Outline

Overview

This unit examines the cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary systems, focusing on their roles in human movement and performance. It builds on core concepts of anatomy, histology, physiology, and pathophysiology, including strategies for maintaining acid-base balance in a range of different scenarios. Students participate in hands-on practical classes, including use of human cadavers, and perform common cardiovascular and respiratory function tests. Tutorial workshops apply these concepts to real-world applications, such as evaluating the effects of drugs on sports performance, comparing dehydration and overhydration, and investigating cardio-respiratory adaptations to extreme environments like deep-sea diving and mountaineering. On completion of the unit, students will be able to synthesize knowledge across topics, demonstrating an integrated understanding of the homeostatic adaptations crucial to human movement and performance.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOS1170 or BMED2403 or PHSI2005
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jaimie Polson, jaimie.polson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Supervised Final exam Extended response questions	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quizzes Small, regular quizzes conducted online to assess understanding of recently covered topics.	4%	Multiple weeks	10-15 minutes each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Practical class quizzes small, regular quizzes conducted during practical classes/tutorials to assess understanding of recently covered topics	15%	Multiple weeks	10-15 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation and Q&A Group presentation and Q&A	10%	Multiple weeks	20 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 2 Quiz MCQ	1%	Week 02 Due date: 06 Mar 2026 at 23:55 Closing date: 06 Mar 2026	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-semester test Extended short answer type questions	20%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Apr 2026 at 13:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Reflective Writing A 2-page written reflection on your learning experiences during the course	5%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 May 2026	Two pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

On-line quizzes: The final mark and will include the 5 best performances. Each quiz will be available online for a limited time. You will be advised when quizzes are available and must complete the quizzes within the period of availability.
Feedback questions: Feedback questions will be made available weekly. You must submit your answers by email. You must complete 5 weeks of feedback questions. Completion of the other week’s feedback questions is optional.
In-semester assessment: This activity will cover introduction to basic biology and cardiovascular system (anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology).
Final assessment: This open book exam will cover the material that was not covered in the mid-semester exam. Calculators are not permitted in examinations; assessments have been modified so that calculators are not required.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates an extensive knowledge and understanding of the concepts of BIOS2170 content including prescribed focus areas and broader context Displays an outstanding ability to describe and explain anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology concepts, including abstract ideas, clearly and accurately, and to apply the concepts to unfamiliar situations Applies a high level of critical thinking skills in developing appropriate solutions to problems involving a long sequence of related tasks Analyses, evaluates and extrapolates anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology data effectively, identifies complex relationships, quantifies explanations and descriptions, and synthesizes information to draw conclusions Communicates succinctly, logically and sequentially using a variety of scientific formats
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the concepts of BIOS2170 content including prescribed focus areas and broader context Effectively communicates a detailed understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology concepts using appropriate terminology and scientific formats, and applies the concepts to unfamiliar situations Analyses information given in written, tabular, graphical and diagrammatic forms and relates this to other relevant information Displays competence in manipulating information to solve problems involving a number of steps
Credit	65 - 74	Demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of the concepts of BIOS2170 content including prescribed focus areas and broader context Describes concepts and information clearly in written, graphical and diagrammatic forms, and applies these concepts in familiar situations Demonstrates a broad ability to apply concepts to unfamiliar situations Displays proficiency in selecting relevant data from information given in written, tabular, graphical and diagrammatic form
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates a basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of BIOS2170 content including prescribed focus areas and broader context Uses simple anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology definitions, terms, diagrams and graphs to communicate understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology concepts Substitutes data from information given in written, tabular, graphical and diagrammatic form, and manipulates basic anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology data
Fail	0 - 49	Demonstrates a limited or no knowledge and understanding of BIOS2170 content including prescribed focus areas and broader context Recalls elementary terminology related to some areas of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	L1, Introduction to Body Systems	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	L2, Body Fluids and Homeostasis 1; L3, Body Fluids and Homeostasis 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	L4, Cardiovascular 1; L5, Cardiovascular 2; L6, Cardiovascular 3	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Anatomy of the Heart	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	L7, Cardiovascular 4; L8, Cardiovascular 5; L9, Cardiovascular 6	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Applied physiology in sport: homeostasis & cardiovascular	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	L10, Cardiovascular 7; L11, Cardiovascular 8; L12, Cardiovascular 9	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Cardiovascular functions	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 05	L13, Respiration 1; L14, Respiration 2; L15 Respiration 3	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Control of Blood Pressure	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	L16, Respiration 4; L17, Respiration 5; L18, Respiration 6	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Applied Physiology in Sport: CVS and respiration	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	L19, CVS overview	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Respiratory anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	L20; Respiration 7; L21, Respiration 8; L22, Respiration 9;	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Applied physiology in sport: respiration	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	L23, Urinary 1; L24, Urinary 2; L25, Urinary 3	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Pulmonary function tests	Practical (2.5 hr)
Week 10	L26, Urinary 4; L27, Urinary 5; L28, Urinary 6	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Urinary anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	L29 Urinary 7	Lecture (1 hr)
	Applied physiology in sport: Respiration and Urinary	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Countercurrent	Workshop (2 hr)
	Urinary Physiology	Tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 12	L30 Acid-base 1; L31 Acid-base 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Acid-base balance	Tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 13	L32, Respiratory/Urinary System review	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Applied physiology in sport: Overview	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states:
55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work. The Faculty of Medicine and Health resolutions states: 7(1) Students are required to attend at the correct time and place of any formal or informal examinations. Non-attendance on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration or special arrangement will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment. Participation in a minimum number of assessment items may be included in the requirements specified for a unit of study.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

