Outline

Overview

In this unit of study, students will be provided with an introductory level of human anatomy and physiology. The unit will focus on the major body organ systems and the interrelationships between these systems. The integration of the body organ systems will provide a basis to explore processes fundamental to health, including oxygenation, metabolism, elimination, movement, neuro-endocrine regulation, protection, and reproduction.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jin Huang, jin.huang@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
In-person written or creative task	Early assessment task 1A: Multiple choice quiz in week 3 #earlyassessment task	6%	Week 03	8 minutes, 8 questions	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Assessment 1B: Tutorial Quiz Multiple choice quiz, online delivery in timetabled session in week 5	6%	Week 05	8 questions, 8 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 2: Nurse Education Video 5 minute video plus summary fact sheet. Academic grading	31%	Week 06 Due date: 30 Mar 2026 at 23:59	5 minute video plus summary fact sheet	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Assessment 1C: Tutorial Quiz Multiple choice quiz, online delivery in timetabled session in week 7	6%	Week 07	8 questions, 8 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Assessment 1D: Tutorial Quiz Multiple choice quiz, online delivery in timetabled session in week 8	6%	Week 08	8 questions, 8 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Assessment 1E: Tutorial Quiz Multiple choice quiz, online delivery in timetabled session in week 9	6%	Week 09	8 questions, 8 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Assessment 1F: Tutorial Quiz Multiple choice quiz, online delivery in timetabled session in week 10	6%	Week 10	8 questions, 8 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 3: Homeostasis Workbook 4 modules with case-based questions on maintaining homeostasis	33%	Week 12 Due date: 18 May 2026 at 23:59	1600 words + references, long answer	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = 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

Assessment 1 – Tutorial quizzes: The quizzes will test any material included in preceding week’s lecture, tutorials, and online lessons. Readings are not examinable but will support your understanding of unit content. Each quiz will contain 8 multiple choice questions for a total of 6% per quiz (and a total of 36% for the 6 quizzes). Students will have 8 minutes in their scheduled tutorial time to complete the task. Quizzes will be conducted in weeks 3,5; 7-10 inclusive. Simple extensions do not apply.
Assessment 2 – Nurse Education Video: Small groups (4) of students will produce a 5 minute education video for nurses to outline the primary mechanisms underpinning the control and function of the body system and the coordination with bodily function (learning outcomes 3 and 4). In addition, each group will produce a 1 page worksheet (with suggested learning activities) summarising their allocated body system. The content will explore key concepts covered in weeks 1-5 inclusive with a focus on airways, breathing and circulation with application to nursing contexts. This assessment is weighted as 31% of the total grade and simple extensions do not apply.
Assessment 3 – Homeostasis Workbook: The assignment will cover all aspects of the unit of study with an emphasis on learning outcomes 2 and 5 related to maintaining homeostasis. Students are expected to understand the interrelationship of body organ systems and conceptual frameworks that underpin the areas of homeostasis in each body system. Each module will require a 400 word answer with referencing in APA style. Submission will be online via Canvas (Turnitin). This assessment is weighted as 33% of the total grade.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items in order to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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.

Grade	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

*Where an assignment is submitted late without an approved extension, a late penalty will apply. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero marks will be awarded. *Students who miss assessment 1 completion will be required to make a special consideration application as the quiz is a live task rather than a submission. Simple extensions do not apply to assessment 1 (quizzes) or assessment 2 (group work). Please refer to the relevant section of university policy for directions on applying.

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	Unit of study Introduction: Human Physiology Overview. Body Organisation, Anatomical Terminology & Feedback Loops	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	The Cell: Structure and Function Overview of Tissue and System	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	A: Airway B: Breathing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Respiratory Physiology & Oxygenation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	C: Circulatory System (The heart, blood vessels & blood)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Cardiovascular Physiology	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	D: Disability The Central Nervous System The Peripheral Nervous System and Autonomic Function	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Neural Physiology	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	D: Disability Nerve Transmission, Reflexes and Pain basic muscle physiology. Muscle Physiology Overview	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introductory Anatomy Workshop	Practical (2 hr)
	Musculoskeletal Physiology	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	E: Exposure Infection and Inflammatory Response	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Immunity	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Renal Physiology	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Digestive system and metabolism	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Endocrine Physiology	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance and participation are monitored. Students are expected to attend, engage and participate in scheduled classes and required learning activities. Students must notify the school if they are, or will be, unable to attend a required learning activity; and apply for special consideration or special arrangements; or have an academic plan with relevant adjustments, where appropriate.

