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Unit of study_
PHSI2907: Key Concepts in Physiology (Advanced)
2026 unit information
Physiology is the study of processes that enable and sustain life. Knowledge of Human Physiology is central to all aspects of modern medicine and medical, sports, and health related sciences. At the interface of the physical and life sciences, it encompasses the integration of biological mechanisms from the molecular and cellular levels through to tissue, organs, and whole-body systems to understand essential processes of the human condition in entirety. In this unit of study, you will learn how structure relates to function from the molecular level through to the integration of multiple systems with a focus on the endocrine, nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems and how their homeostatic interactions govern human body function and cope with environmental challenges. To support your learning, you will undertake laboratory activities that involve experiments on humans as well as isolated tissues, with an emphasis on developing a rigorous scientific approach, data interpretation, analysis, and presentation. Practical classes will consolidate your conceptual understanding with experiential application of core physiological principles in an experimental context. The practicals also emphasise group learning and teamwork. Completion of this unit will provide you with a strong foundational understanding of the homeostatic principles that underpin whole body physiology. Furthermore, specialised activities in physiological research will allow small group learning and interaction with staff. Workshops and tutorials will develop critical thinking, understanding of the integrative nature of physiology, and generic skills in scientific writing and presentation.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Department of Medical Sciences |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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A WAM of 70 or above and a mark of 70 or above in MEDS1X01 or BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX7 or CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903 |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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PHSI2007 or MEDS2001 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Human biology (BIOL1XX8 or BIOL1XX3 or MEDS1X01) |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. explain the role and basic workings of the major systems of the human body
- LO2. articulate the methods used in the physiological sciences and be able to explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry
- LO3. explain the role and relevance of physiology research findings to society including the translation to clinical and medical outcomes
- LO4. integrate physiological knowledge with knowledge in other disciplinary areas of the biomedical sciences
- LO5. collect, synthesise, analyse and critically evaluate physiological data and information from a range of sources
- LO6. select and apply practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation in physiology
- LO7. demonstrate creative and innovative approaches to problem solving in the field of physiological research and work effectively, responsibly and safely in individual and collaborative contexts
- LO8. communicate observations and experimental findings in physiology and their implications through a broad variety of media to diverse audiences
- LO9. apply tools and practices that will help you in your life-long learning.
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.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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