Lifespan Physiology

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
AGRI 3023
Course ID icon
Course ID
205160
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
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Course level
3
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

In this course, students will further develop knowledge of the normal and abnormal physiological processes that occur across the life-span. Pre-conception. Maternal: physiological and immunological adaptions to pregnancy, physiological changes in preparation for lactation. In utero physiological growth and development: maternal-foetal interaction, placental and neural systems, cardiovascular systems. Physiological growth and development across the lifespan: infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and ageing. Role of the immunological system and inflammation in normal physiology and in the development of disease. Cardiovascular system: cardiovascular disturbances and pathology of cardiac tissue. Endocrine system: control of growth and development, endocrine regulation of calcium and bone metabolism. Impact of genetic variants on normal physiology. Impact of physical activity, nutrition, environment, environmental contaminants, drugs and alcohol on pathophysiology and disease.

Course learning outcomes

  • Analyse, compare and contrast the physiological changes occurring during the different stages of the lifespan.
  • Explain the physiological impact of physical activity, nutrition, environmental contaminants, drugs and alcohol on the physiological systems throughout the lifespan
  • Describe the differences between normal and abnormal states of physiology and development throughout the lifespan.
  • Explain the pathophysiological impact of alterations to physiological systems throughout the lifespan.

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed 2 of BIOL2027 Biochemistry/BIOL2032 Physiology/BIOL2059 Exercise Physiology 1 (UniSA)/BIOL2062 Human Nutrition (UniSA) must have completed 2 of BIOL2027 Biochemistry/BIOL2032 Physiology/BIOL2059 Exercise Physiology 1 (UniSA)/BIOL2062 Human Nutrition (UniSA)

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed BIOL2052 Immunology & Virology II

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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.