Key facts
UNE unit code: PSIO411
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Whether you are interested in biomedical science, or you work in a parallel discipline, a broad understanding of human physiology adds value to roles in many scientific fields.
This unit draws on your knowledge of human biology, introducing you to organ-system physiology and the basic chemical principles and concepts of cell physiology critical to human body function.
We will focus on the structures and functions of the musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and reproductive systems.
Throughout the unit, the importance of homeostasis is emphasised, in particular its maintenance by feedback systems in states of disease and health.
You will have opportunities to hone your critical thinking and analytical skills as you apply your knowledge and critique information from a range of sources and analyse and interpret data to solve complex physiological problems.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | Online |
Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Basic knowledge and understanding of cells, tissues, body fluids, and their underlying chemical and physical principles is expected.
A self-directed review module is provided.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- discuss the basic chemical principles and concepts of cell physiology associated with the functioning of the human body;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the structure and function of the human musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and reproductive systems and apply this information to solving physiological problems;
- critically analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources and apply these to the integrated understanding of physiological principles and research design; and
- critically analyse and interpret physiological data and relate the outcomes to our current understanding of physiological systems.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Four (4) online quizzes with multiple choice questions.To complete the unit, i.e. to achieve a passing grade, the student must attempt and submit all assessment tasks, obtain a minimum of 45% in the final examination, and perform at a level of 50% or above in the unit. No. Words: 400 |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Two (2) written practical tasks.To complete the unit, i.e. to achieve a passing grade, the student must attempt and submit all assessment tasks, obtain a minimum of 45% in the final examination, and perform at a level of 50% or above in the unit. No. Words: 2000-3000 |
Final Examination | Yes | 50% | All offerings | It is mandatory to achieve a minimum of 45% in the Final Examination.To complete the unit, i.e. to achieve a passing grade, the student must attempt and submit all assessment tasks, obtain a minimum of 45% in the final examination, and perform at a level of 50% or above in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach
ISBN: 9781292259543
Silverthorn, D.U., Pearson Education Limited 8th Global edtion 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.