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Unit of study_
BIOS1170: Body Systems: Structure and Function
2026 unit information
This unit presents the gross anatomy, functional histology, and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary systems, along with the characteristics of body fluids and acid-base balance. Emphasis is placed on how these systems respond and adapt to exercise, and how structural and functional impairments can lead to disease. Laboratory classes include the study of human cadavers, and attendance is compulsory. Students that achieve a pass will gain professionally relevant foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology in both healthy and pathological states. Students that achieve higher grades will demonstrate the ability to synthesize knowledge across body systems and develop well-reasoned solutions for clinical and exercise-related problems.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| 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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None |
| Prohibitions:
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BIOS2170 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Describe the distribution of water in the body, the difference between intra- and extracellular fluid, the structure and function of the cell membrane, membrane transport mechanisms and homeostatic systems, including negative feedback, positive feedback & feedforward. Explain the significance of the autonomic nervous system and endocrine systems (eg. HPA axis) in feedback systems.
- LO2. Describe the anatomy and organisation of the mammalian cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels and lymphatic system, and relate structural organisation to function. Describe the physiological mechanisms underlying cardiac electrical activity, cardiac pumping, vascular resistance, blood flow and blood pressure, including their regulation by local, neural and humoral mechanisms, and the role of the microcirculation and lymphatic system in exchange and fluid balance.
- LO3. Apply the learning covered in Outcome 2 to explain the cardiovascular changes that occur during exercise and the pathophysiology in common cardiovascular diseases
- LO4. Describe the anatomy and organisation of the respiratory system, including the conducting and respiratory zones, and relate structure to function. Describe the physiological processes of ventilation, gas exchange and gas transport, including the roles of pressures, resistance and compliance in ventilation, ventilation-perfusion matching, haemoglobin, and the principles of partial pressures in gas exchange. Describe the control of ventilation, normal blood gas values, and the role of the respiratory system in regulating acid–base balance.
- LO5. Apply the learning covered in Outcome 4 to explain the respiratory changes that occur during exercise and the physiological changes that occur in common respiratory diseases
- LO6. Describe the anatomy and organisation of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, and relate structure to function. Describe the histological structure and function of the nephron and the physiological processes underlying urine formation. Describe the process of micturition and the role of the pelvic floor muscles in continence. Describe the role of the urinary system in maintaining homeostasis, including the regulation of electrolyte composition, body fluid balance, blood volume, blood pressure and acid–base balance, and the endocrine functions of the kidney.
- LO7. Describe the regulation of hydrogen ion concentration in the body, including buffering systems and the roles of the respiratory and urinary systems. Describe the relationship between carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and blood pH, normal blood pH values, and the physiological responses to changes in carbon dioxide and bicarbonate levels. Describe the terms acidosis, acidaemia, alkalosis, alkalaemia, respiratory acidosis, metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis and metabolic alkalosis.
- LO8. Apply the learning covered in Outcome 6 and 7 to explain the role of the urinary system in maintaining fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and acid–base balance during exercise, and how disturbances in renal endocrine functions in common kidney disorders contribute to altered blood composition and mineral balance.
- LO9. Integrate learning from Outcome 2, 4, 6 and 7 to explain how acid–base balance is regulated through the coordinated actions of the cardiovascular, respiratory and urinary systems, and how the physiological changes that occur in common cardiovascular, respiratory and renal disorders can disrupt this regulation. Interpret and evaluate common acid–base disturbances based on underlying physiological mechanisms, including scenario-based prediction, blood gas confirmation, and assessment of compensation.
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