Year
2021
Units
4.5
Contact
On Campus
2 x 50-minute lectures weekly
1 x 50-minute tutorial weekly
7 x 1-hour on-line exercises per semester

Distance Online
1 x 2-hour online lecture weekly
1 x 1-hour online tutorial weekly
1 x 2-hour online workshop fortnightly
1 x 2-hour online exercise weekly
Enrolment not permitted
1 of HLTH1004, HLTH1210 has been successfully completed
Assumed knowledge
Have a general understanding of how the physical world is made up of atoms and ions, linked through chemical bonds, to form molecules which can interact to form larger complex structures, from cells up to the level of living organisms.
Topic description

Each week, a specific part of the human body will be explored, based on every-day experience, to develop an understanding of its basic structure and function. Examples of how normal physiology can be disrupted in disease, by toxins or by drugs will be contrasted with normal regulation. The molecules of the human body and their roles in cells is included as well as how the body eliminates wastes, obtains molecular raw materials, and transports these to cells will be discussed, introducing the digestive, respiratory, circulatory and renal systems.

The focus then shifts to control mechanisms, introducing the sensory and central nervous systems, the musculoskeletal system, endocrine and reproductive systems.

Educational aims

At the end of the topic, students will:

  • Understand the relationship between molecules, cells, tissues, organs in the human body, in general terms
  • Be able to describe the roles of the major organ systems of the human body
  • Be able to relate the basic structure to the function of some of the major organs at a cellular level
  • Understand the principle of homeostasis in the regulation of body systems
  • Have an appreciation that the normal physiological control can be modified in disease and by drugs, toxins etc
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

  1. Students will have a general understanding of the structure and function of the healthy human body
  2. The topic will provide a general preparation for more specialised biomedical topics in future years, including more advanced physiology and neuroscience topics
  3. Students will appreciate the value of scientific study of the body using a reductionist approach, while appreciating that normal function requires integration of multiple systems
  4. Students will start to apply the knowledge developed in this topic to understand their own body's function in health