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Unit of study_
SURG5032: Physiology for Surgeons
2027 unit information
The Physiology for Surgeons Unit of Study is a 13-week online course offered in Semester 2. It covers the core and advanced physiological principles, together with selected pathophysiological concepts, that are essential for surgical training and clinical practice. With a particular focus on the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems, the unit develops a detailed understanding of normal physiological function, integrated body-system responses, and the changes that occur during surgery, anaesthesia, critical illness, and therapeutic intervention. Through recorded lectures, readings, supplementary resources, and assessments, students will develop the ability to explain physiological mechanisms, analyse responses to clinical disturbances, and apply physiological principles to surgical decision-making. The unit also provides a strong foundation for preparation for the General Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE) of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Upon completion of the unit, students are expected to demonstrate disciplinary expertise, critical thinking, problem-solving, information literacy, professional communication, academic integrity, and the capacity for independent learning. Students are expected to undertake approximately 10 hours of study each week.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Surgery |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. demonstrate a thorough understanding of cardiac physiology at an organ, tissue and cellular level, and alterations by pathological processes
- LO2. explain how the ECG is generated in healthy and diseased states
- LO3. explain the control of the cardiovascular system, including cardiac function, blood pressure, regional circulation, and alteration during surgery or pathological processes, particularly hypertension and shock
- LO4. explain current methods used in the measurement of blood flow and other cardiovascular parameters
- LO5. explain what parameters influence decision making in blood transfusion management
- LO6. explain respiratory physiology from a structural, mechanical, and chemical point of view, including the relationship to blood flow and gas exchange through the respiratory membrane, and the alterations due to pathological processes, surgery, or mechanical ventilation
- LO7. describe normal physiology of the urinary system, including renal circulation and blood filtration, and recognise functional changes due to renal diseases, kidney failure, obstruction, diuretics, or surgical intervention
- LO8. using your knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory and urinary systems, explain the regulation of acid-base balance in the human body, alterations by diseases of these systems, and compensatory mechanisms to restore acid-base homeostasis
- LO9. describe the role of each section of the gastrointestinal tract and its accessory organs on gastrointestinal function (digestion, absorption, secretion and excretion), and demonstrate a working knowledge of gastrointestinal motility and its regulation
- LO10. describe basic nutritional requirements for normal daily life, including the control of food intake, the impact on surgery, and alterations due to under-nutrition or over-nutrition.
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 2 2027
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Online | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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