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Unit of study_
BBHE1011: The Body in Balance: Genetics and Homeostasis
2027 unit information
This unit introduces the structure and function of the human body, providing a foundation for understanding how the body maintains health, responds to disease and adapts to physiological challenges. Beginning with genetics and disease-causing variants, the unit establishes a molecular basis for inherited and acquired conditions before progressing to the integrated study of four key organ systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary and digestive. Students explore how these systems work in concert to regulate oxygen delivery, nutrient uptake, fluid balance and waste removal – the collective process of homeostasis. An applied focus connects foundational science to real-world health outcomes, examining common diseases of these systems alongside the body’s responses to exercise and environmental challenge. Learning is supported through lecturettes, workshops and hands-on practical classes, grounding theory in meaningful clinical context and preparing students for senior units that consider disease in greater detail.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Department of Medical Sciences |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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BBHE1003 |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Identify and explain the basic structure and relationships between DNA, RNA and proteins, normal genetic variation and introductory examples of genetic diseases
- LO2. Identify and describe the basic form and function of the body systems covered in this unit, with focus on the respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary and digestive systems
- LO3. Explain foundational physiological processes that contribute to homeostasis of each of these systems and outline how inter-relationships between them maintain normal function
- LO4. Discuss common examples of diseases arising from disruptions to these body systems. Interpret simple experimental or case-based data (eg. spirometry, EGC) to explain their physiological impact.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2027
|
Normal day | Westmead, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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There are no availabilities for previous years.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
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