Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Biomedical Sciences School
Students will develop an understanding of how the major organ systems of the body perform their normal functions & how these are regulated & integrated in order to maintain homeostasis.
BIOM2012 will extend your understanding of human physiology from a molecular-cellular-tissue level (covered in the course pre-requisite, BIOM2011) through to a systems level and integration of whole body responses. You will also apply this new knowledge in laboratory experiments. The practical component of BIOM2012 aims to demonstrate the physiological principles that underlie the body’s ability to respond to a challenge. You will be encouraged to examine these principles by designing and performing an experiment in which you create a challenge to your body and observe your responses.
Course requirements
Assumed background
A background understanding of second level courses in cellular and molecular physiology (equivalent to BIOM2011) is assumed. Also a sound understanding of molecular andﾠcellular biology (equivalentﾠto BIOL2200) and biochemistry (equivalent to BIOC2000) is advantageous.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOM2011
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOC2000
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOM2007 or BIOM2008, BIOM2015
Course contact
Course coordinator
Associate Professor Kay Colthorpe
School enquiries
Student and Academic Administration Team
The SBMS Student and Academic Administration Team is located on Level 1 of the Sir William Macgregor Building (64-130).
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Bradley Launikonis
Dr Jacky Suen
Dr Niwanthi Rajapakse
Associate Professor Peter Noakes
Dr Benjamin Weger
Laboratory coordinator
Associate Professor Kay Colthorpe
Dr Luli Faber
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course will provide an understanding of how molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms are integrated and controlled in the human body in order to maintain homeostasis.ﾠ Completion of this course will prove a sound basis for advanced study in the biomedical sciences, particularly in areas such as physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, and molecular and cell biology.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe physiological mechanisms that support the functions of the major organ systems in the human body.
LO2.
Explain how nervous and endocrine signals are essential to whole-body physiological responses.
LO3.
Identify normal physiological responses and distinguish them from abnormal responses associated with human disease.
LO4.
Investigate how the human body responds to challenges and attempts to maintain homeostasis.
LO5.
Perform key observational and experimental techniques in human physiology, including acquisition and analysis of quantitative data.
LO6.
Design and implement a physiological experiment, and critically analyse and communicate its findings, with supporting evidence from the scientific literature.
LO7.
Reflect on your learning and skill development in scientific methods and communication
LO8.
Work and learn collaboratively, capitalising on the diverse abilities, backgrounds and perspectives within the group
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Laboratory Assessment Series: Hypothesis, outline & bibliography (group work)
|
4% |
Lab Assessment 18/08/2025 - 21/08/2025
Due at end of 2nd Practical class G1: 18/8/25 G2: 19/8/25 G3: 19/8/25 G4: 20/8/25 G5: 20/8/25 G6: 21/8/25 G7: 21/8/25 |
| Presentation |
Laboratory Assessment Series: Experiment Design Proposal (group work)
|
10% |
Lab Assessment 25/08/2025 - 28/08/2025
During 3rd Practical Class G1: 25/8/25 G2: 26/8/25 G3: 26/8/25 G4: 27/8/25 G5: 27/8/25 G6: 28/8/25 G7: 28/8/25 |
| Reflection |
Laboratory Assessment Series: Meta-learning task 1 (individual)
|
3% |
Lab Assessment 5/09/2025 1:00 pm
The meta-learning task will be open for 1 week. Opening Friday 29 August. Close Friday 5 September. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Laboratory Assessment Series: Lab Report (individual)
|
20% |
Lab Assessment 14/10/2025 - 17/10/2025
Due at 1:00PM G1: 14/10/25 G2: 15/10/25 G3: 15/10/25 G4: 16/10/25 G5: 16/10/25 G6: 17/10/25 G7: 17/10/25 |
| Reflection |
Laboratory Assessment Series: Meta-learning task 2 (individual)
|
3% |
Lab Assessment 24/10/2025 1:00 pm
The meta-learning task will be open for 1 week. Opening Friday 17 October. Closing Friday 24 October. |
| Examination |
End of semester exam
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Laboratory Assessment Series: Hypothesis, outline & bibliography (group work)
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 4%
- Due date
Lab Assessment 18/08/2025 - 21/08/2025
Due at end of 2nd Practical class
G1: 18/8/25
G2: 19/8/25
G3: 19/8/25
G4: 20/8/25
G5: 20/8/25
G6: 21/8/25
G7: 21/8/25
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05, L06, L08
Task description
Draft hypothesis, experiment outline & annotated bibliography completed as a group during class. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
This task will be submitted to your tutor at the end of the 2nd lab class for your practical group.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This assessment has a maximum extension of 7 days as it's an in-class activity that must be completed in a timely manner.
A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.
Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submission penalty only applies to students with approved extensions that do not submit by the due date and time. Late submissions are not permitted for in-class submissions.
