Useful links
Unit of study_
BIOS5092: Bio Sciences for Health Professionals
2025 unit information
This unit introduces the fundamentals of Anatomy (structure), Physiology (function) and Pathophysiology (disease processes) of the major systems of the human body. The knowledge and skills acquired will enhance the health science student's ability to engage in case study-based problem-solving and to develop their clinical reasoning skills. The unit also examines the essential principles of infection control in health care practice and the immune system, highlighting the role of the immune system in disease production and prevention, in response to trauma and in neoplasia. Material will be presented in lectures, practical sessions and online. This unit includes laboratory classes in which human cadavers are studied.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Department of Medical Sciences |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
None |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
None |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
|
None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Name and identify the bones and muscles of the human body on cadaver specimens, radiographs, CT and MRI.
- LO2. Explain the basic pathophysiological processes underpinning common musculoskeletal diseases and the common clinical findings with special reference to imaging procedures.
- LO3. Name and describe the structures of the respiratory system and identify them on cadaver specimens, radiographs, CT and MRI. Explain the fundamentals of respiratory physiology including lung function, control of respiration and measurement and interpretation of blood gas parameters. Describe the pathophysiology of common respiratory diseases with an emphasis on their diagnosis using imaging techniques.
- LO4. Name and describe the structures of the cardiovascular system (heart, vessels) and identify them on cadaver specimens, radiographs, CT and MRI. Explain the fundamentals of cardiovascular physiology including myocardial contraction, the ECG, and control blood pressure. Describe the pathophysiology of common cardiovascular diseases with an emphasis on their diagnosis using imaging techniques.
- LO5. Describe the anatomical arrangement of the contents of the gastrointestinal system and their blood supply. Identify these structures on images. Describe the pathophysiology of common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and their diagnosis with an emphasis on the use of imaging modalities.
- LO6. Describe the anatomy of the female and male reproductive tracks and identify key structures on images. Describe the anatomy of the human breast in detail. Describe the pathophysiology of common diseases affecting the female in male reproductive tract and the breast. Describe the diagnosis of these conditions using imaging.
- LO7. Describe the macroscopic anatomy of the urinary system with an emphasis on the structure of the kidney and its blood supply. Describe the pathophysiology of common diseases affecting the urinary tract and accessory structures including the prostate gland stop describe the structure and function of the pelvic floor. Describe the common pathological changes identified using imaging modalities.
- LO8. Describe the basic structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Describe the structure of the brain and spinal cord including vascular supply. Describe the pathological changes that occur in common neurological diseases diagnosed using imaging modalities.
- LO9. Describe the role of the endocrine system, the basic principles of glandular structure, function and control, and common pathological conditions affecting the endocrine system. Explain how disease in the endocrine system affects the function of other body systems.
- LO10. Describe the basic function of the immune system and apply this knowledge to explain adverse reactions to medications and principles of infection control.
- LO11. Explain how and why neoplasms develop. Explain the difference between benign and malignant neoplasms in terms of their behaviour and prognosis. Explain the systems by which neoplasia is graded. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the common strategies used to treat neoplasia. Describe the pathophysiology of common diseases affecting the female in male reproductive tract and the breast. Describe the diagnosis of these conditions using imaging.
- LO12. Describe the function of the lymphatic system with a special emphasis on the spread and management of malignant neoplasms.
- LO13. Understand the ethics of working with human cadavers.
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.
Find your current year census dates
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.