(a) Students who fail to attend a required learning activity will be recorded as absent.

(b) Students must attend/participate in minimum 90% of all tutorial classes scheduled per unit of study.

(c) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from tutorials due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence:

(i) maximum two tutorial absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.

(ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded

(d) Students must attend/participate in all practical classes (simulation labs and/or workshops) scheduled per unit of study.

(e) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from practical classes due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence:

(i) maximum two practical class absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.

(ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded.

(f) Students must attend/participate in any live/synchronous lectures, and view any recorded lectures, specified as compulsory per unit of study.

Note: Students must apply for Special Consideration for absence from any scheduled required learning activity which includes an assessment.
Referencing style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Craft, J., Gordon, C., Huether, S. E., McCance, K. L., & Brashers, V. L. (2022). Understanding pathophysiology-ANZ adaptation, 4th Edition. Elsevier Health Sciences

Optional Additional Readings:

Tortora et al., (2021). Principles of Anatomy & Physiology, 3rd Asia-Pacific Edition. John Wiley & Sons Australia

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.

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

LO1. Describe the major anatomical structures and the terminology used to identify anatomical positions
LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of homeostasis and how body organ systems are controlled
LO3. Discuss the primary mechanisms underpinning the control and function of body organ systems.
LO4. Demonstrate an introductory level understanding of the interaction of body organ systems in the coordination of bodily functions
LO5. Demonstrate an introductory understanding of homeostatic alterations and how these impact on an individual’s physiology

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

Registered Nurses Standards for Practice -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1		Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
2.2		Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
2.4		Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions
2.8		Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice
3.2		Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health
5.1		Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
6.1		Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
7.1		Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Feedback from the formal Unit of Study Evaluation as well as feedback for tutorials collected weekly in 2022-2025 have informed the changes made to this unit. Our adjustments have been student centred and are determined to improve the learning experience for all enrolled students. In summary, the following changes have been made: - The structure of the unit has been adjusted to be sequenced in alignment with A-G assessment and the nursing oriented delivery to be consistent with the nursing program - Assessment formats have been revised, this unit was previously entirely exam based with a mix of quizzes and tests. It now has been adjusted to incorporate mixed methods of assessment, using the structure most favoured by students in the past (video production and homeostasis workbook). These structures have previously been noted to enhance student learning of content according to feedback provided. - The weighting of quizzes has been slightly increased to ensure that they reflect the effort in revision adequately. - Quiz feedback drop in sessions will continue to be offered after completion of testing (in person and/or via Zoom drop in sessions) and through feedback summary announcements so students can discuss their results. - Tutorials have been revised and content reduced in order to reduce the burden and time pressure on students in tutorials. - Tutorials in weeks 7-10 will be focused on answering questions in the same format as assessment 3 to support students' understanding and practice of academic writing style. - Optional self testing has been increased to prepare students for assessments.

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, discrimination, assault, suicide, illness, death and dying or culturally sensitive issues (coordinator is to provide examples relevant to their unit). These topics are relevant to your learning in this unit of study and your knowledge and skill development for nursing practice. You will be advised before the information/topic is presented. If you are participating in the teaching session/activity online, you are advised to use headphones and ensure that anyone not participating in the session cannot see images that you may be watching on your device. If the nature of the content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed, it is important that you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them.

Sydney Nursing School Handbook

Work, health and safety

For wet anatomy tutorials, please tie back long hair, laboratory coats and fully enclosed shoes are 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

NURS1001: Human Physiology

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