Outline

Overview

The study of physiology is in essence the understanding of the integration of function and homeostasis. In this unit, you will extend your learning in PHSI2007/2907 (and MEDS2001) applying your understanding of some key body systems and physiological concepts to applied, integrative, systems-based scenarios in three modules: exercise physiology, applied body systems, and biomedical engineering. This will consolidate your conceptual understanding of basic cellular, organ and whole-body physiology and the homeostatic mechanisms. To support your learning, you will undertake face-to-face laboratory activities that involve experiments on humans, with an emphasis on hypothesis generation, data analysis, interpretation and communication. These sessions will consolidate your conceptual understanding with practical application of core physiological principles in an experimental context. Additional face-to-face workshops and tutorials will develop critical thinking, your understanding of the applied nature of physiology, and generic skills in scientific writing and presentation, and related software usage. The in-person practicals and tutorials also emphasise group learning and teamwork, project management and deep thinking. Completion of this unit will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the complex systems that regulate the human body and provide the platform for undertaking a major in Physiology in third year.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	PHSI2X07 or MEDS2001
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PHSI2908
Assumed knowledge ?	Human biology (BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3 or MEDS1X01)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Andrew Hoy, andrew.hoy@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam MCQs and SAQs	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task MCQs	0%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2026 at 23:59	15 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Exercise Physiology Practical report Practical report	20%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 23:59	up to 2000 words, + 500 words for refs	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Mid-Semester Test MCQs and SAQs	20%	Week 07 Due date: 14 Sep 2026 at 16:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Fluid Balance and Renal Physiology activity Fluid Balance and Renal Physiology activity	10%	Week 10 Due date: 16 Oct 2026 at 23:59	up to 1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	New Technologies in Physiology Oral presentation	10%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 17:00	10 mins + questions	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

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:

All assignments must be submitted by the due date and quizzes and exams attended when they are scheduled. Students are expected to manage their time and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur penalties. Failure to meet assessment deadlines will incur mark deductions of 5% of the maximum awardable mark available for every day past the due date (for electronic submissions, days late include Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days, until the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point, the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be 0/100.

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 Overview and Exercise Physiology Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
	Energetic Pathways in Muscle During Exercise #1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Energetic Pathways in Muscle During Exercise #2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Fuel Sources during Aerobic Exercise	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiration, Oxygen Delivery and Aerobic Exercise	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular System and Aerobic Exercise	Lecture (1 hr)
	Software Skills Workshop	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 03	Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise Training	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular and Respiratory Adaptations to Exercise Training	Lecture (1 hr)
	Thermoregulation, Heat Balance, and Aerobic Exercise	Lecture (1 hr)
	Exercise Physiology Practical 1	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Physiological Mechanisms of Fatigue	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nutritional Strategies and Substrate Integration	Lecture (1 hr)
	Exercise Physiology Review / AMA	Lecture (1 hr)
	Exercise Physiology Practical 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Bone Structure, Remodelling, and Mechanical Adaptation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Bone Across the Lifespan and Exercise	Lecture (1 hr)
	Calcium Homeostasis: what bone needs from the rest of the body	Lecture (1 hr)
	Exercise Physiology Practical Report and Data Analysis Workshop	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 06	Body Fluid Compartments and Fluid Shifts	Lecture (1 hr)
	Electrolyte Balance Under Exercise and Heat Stress	Lecture (1 hr)
	Acid–Base Balance: fast buffers, slow kidneys	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	The Nephron as a Volume and Composition Regulator	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Renal Transport Mechanisms: where ions are handled and why it matters	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Diuretics: pharmacological tools for understanding renal function	Lecture (1 hr)
	Integrative Scenario 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Integrative Scenario 2 & Bone, Kidney, Fluid Balance Review / AMA	Lecture (1 hr)
	Renal Physiology and Diuretics Practical	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Bioengineering and Physiology Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
	Typical materials	Lecture (1 hr)
	Renal Physiology and Diuretics Workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Foreign body response - old paradigm of biomaterials	Lecture (1 hr)
	Situation specific materials - new design paradigm	Lecture (1 hr)
	In vitro models of cell-biomaterial interactions	Lecture (1 hr)
	Bioengineering Workshop 1	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Animal models of cell-biomaterials interactions	Lecture (1 hr)
	Case study #1: Grafts	Lecture (1 hr)
	Case study #2: Heart Valves	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Blood and its relevance to materials	Lecture (1 hr)
	Studying blood in vitro	Lecture (1 hr)
	Blood contacting materials	Lecture (1 hr)
	Bioengineering Workshop 2	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The current standard workload for a 6 credit point unit of study is up to 6 hours per week of teaching contact hours and an additional approximately one hour of out-of-class time independent study for each timetabled hour. This means for every face-to-face hour you are expected to undertake an independent student effort of 1 hour for each unit of study.

In PHSI2008 all lectures will be delivered live in person. It is STRONGLY encouraged that you attend the live lectures during their scheduled time. It is important to note that although lectures will be recorded, we cannot guarantee that every lecture will be recorded successfully. Lecture notes and recordings are intended to support, not replace, your attendance at lectures. Remember, you are in control of your own study strategy, and it is up to you to devise a study plan that best suits you.

Attendance is essential for the successful completion of this course. Practical classes are COMPULSORY, and any missed class without approved special consideration will be marked absent and deemed not to have met the threshold learning outcomes for this unit of study. Faculty guidelines stipulate a minimum 80% attendance to ALL scheduled classes must be maintained. Failure to attend may lead to an Absent Fail being awarded.

The assessments, as outlined on Canvas, are COMPULSORY, and failure to attend/complete an assessment may result in a grade of Absent Fail (AF) for the Unit of Study. Each assessment task has marking criteria established, and the marks generated should comply with University assessment policy. It is important to note that raw marks for individual assessments may be moderated in accordance with University Academic Board guidelines. Where this occurs, moderated results will be indicated as such with postings and notifications provided on Canvas.

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

Textbooks

Silverthorn D.U., Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach

Any Exercise Physiology textbook will be of assistance - for example, Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance, by McArdle, W. D. ; Katch, F. I. ; Katch, V. L.

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. Understand and describe key human physiological processes in detail, as they integrate and adapt to specific changes in environment or situation e.g., exercise or medical device implantation.
LO2. Evaluate and integrate physiological knowledge to describe the role and relevance of physiology research findings to society including the translation to clinical and medical outcomes.
LO3. Define a physiological problem, formulate a hypothesis, and test the hypothesis by analysing data, and creating a report to communicate your findings.
LO4. Select and apply practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools to collect, synthesise, analyse and critically evaluate physiological data and information from a range of sources.
LO5. Investigate and examine and communicate observations and experimental findings in Physiology and their implications and significance through a broad variety of media to diverse audiences.

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.

Changes in assessments were made in response to the new policy. Other minor changes were made in response to student feedback.

Additional information

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory for X-Lab, but not the Exercise Lab
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/why-choose-sydney/student-support/health-services.html

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHSI2008: Applied Physiology

Semester 2, 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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links