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What will I study?
Overview
In short, you’ll learn all about how the human body works. You’ll learn about normal function, and what happens when systems don’t work as they should. You’ll also learn about the experimental basis of the discipline and use specialised techniques to examine questions in physiology.
Your major structure
You can study this major through the Bachelor of Science or the Bachelor of Biomedicine.
BACHELOR OF BIOMEDICINE
You will take 8 core subjects (125 points) across your degree that will build an understanding of the structure and function of the body and consideration of the determinants of health and disease, including genetic and environmental influences (4 in first year, 2 in second year and 2 in third year).
In your third year, you will complete 50 points (four subjects) of deep and specialised study in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Throughout your degree you will also take elective and breadth (non-science) subjects.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
In your first and second years you will complete subjects that are prerequisites for your major, including biology and physiology subjects.
In your third year, you will complete 50 points (four subjects) of study that is deep and specialised study in physiology. This is a flexible major – you can select subjects from a wide range.
Throughout your degree you will also take science elective subjects and breadth (non-science) subjects, in addition to your major subjects and prerequisites.
Sample course plan
View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this major.
If you did not achieve a study score of at least 25 or equivalent in year 12 Biology, you will need to enrol in the relevant introductory first year biology subjects: BIOL10008 Introductory Biology: Life’s Machinery and BIOL10010 Introductory Biology: Life’s Complexity instead of BIOL10009 Biology: Life’s Machinery and BIOL10011 Biology: Life’s Complexity. You may complete PHYS20009 in the first semester of their third year if you are not able to complete the subject in second year due to quota restrictions.
Year 1
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
breadth/science elective
12.5 pts
Year 2
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
breadth
12.5 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
breadth
12.5 pts
Year 3
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
If you did not achieve a study score of at least 25 or equivalent in year 12 Biology, you will need to enrol in the relevant introductory first year biology subjects: BIOL10008 Introductory Biology: Life’s Machinery and BIOL10010 Introductory Biology: Life’s Complexity instead of BIOL10009 Biology: Life’s Machinery and BIOL10011 Biology: Life’s Complexity. You may complete PHYS20009 in the first semester of their third year if you are not able to complete the subject in second year due to quota restrictions.
Year 1
100 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
breadth/science elective
12.5 pts
Year 2
100 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
breadth
12.5 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
science elective
12.5 pts
breadth
12.5 pts
Year 3
100 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
Year 1
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
Year 2
100 pts
Year 3
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
Year 1
100 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
Year 2
100 pts
Year 3
100 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
Explore this major
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this major.
- 12.5 pts
Advanced Human Physiology builds on foundations of second-year Physiology to provide students with a more robust understanding of some key body systems and physiological concepts. The subject will focus on integrating concepts and synthesizing ideas to tackle challenging Physiological questions related to various clinical and functional scenarios. Students are encouraged to work in self-organised groups to complete progressively through semester questions that aid in conceptual understanding and that contribute to the foundation for assessment components of the subject.
This subject will provide the foundation for other third-year offerings in Physiology including pre-requisite content requirements for Clinical and Translational Physiology. Face-to-face learning and teaching sessions represent a blend of traditional information presentation, polling with formative feedback and discussion, and workshop and other active-learning activities.
Additional core
Complete one of the following subjects
- Experimental Physiology 12.5 pts
This subject is designed for students interested in becoming career researchers. Students will work in groups of 10-12 individuals. Each group will select one project from a list of available research questions, research appropriate background information, formulate hypotheses/aims, design an experiment to test those hypotheses/aims, carry out the experiment over a 4 week experimental period, and ultimately write up their findings in the format of a peer-reviewed journal article. This subject will allow more independence in conceptualisation and execution of the research questions than the second-year subject Research-Based Physiology (PHYS20009).
- Clinical and Translational Physiology 12.5 pts
By the conclusion of this subject students will have explored the nexus between clinical condition and bench research. Students will be presented with a series of clinical cases or physiological challenges and will examine the underlying physiological dysregulation in each scenario. Working in teams, students will develop a set of questions about the clinical presentation, will draw on their collective existing knowledge of human physiology, examine the limits of existing contemporary research to formulate their own explanation of the underlying pathophysiology, and propose novel research approaches to better understand the mechanisms physiological regulation and dysregulation.
