Key facts
UNE unit code: PSIO215
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Use real-life case scenarios to build your knowledge of the pathophysiology of acute and chronic disease conditions that affect people across the lifespan. This unit focuses on applied anatomy and physiology, helping you to develop a well-rounded understanding of these conditions and their management.
You will examine the pathophysiology of diseases and disorders in line with the National Health Priority Areas, which will underpin and enhance your nursing knowledge and skills. This unit also introduces principles of pharmacology and correlates them with the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to the pathophysiology of these diseases/disorders.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
The unit will strengthen your foundational science-based knowledge about disease processes and consolidate your learning from the previous units: HHSC111 and HHSC112 (or PSIO110 and PSIO120).
It will allow you to review the changes in the physiology of the body system during diseases. You will appraise evidence-based texts, research articles and Government health information platforms to be skilled, thoughtful, and evidence-based practitioners and apply clinical reasoning. This will facilitate your smooth transition into the Australian health system to make informed decisions during nursing assessments and management of disease.
Equipped with an in-depth understanding of how the disease affects a person’s health, you will be able to educate prospective clients and their families.
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:
- describe the pathophysiological processes that underlie each disease/disorder involving body systems;
- demonstrate an understanding of the epidemiology of each disease/disorder at national and global level;
- explain the aetiology (genetic and epigenetic influences) of each disease/disorder involving body systems;
- correlate the underlying biochemical derangements (cellular responses to injury, including inflammation and healing) with the pathophysiology of each disease/disorder; and
- correlate the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to the pathophysiology of each disease/disorder.
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 Online Quiz ( MCQ and SAQ) | Yes | 20% | All offerings | The knowledge and application of the module 1 and 2 will be tested. Students must attempt all the assessment tasks, receive a 50% overall grade to pass this unit with a mandatory 50% in the final exam. |
| Design a poster for patient education. | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Students will design a digital poster on a given template. They will be given five topics to choose from. They will be required to review peer's poster and vote for the favourite poster. Students must attempt all the assessment tasks, receive a 50% overall grade to pass this unit with a mandatory 50% in the final exam. No. words: 300-400 words |
| Exam | Yes | 35% | All offerings | SAQ, LAQ with a case study (Module 3-7) |
| Research Summary | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Students do a database search to find one systematic review, meta-analysis or RCT on a topic learned in the unit (For example, adverse effects of a medication or pathophysiology of a disorder). They present a summary of 350 words on a template provided. Students must attempt all the assessment tasks, receive a 50% overall grade to pass this unit with a mandatory 50% in the final exam. No Words: 350 |
| Workshop attendance | Yes | All offerings | Mandatory for all student to attend all workshops (100%). |
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.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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Studying 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.*
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