Short Course

Biochemical Basis for Human Life

Overview

This course will equip students entering healthcare programs with knowledge of the basic concepts of human anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.

Grasping bioscience concepts without having a science background or when returning to studies after an educational gap can be a daunting task. A significant proportion of students entering the Master of Nursing Science (MNSci) program come from a diverse range of non-science backgrounds. Some of these students have difficulty in coping with the level of scientific content in the nursing science subjects. Students with science backgrounds returning to graduate studies after several years may also struggle with the content leading to poor academic outcomes. The course covers the fundamentals of human life from cell structure and function to organs and body systems as well as a range of chemical processes that are critical in sustaining life.

Designed For

Highly recommended for students entering MNSci program from a non-science background and students from science backgrounds who have not studied for several years. It is also suitable for students at all levels of clinical practice as well as registered healthcare professionals who are looking to refresh their bioscience knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop a basic understanding of the chemical reactions that take place in the human body, and the structural and functional components of the cell.
  2. Gain knowledge of the different types of tissues, organs and body systems.
  3. Understand the structure and function of the endocrine and nervous systems.
  4. Understand the structure and function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, including the components of the blood.
  5. Understand the structure and function of the genitourinary system.

Course Units

  • Tutorial 1: Biochemical basis of life
  • Tutorial 2: Tissues, organs and systems
  • Tutorial 3: Endocrine and nervous systems
  • Tutorial 4: Cardiovascular and respiratory systems
  • Tutorial 5: Genitourinary system

Assessment

The assessment is submission of the five tutorial unit self-assessments and 10 case-based reflective exercises. A certificate is provided upon satisfactory completion of the course.

Delivery Mode

Course completion requires approximately 15 hours of elearning. This course is delivered online and students can study in their own time and location. Course materials can be accessed using a web browser.

Testimonial

"I became very excited when commencing and re learning about the ‘cell’. It was easy to follow and the little quiz throughout the course helps to consolidate your learning – then at the end of each tutorial there is a 10 question multiple choice, but the great thing is, it is like an open book where you can go back and read over the course to answer the questions. This course is informative, with great information, at times I thought about how someone without any science/nursing back ground would complete this, but it is well written and covers topics with just enough depth to get you thinking about things. I really enjoyed undertaking this, at times I was challenged but it was great learning and really refreshed my knowledge."

Linda, Nurse

Course Director

Dr Snezana Kusljic

Snezana is Lead for pharmacology teaching and learning and senior bioscience expert in the Department of Nursing. She led the development of bioscience curriculum for the Master of Nursing Science entry-to-practice program and has coordinated and taught three bioscience subjects. Snezana completed a PhD in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at The University of Melbourne and holds an honorary position as a Senior Research Fellow at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.

Authors

Mr Alberto Au

Alberto is a Registered Nurse with a clinical background in emergency care and extensive experience in clinical and academic teaching. He currently holds the position of Simulation Education Coordinator at Melbourne Health, and is also a part-time lecturer at The University of Melbourne where he teaches nursing science subjects to Master of Nursing Science entry-to-practice students. Alberto received his BMedSci, BNurSci, PostDipNurPrc and MAdvNurPrac from The University of Melbourne.

Application Procedure

Click on the ‘Enrol now’ button to be guided to the application form.

Course Fees?

Course Fee: AUD $275.00 (incl. GST)

This course is online and you can commence anytime. You can complete this course in your own timeframe and most students will formally finish the course within a 12 month period. Once you have registered for the course, you will have lifetime access to the course content.

Contact Us

mobile learning

E: mobile-learning@unimelb.edu.au

T: +61 3 8344 5673

Course Information

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Fees

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Course Fee: AUD $275 (incl. GST) Discounted group rates are available for groups of 20 or more students. For enquiries, please reach out to us at mobile-learning@unimelb.edu.au

Location

Location

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Online

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Entry requirements

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There are no set entry requirements for this course.