- Physiology: Adapting to Challenges 12.5 pts
Physiology is the study of body systems and how it maintains homeostasis. The body systems are dynamic processes that must constantly adapt to changes both within the body and the outside environment. This subject will explore various adaptive processes in metabolism, circulation, respiration, body temperature, and muscle that is vital to maintenance of health. We will explore how these systems change and adapt at different life stages or events, such as growth, pregnancy, aging, exercise, or diet and nutrition. In addition, this subject will also explore the adaptive changes required to enable humans to survive in extreme environments or perform acts of physical endurance.
Student will engage with a number of areas of study that reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of physiology and research in physiology. Students will be introduced to new and modern research technologies that showcases recent advances in field of Physiology.
In this subject the lectures are supplemented by workshops where students have the opportunity to work collaboratively on a research project that will bring together elements of theoretical and practical Physiology. This project is designed to extend teamwork experiences, the ability to read critically, and to evaluate and communicate scientific information to both an expert audience, and a general audience.
- 12.5 pts
This subject provides a detailed investigation of human locomotor anatomy. The subject will cover terminology of human topographic anatomy as it relates to the back, neck and limbs; the functional anatomy of the back, neck, upper and lower limbs; the principles underlying human gait and locomotion; the neural control of gait and locomotion; and the design of artificial joints. Lectures on anatomy will be supplemented by specialist lectures by practitioners to demonstrate the disciplinary breadth achievable with anatomical knowledge. Cadaveric dissection will be used to complement learning, by exposing the boundaries and contents of important regions of the back, neck and limbs; and anatomical models, computer programs, prosected specimens and modern imaging techniques will be used to appreciate anatomical structures.
- 12.5 pts
This subject provides a detailed investigation of human visceral anatomy. The subject will cover the terminology of human topographic anatomy as it relates to the head and neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis; the principles of viscera and visceral systems; the detailed regional anatomy of each area including the walls and contents of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis; applied and clinical anatomy; and the appearance of normal anatomical visceral structures via modern imaging techniques. Lectures on anatomy will be supplemented by specialist lectures by practitioners to demonstrate the disciplinary breadth achievable with anatomical knowledge. Cadaveric dissection will be used to complement learning, by exposing the boundaries and contents of important regions of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis; and anatomical models, computer programs, prosected specimens and modern imaging techniques will be used to appreciate anatomical structures.
- 12.5 pts
Topics will include structure, function, and development of the reproductive organs; endocrine and neuroendocrine and environmental control of reproduction, fertilisation, pregnancy, parturition and lactation in humans and other animals; reproductive diseases and disorders; assisted reproductive technologies; and reproduction in a community and global perspective.
- 12.5 pts
The subject aims to provide students with an overview of how neurons function, individually and in ensembles, to produce complex behaviours. We consider how the special properties of nerve cells enable information to be encoded and transmitted.
We will explore how nerve cells communicate with other nerves and cells. Finally we will explore how these properties lead to activity patterns that change the function of other tissues in response to physiological challenges, thus contributing to homeostasis.
- 12.5 pts
This subject explores the fundamental organisational features and functional principles of the nervous system: from the biology of nerve cells and neural circuits to complex behaviours. We consider simple reflex and pattern generating circuits through to sensory and motor systems, and examine the brain regions and processes involved in higher functions such as social cognition and reasoning. The multidisciplinary nature of modern neuroscience is emphasised; students should gain an appreciation of how life science disciplines (such as Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Psychobiology) have increased our understanding of nervous system function, and how Neuroscience overlaps with other areas of related study (such as Cognitive Science, Information Science, Linguistics, and Experimental and Clinical Psychology).
- 12.5 pts
The subject explores the complexities of integrated neuroscience by focusing on examples of major sensory systems, and on complex brain functions involved in language, numeracy and other areas of cognition. These processes are considered from the perspective of normal brain operation, the organisation of neural circuitry and from an examination of the abnormalities underlying neurological disorders.
