This course adopts a systems-based approach to explore the structure and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems. Students will develop an understanding of typical anatomy and the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin normal physiological processes. Students will integrate and apply knowledge of these systems in maintaining homeostasis, particularly in the contexts of nutrition, energy metabolism, exercise, and examine how disruptions can lead to disease.
Learning is supported through a combination of online modules, formative quizzes, laboratory demonstrations, and practical exercises. Students will engage with prosected human cadaveric specimens and anatomical models and participate in activities that illustrate the clinical assessment of key physiological parameters.
Throughout the course, students will enhance their critical thinking and collaborative skills, applying discipline-specific knowledge to real-world health and clinical contexts. This applied learning experience prepares students for further study in clinical, biomedical, or health-related fields.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the anatomical structure and physiological function of the major visceral systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, and reproductive);
- Analyse and interpret physiological data to evaluate the function of visceral systems under normal and stress conditions, using evidence-based reasoning and scientific methods;
- Apply knowledge of visceral anatomy and physiology to explain variations and health conditions, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between structure, function, and disease;
- Demonstrate practical and collaborative skills in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data related to visceral systems;
- Communicate complex anatomical and physiological concepts clearly and effectively using appropriate terminology and visual aids.
Other Information
Due to the nature of human anatomy and the requirement for students to work with human cadaveric specimens, the staff ensure that students understand the expectation for ethical and respectful behaviour. Staff are aware of possible emotional effects of working with cadaver specimens and are ready to support students as needed. Students will also be advised of the expectations of ethical practice and principles of academic integrity relating to all assessment items and will be required to work and show evidence of their effective work in inclusive and collaborative groups when necessary.
Indicative Assessment
- Group assignment (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Topic quiz (2 x 10%) (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Creative assignment (20) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Final exam (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Participation (Hurdle) (5) [LO 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 2 x 1 hour lectures (total of 24 hours over the semester)
- 5 x 3 hours of labs (15 hours over the semester).
- 91 hours over the semester of self directed learning which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements are the skills and attributes that are necessary for demonstrating the learning outcomes of this course by means of summative assessment.
This course has Inherent (student) Requirements, learning and assessment tasks, or activities in addition to those expected as standard components.
1. Mandatory learning or assessment activity or task which is to be summatively assessed against learning outcomes
a. Participation (Hurdle)
ii Communication –
~ written
~ oral
iii Sensory –
~ Visual
~ tactile
iv Manual –
~ gross & fine motor skills
viii Behaviour –
~ Ethical
~ professional
If you recognise that you may have difficulty meeting Inherent Requirements, contact the Course Convenor. We recommend doing this as early as possible, so you can make an informed choice about your study options. Advisers will work with you to understand your needs and whether any reasonable adjustments might help you meet Inherent Requirements. They can also provide you with advice about other study options, if appropriate.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Preliminary Reading
Indicative readings are provided by the reading list on the LMS (available electronically using Clinical Key via the ANU Library)
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 |
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.