none

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe and explain: the distribution of water in the body; the difference between intra- and extra- cellular fluid; the structure and function of the cell membrane; membrane transport mechanisms; homeostatic systems (negative feedback, positive feedback, feedforward).
LO2. Describe and explain: the anatomy of the heart, blood vessels and lymphatics; the external and internal features of the heart; the major components of the cardiac conducting system; the coronary circulation; the nerve supply of the heart and blood vessels; how the microstructure of different types of blood vessels relates to their function; lymphatic vessels; the location and role of valves (in the heart, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels); the origin and regulation of electrical events of the heart (with reference to microstructure of the cardiac myocyte); how the heart functions as a pump; the factors that influence cardiac output and how it is regulated, including the mathematical formulae used to describe these factors; the factors that influence blood flow and blood pressure and the mathematical formulae used to describe them; regulation of blood flow and blood pressure, including local, humoral and neural influences; the microcirculation and exchange of substances; the role of the lymphatic system and its relationship to the circulation; explain the pathophysiological processes underlying the development of common cardiovascular diseases.
LO3. Describe and explain: the organs, passages and musculoskeletal framework of the respiratory system; the process of ventilation, including the gas laws and the relationships between pressure, resistance and flow, the role of the inspiratory and expiratory muscles, the various pressures inside the chest, the role of the pleura in facilitating ventilation; factors that affect ventilation with reference resistance and compliance and work of breathing; measurement of ventilation, measures of volume and capacitance, pulmonary function tests, common diseases of the airways; the process by which gas is exchanged between the alveoli and the blood, including the concept of partial pressures, the significance of dead space, ventilation (V) and perfusion (Q) matching; normal blood gas values, how they can be measured and how they can be affected in common disorders; the process by which gases are transported between the lungs and the tissues, focusing on oxygen and carbon dioxide, the key role of haemoglobin, the haemoglobin dissociation curve; control of ventilation, including the role of arterial levels of O2, CO2, H+; explain the common diseases that affect the respiratory system and the pathophysiological changes they produce.
LO4. Apply the learning covered in objective 3 to analyse and explain the physiological changes occurring during exercise, how they can be modified by training, and how they are affected by extreme environments and pharmacological agents. Use this information to justify policies regarding the use of drugs in sport.
LO5. Apply the learning covered in objective 2 to analyse and explain the physiological changes occurring during exercise, how they can be modified by training, and how they are affected by pharmacological agents. Use this information to justify policies regarding the use of drugs in sport.
LO6. Describe and explain: the general functions of the urinary system and how the urinary system contributes to the homeostasis of the body; the anatomy of the organs involved in production, storage and elimination of urine; the relationship between the structure and function of the nephron; the process of urine formation and the factors controlling it; the micturiton reflex; the role of the urinary system in regulation of blood pressure; the endocrine functions of the kidney; Outline and explain some common pathologies of the urinary system and management.
LO7. Apply the learning covered in objective 6 to analyse and explain the physiological changes occurring during exercise and how they are affected by extreme environments and pharmacological agents. Use this information to evaluate the risks of dehydration and over-hydration in sport and design a sports drink. Use this information to justify policies regarding the use of drugs in sport.
LO8. Describe and explain: regulation of pH in the intracellular and extracellular fluid; the pH of the blood and how it is affected by carbon dioxide and bicarbonate ion concentration; how the body responds to changes in carbon dioxide and bicarbonate levels; the role of the respiratory system in the regulation of hydrogen ion concentration; the role of the kidneys in the regulation of hydrogen ion concentration; the terms: acidosis, acidaemia, respiratory acidosis, metabolic acidosis, alkalosis, alkalemia, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic alkalosis. Apply this knowledge to interpret and diagnose the underlying causes of acid-base abnormalities.
LO9. Apply the learning covered in objective 8 to analyse and explain the physiological changes occurring during exercise and how they are affected by pharmacological agents. Use this information to justify policies regarding the use of drugs in sport.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Student feedback is considered when planning the unit for the following year.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

anatomy laboratory induction is required

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOS2170: Body Systems and Human Performance

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links