- 12.5 pts
This subject is designed for students interested in becoming career researchers. Students will work in groups of 10-12 individuals. Each group will select one project from a list of available research questions, research appropriate background information, formulate hypotheses/aims, design an experiment to test those hypotheses/aims, carry out the experiment over a 4 week experimental period, and ultimately write up their findings in the format of a peer-reviewed journal article. This subject will allow more independence in conceptualisation and execution of the research questions than the second-year subject Research-Based Physiology (PHYS20009).
- 12.5 pts
In this subject students participate in an individual program of supervised research within the School of Biomedical Sciences, or elsewhere within the faculty, at a research institute or overseas institution in which the student contributes to the design of a research project, in consultation with a supervisor; conducts the research; and presents the findings of the project. The project may be self contained or form a component of a larger research program. Each student will receive feedback on their progress through ongoing consultation with their supervisor.
Where a student is conducting the research external to the School of Biomedical Sciences, a School of Biomedical Sciences academic staff member who has allied research expertise co-supervises the project and coordinates the assessment requirements. Detailed assessment requirements, including due dates of individual assessment items, are determined through consultation between the supervisor, the co-supervisor and the Biomedical Science Research Project Coordinator(s) in the relevant department.
The subject may incur additional costs such as travel and accommodation. Students may be eligible for University funding. Where the host institution is located in the IndoPacific, Australian citizens for whom this subject is part of a full time semester of study may consider applications through the New Colombo Plan scholarship funding.
- 12.5 pts
This subject extends the concepts and examination of disease covered in second year Pathology (PATH20001, BIOM20001) with a focus on the cellular and molecular features underlying fundamental mechanisms in organ specific pathologies.
This subject is available to both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedicine students.
Science and Biomedicine students intending to take a major in Pathology are required to enrol in PATH30001 (this subject), PATH30002 and PATH30003.
- 12.5 pts
Cancer, disorders of the immune system, cardiovascular diseases and acute and chronic lung disorders are the most common types of afflictions affecting people worldwide. This subject will examine the medicines that have been developed, or are currently being researched, to treat these diverse conditions.
This subject will present the scientific basis of present and likely future treatments of cancer, allergy, acute and chronic inflammation, infection, autoimmunity and transplant rejection, as well as of hypertension, heart failure, cardiovascular atheromatous disease and metabolic syndrome.
You will examine current knowledge of the aetiology of these disorders. The mechanisms of action of the major classes of drugs used to treat immune disorders, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases will be considered in the context of these systems and processes.
Core concepts in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and their importance to safe and effective therapy will be exemplified throughout. The importance of biotechnology to these therapeutic areas will also be considered.
- 12.5 pts
By the conclusion of this subject students will have explored the nexus between clinical condition and bench research. Students will be presented with a series of clinical cases or physiological challenges and will examine the underlying physiological dysregulation in each scenario. Working in teams, students will develop a set of questions about the clinical presentation, will draw on their collective existing knowledge of human physiology, examine the limits of existing contemporary research to formulate their own explanation of the underlying pathophysiology, and propose novel research approaches to better understand the mechanisms physiological regulation and dysregulation.
- 12.5 pts
Physiology is the study of body systems and how it maintains homeostasis. The body systems are dynamic processes that must constantly adapt to changes both within the body and the outside environment. This subject will explore various adaptive processes in metabolism, circulation, respiration, body temperature, and muscle that is vital to maintenance of health. We will explore how these systems change and adapt at different life stages or events, such as growth, pregnancy, aging, exercise, or diet and nutrition. In addition, this subject will also explore the adaptive changes required to enable humans to survive in extreme environments or perform acts of physical endurance.
Student will engage with a number of areas of study that reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of physiology and research in physiology. Students will be introduced to new and modern research technologies that showcases recent advances in field of Physiology.
In this subject the lectures are supplemented by workshops where students have the opportunity to work collaboratively on a research project that will bring together elements of theoretical and practical Physiology. This project is designed to extend teamwork experiences, the ability to read critically, and to evaluate and communicate scientific information to both an expert audience, and a general audience.