Outline

Overview

In this unit of study students will explore the pathogenesis of human disease. Using a systems-based approach, the pathophysiology of common illnesses observed in the clinical setting will be examined. This will be studied in the context of the mechanisms that maintain homeostatic control of body processes. The topics of oxygenation, protection/immunity, metabolism, neuro-endocrine regulation, and elimination will be explored in the context of disease and disorders associated with these processes. This will extend students' understandings of complex physiological alterations and pathophysiology.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	NURS1001
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Margot Day, margot.day@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Assessment 3: Final examination Short answer	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Assessment 1A: In class quiz MCQ consisting of 10 questions in 12min in tutorials #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03	12 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Assessment 1B: In class quiz Multiple choice quiz consisting of 10 questions in 12 min in practicals.	5%	Week 04	12 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Assessment 1C: In class quiz Multiple choice quiz consisting of 10 questions in 12 min in tutorials.	5%	Week 05	12 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Assessment 1D: In class quiz Multiple choice quiz consisting of 10 questions in 12 min in practicals.	5%	Week 06	12 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Assessment 1E: In class quiz Multiple choice quiz consisting of 10 questions in 12 min in tutorials.	5%	Week 07	12 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Assessment 2: Case study based assignment Case study based assignment, individual work, based on content in weeks 1-6	30%	Week 07 Due date: 21 Sep 2025 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Assessment 1F: In class quiz Multiple choice quiz consisting of 10 questions in 12 min in tutorials.	5%	Week 08	12 minutes	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

Formative Assessment:

Online modules: Students are required to complete the online modules throughout semester as per the kuracloud tutorial lessons.

Summative Assessment:

Assessment 1: Weekly quizzes: These quizzes will test the key concepts taught each week and include the topics of digestive physiology, metabolism and related alterations, respiratory physiology and related alterations, and cardiovascular physiology and related alterations, immunity, infection and fever, CNS and PNS physiology and related alterations, and endocrine pysiology and related alterations. Quizzes run in weeks 3-8 inclusive during scheduled tutorial or practical time. The week 3 quiz will be the #earlyfeedbacktask
Assessment 2: Case study based assignment: Students will be given one or more case studies, which they are expected to analyse, and answer a series of questions examining the alterations in physiology observed in the patient(s). This assessment will examine student’s pathophysiology knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Assessment 3: Examination: The examination will cover all aspects of the unit of study. The examination will assess the students’ understanding of alterations of physiological processes and pathophysiological phenomena in the health care setting.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items, and each submission needs to be of an assessable standard, in order to be eligible 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 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.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

Written work submitted electronically after 11.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. 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. The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work.

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	Metabolic reactions, biomolecules and energy production	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Digestive physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Alterations to digestive physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Alterations to Digestion	Workshop (2 hr)
	Respiratory physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Alterations in ventilation and respiration	Lecture (1 hr)
	Diseases of the respiratory system	Practical (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Alterations in cardiac contraction and conduction	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular disease	Practical (2 hr)
	Neural physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Alterations to neural physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Alterations in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system	Workshop (2 hr)
	Blood physiology and blood dyscrasias	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Non-specific and specific immunological responses, infection and fever	Lecture (1 hr)
	Identifying immune cells by microscopy and immunohistology	Practical (2 hr)
	Endocrine physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Alterations to endocrine physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrine disorders	Workshop (2 hr)
	Renal physiology and altered renal physiology	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Alterations to fluid and electrolyte balance	Lecture (1 hr)
	Renal disease	Workshop (2 hr)
	Revision Q & A	Forum (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: It is expected that all students participate and fully engage with this unit of study by attending all teaching-related activity (e.g. lectures, tutorials, laboratories, workshops), being prepared for tutorials and laboratories or workshops, contributing to discussions in class and online, and providing and receiving feedback in a respectful and professional manner.

In line with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) approved curriculum, students are required to attend a minimum of 90% of all tutorials and 100% of any clinical simulation laboratories or workshops, and should engage with lecture content synchronously or asynchronously, in line with delivery mode and timetable. Students who are absent for more than 10% of classes in a particular unit of study in any one semester, without permission or approval from the Unit of Study Coordinator, are likely to be deemed to have failed that unit of study.

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.

Assignment formatting guidelines: Unless the unit coordinator has indicated otherwise, please make sure your submitted assessments are formatted as follows:

font: use Calibri or Times New Roman in 11 - 12 point
double line spacing
margins: 2.5cm each side
use page numbers
refer to assessment instructions for use of title and headings

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

Craft, Gordon, Huether, McCance and Brashers. Understanding Pathophysiology: ANZ Edition (current ed.) Elsevier, Sydney (Electronic edition preferred)

Please note that more detail regarding weekly readings is available on the NURS1005 unit of study CANVAS site.

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. explain the normal physiology related to the specified organ systems studied and describe complex human physiology.
LO2. discuss homeostatic control and explain how compensatory mechanisms influence bodily functions during health and illness.
LO3. describe the pathogenesis of the common diseases/disorders of each organ system studied.
LO4. identify the changes in pathophysiology associated with common illness and disease and correlate these with the resulting signs, symptoms observed.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 5. Standard 5: Develops a plan for nursing practice 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation 7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 6.3. Appropriately delegates aspects of practice to enrolled nurses and others, according to enrolled nurse’s scope of practice or others’ clinical or nonclinical roles 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation 7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people 5. Standard 5: Develops a plan for nursing practice 5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons 6. Standard 6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 6.3. Appropriately delegates aspects of practice to enrolled nurses and others, according to enrolled nurse’s scope of practice or others’ clinical or nonclinical roles 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation 7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice

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
2.4		Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions
3.2		Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health
3.3		Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others
6.1		Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people

Responding to student feedback

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

Practicals have been incorporated to include an active learning component, in which the students make physiological measurements in class on themselves and their peers. Data from these measurements is then related to real patient data and case studies. This will help students to analyse and interpret patient data and relate it to alterations that can occur to normal human physiology. Number of students in tutorials has been reduced to enable access to the Pathology museum and to facilitate in-class discussion with the tutors.

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. These topics are relevant to your learning 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.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS1005: Human Pathophysiology

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links