Laboratory Assessment Series: Experiment Design Proposal (group work)
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Lab Assessment 25/08/2025 - 28/08/2025
During 3rd Practical Class
G1: 25/8/25
G2: 26/8/25
G3: 26/8/25
G4: 27/8/25
G5: 27/8/25
G6: 28/8/25
G7: 28/8/25
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Experiment Proposal Presentation slides & talk (group work): Includes the slides presented and a 5 minute oral talk on the hypothesis & aims, design, methods and expected outcomes of your group's proposed experiment. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Presentation on the day.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This assessment has a maximum extension of 14 days to minimise disruption for the other group members.
A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.
Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
Late submission is not available for this in-class assessment item.
Laboratory Assessment Series: Meta-learning task 1 (individual)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 3%
- Due date
Lab Assessment 5/09/2025 1:00 pm
The meta-learning task will be open for 1 week. Opening Friday 29 August. Close Friday 5 September.
- Learning outcomes
- L06, L07
Task description
Reflective short answer questions regarding your learning within the course, including laboratory classes. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of this assessment item will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The meta-learning task is a Blackboard quiz available via Blackboard - Assessment.
We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment, by for example:
- you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed;
- your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into Blackboard.
Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
The assessment has a maximum extension of 7 days to ensure students reflect on the associated learning activity in a timely manner.
A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.
Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
No late submissions are permitted.
Laboratory Assessment Series: Lab Report (individual)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Lab Assessment 14/10/2025 - 17/10/2025
Due at 1:00PM
G1: 14/10/25
G2: 15/10/25
G3: 15/10/25
G4: 16/10/25
G5: 16/10/25
G6: 17/10/25
G7: 17/10/25
- Other conditions
- Longitudinal.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Upon submission of the Lab Report, you should check in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page that your report was submitted successfully. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the Schools website to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.
Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Laboratory Assessment Series: Meta-learning task 2 (individual)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 3%
- Due date
Lab Assessment 24/10/2025 1:00 pm
The meta-learning task will be open for 1 week. Opening Friday 17 October. Closing Friday 24 October.
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L07
Task description
Reflective short answer questions regarding your learning within the course, including laboratory classes. Further assessment details will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of this assessment item will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The meta-learning task is a Blackboard quiz available via Blackboard - Assessment.
We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment, by for example:
- you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed;
- your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into Blackboard.
Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
The assessment has a maximum extension of 7 days to ensure students reflect on the associated learning activity in a timely manner.
A request for an extension must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.
Requests for extension received more than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
No late submissions are permitted.
End of semester exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This exam covers all lecture content and will be comprised of approximately equal proportions of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Further information about the exam will be provided on Blackboard.
The exam will be a closed book on-campus paper-based exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students must PASS the End-of-semester exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 0% - 29%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 30% - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 45% - 49% OR a cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% or greater, but less than a pass in any of the assessment hurdles outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% - 64%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 65% - 74%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 75% - 84%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 85% - 100%, AND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information". |
Additional course grading information
To pass this course you must meet ALL the following hurdle requirements:
• You must PASS the End-of-Semester exam
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course and does NOT successfully complete the EOS exam hurdle, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Refer to the SBMS Assessment Guidelines for School specific assessment information.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Clean white laboratory coat, safety glasses and fully enclosed shoes. Students will not be permitted in the laboratory without these items. Each student must have their UQ Student Identification Card visibly displayed above the waist. While public health directions no longer require face masks to be worn, they are recommended when you cannot physically distance, you are a vulnerable person or caring for vulnerable people. Please note that cloth masks are not acceptable in laboratory classes in the School of Biomedical Sciences. PPE and identification card holders can be purchased from the School Locker. | own item needed |
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| University Learning Resources | Access to required and recommended resources, plus past central exam papers, is available at the UQ Library website (http://www.library.uq.edu.au/lr/BIOM2012). The University offers a range of resources and services to support student learning. Details are available on the myUQ website (https://my.uq.edu.au/). |
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Modules The lectures are divided into modules on the following physiological systems -
Three lectures are scheduled most weeks. All lectures will be delivered in person, and also recorded for later viewing. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Practical |
Practical 1. Blood Pressure and Flow The first of the 'skill-building' laboratory classes, focusing on the maintenance of tissue perfusion through control of blood pressure, volume and flow Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Practical |
Practical 2. Oxygen and Energy Supply The second of the 'skill-building' laboratory classes, focusing on meeting the demands of the tissues for nutrients and oxygen through the reponses of the respiratory system and in fuel metabolism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Practical |
Practical 3. Presentation This class will be the opportunity for each group to finalise and present the proposal for their experiment to the whole class, and for the class to select and refine the final design. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Practical |
Practical 4. Experiment Week 1 The first of two experimental sessions, where each group will perform the experiments and collect the data. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Practical |
Practical 5. Experimental Week 2 The second of two experimental sessions, where each group will perform the experiments and collect the data. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Practical |
Practical 6. Analysis The final class will give you an opportunity to analyse the data and interpret the findings in preparation for your laboratory report. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: