L3 Integrative physiology - ultra-endurance exercise (guest lecturer-TBC) PRACTICAL: PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO EXERCISE (GROUP A)	GROUP A Pre-practical quiz (2%) - Exercise assessment Post-practical report (6%) - Exercise assessment
11	Lectures: L1 Principles of pharmacology I L2 Principles of pharmacology II L3 Principles of pharmacology III PRACTICAL: PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO EXERCISE (GROUP B)	GROUP ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION (15%) GROUP B Pre-practical quiz (2%) - Exercise assessment Post-practical report (6%) - Exercise assessment
12	Lectures: L1 Clinical Pharmacology I L2 Clinical Pharmacology II L3 Review	ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY (10%)
13	Final examination

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Take home question sets (Contributes 8%)	8 %	1,2
Pre-practical quiz assessments (Contributes 8%)	8 %	1,2,4,6
Post-practical report assessments (Contributes 24%)	24 %	1,2,4,6
Mid-semester test (Contributes 15%)	15 %	1,2,4
Group project (Contributes 15%)	15 %	3,4,7,8
Annotated Bibliography (Contributes 10%)	10 %	1,2,8
Final exam (Contributes 20%)	20 %	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to attend lectures, contribute to discussions and engage in activities provided for learning. When this is not possible, students are expected to listen to the audio recordings of all lectures and complete additional activities. Students are also expected to attend face-to-face practical classes and tutorial sessions and interact with stations and activities.

Examination(s)

In both the mid-semester and final exams, summative examination is comprised of multiple assessment formats including multiple choice, extended matching, short answer and essay questions. These examinations are comprehensive and can address any aspect of the curriculum and associated independent study requirements.

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for mid-semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for end of semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Take home question sets (Contributes 8%)

Two of the take home question sets will be completed within the first 6 weeks of the course. The first take home question set will encompass material from weeks 1-2, and the second take home question set will encompass material from weeks 3-5. Feedback will be provided on the take home question set answers prior to the Mid-semester exam. 

Each take home question set will be worth 4%, contributing 8% in total.

Assessment Task 2

Pre-practical quiz assessments (Contributes 8%)

Pre-practical quiz assessments will involve the completion of up to 5 multiple choice questions (MCQs) related to the practical in question and the associated lecture material. There will be a pre-practical quiz for each of the four practicals, and each will be worth 2% (contributing 8% in total). Pre-practical quizzes must be coupled prior to the associated practical you attend.

Assessment Task 3

Post-practical report assessments (Contributes 24%)

Post-practical assessments will be completed in a small group. Assessments will typically involve responses to short answer questions in a report style. Feedback will be provided on answers. Each post-practical report assessment is worth 6%, contributing a total of 24%.

The due date will be by 5:00 PM 1 week following the scheduled activity as appears in the course timetable. For example, if you are in GROUP A undertaking a practical in week 2, submission is due Week 3 and if you are in GROUP B undertaking a practical in Week 3 then submission is due in week 4. Students who are unwell are advised to follow the standard ANU procedures for an extension due to illness or special consideration.

Assessment Task 4

Mid-semester test (Contributes 15%)

The mid-semester exam will be a 1 hour exam to test the student's knowledge of the topics covered in weeks 1-7. This will be held after the mid-semester teaching break at a time announced on Wattle and make up 15% of the course grade.

The format will be a Wattle based assessment comprised of MCQ and short answer questions. Please be advised that the online exam will be conducted using Proctorio invigilation software.

A practice exam will be provided prior to the date of the exam.

*The exam will be held Week 7 (Monday April 17th to Friday April 21st). Date and time to be confirmed once the test has been scheduled by the ANU Examinations Office.

Assessment Task 5

Group project (Contributes 15%)

In this assignment, groups of 6-8 students will work collaboratively to visually communicate research on a nutritional intervention designed to improve measures of health and/or human performance. To do this, students will create an infographic summarising the research review article the group has been provided. Groups will then complete a presentation of the infographic via a video recording.  

You must assign yourself to a group by the end of week 4. 

Infographics and video recorded presentations are to be uploaded to Wattle by one group member before 11:59 PM Monday 15th May. The group project is worth 15%.

Assessment Task 6

Annotated Bibliography (Contributes 10%)

The annotated bibliography will assess the student's critical ability to read and annotate peer-reviewed academic papers. Instructions will be released on Wattle and

students will be required to choose a topic in week 6. The bibliography will be due in week 12 and be worth 10% of the course grade for MEDN6001.

Assessment Task 7

Final exam (Contributes 20%)

Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam. The final examination will be conducted on Wattle at a time scheduled by ANU Examinations. Please be advised that the online exam will be conducted using Proctorio invigilation software.

The exam will require student's knowledge of content from the entire semester (Weeks 1-12) and will be worth 30%.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Assignments submitted through Turnitin will be returned on that platform with marker comments and suggestions annotated onto the online submission file.

Quizzes and exams will not be returned but model answers be provided on Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmissions are not permitted unless under exceptional circumstances after discussion with the convenors.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students