Course overview
This course aims to develop students’ foundational knowledge and skills in human physiology, with a focus on homeostatic control and the structure-function relationships of the endocrine, digestive, and urinary systems. Students will explore how these systems regulate key physiological processes such as metabolism, digestion, fluid and electrolyte balance, and stress responses. Through integrated content, laboratory-based practicals, and independent learning tasks, students will investigate normal physiological function and the basis of common disorders. Students will also have opportunity to apply core principles of research ethics, experimental design, and statistical analysis. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the conceptual understanding and analytical skills necessary to evaluate scientific evidence, communicate physiological findings clearly, and appreciate the relevance of physiology to health, disease, and ongoing biomedical research.
- Control Systems
- Digestive System
- Renal System
Course learning outcomes
- Explain how the function of the endocrine, renal, and digestive systems contributes to the regulation and maintenance of homeostasis through coordinated control mechanisms, including negative feedback and integration with the nervous system.
- Describe the function of the endocrine system in relation to the physiological basis of growth regulation, metabolism, stress responses and calcium balance, and how impacts to physiology can cause disease.
- Describe the function of the digestive system in relation to the physiological basis of ingestion, digestion, absorption and excretion, and how this can lead to disease or disorders when altered.
- Describe the function of the kidneys and urinary system in relation to the physiological basis for the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base status, and blood pressure, and how changes to these processes can cause disease or disorders.
- Apply and critically evaluate foundational knowledge of research ethics and experimental design to physiological experimentation.
- Demonstrate scientifically appropriate practical and analytical skills in physiological experimentation.
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 52146
Section PR01
Size 30
Available 25
Class number 52145
Section PR02
Size 30
Available 29
Class number 52144
Section PR03
Size 30
Available 26
Class number 52143
Section PR04
Size 30
Available 24
Class number 52142
Section PR05
Size 30
Available 23
Class number 52151
Section PR06
Size 30
Available 29
Class number 52150
Section PR07
Size 30
Available 29
Class number 52149
Section PR08
Size 30
Available 29
Class number 52148
Section PR09
Size 30
Available 23
Class number 52147
Section PR10
Size 30
Available 29
Class number 59517
Section PR11
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 59516
Section PR12
Size 30
Available 30
Class number 53915
Section WS01
Size 300
Available 266
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