Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 1
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Biomedical Sciences School
Students will examine some basic properties of cells,the electrical and chemical communication between cells, and the role of respiration and the circulation in the delivery of nutrients to tissues. Each topic will include a brief introduction into common medicines used in the treatment of malfunction.
PHYL2066 provides occupational therapy students with an introduction to human physiology including cellular structure, function and communication. The course will provide a comprehensive overview of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, including pharmacological treatments for common diseases.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANAT1018
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PHYL2063, PHYL2065
Restrictions
Restricted to BOccThy, MOccThySt students only
Course contact
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
Dr Cassy Spiller
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
- To develop a fundamental understanding of physiology and pharmacology.ﾠ
- To understand the process of experimentation within the physiology laboratory.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understanding of physiology & pharmacology - Explain the general principles of cellular physiology and identify how cellular activity relates to the function of the human organism as a whole.
LO2.
Understanding of physiology & pharmacology - Identify the general principles of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology and be able to apply this knowledge in a clinical context.
LO3.
Understanding of physiology & pharmacology - Explain the basics of pharmacology and how medicines can be applied to treat respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
LO4.
Understanding of physiology & pharmacology - Test the assertions made in lectures and textbooks and to establish the conditions under which these assertions might or might not apply.
LO5.
Experimentation within the physiology laboratory - Collect and analyse data within a laboratory setting.
LO6.
Experimentation within the physiology laboratory - Integrate laboratory data with the theory of physiology
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online quizzes
|
15% (5% for each quiz) |
Quiz 1: Cellular physiology 28/03/2025 - 2/04/2025 Quiz 2: Cardiovascular system 9/05/2025 - 16/05/2025 Quiz 3: Respiratory system 23/05/2025 - 30/05/2025
Each quiz will open at 10am on the first available date and close at 1pm on the last available date. The quiz can be completed at any time during the specified date range, but must be completed within one sitting. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
20% |
3/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
65% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Online quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 15% (5% for each quiz)
- Due date
Quiz 1: Cellular physiology 28/03/2025 - 2/04/2025
Quiz 2: Cardiovascular system 9/05/2025 - 16/05/2025
Quiz 3: Respiratory system 23/05/2025 - 30/05/2025
Each quiz will open at 10am on the first available date and close at 1pm on the last available date. The quiz can be completed at any time during the specified date range, but must be completed within one sitting.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Each online blackboard quiz will have 5 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 20 minutes.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
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 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension 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 late submission penalty in the table above will apply to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
No late submissions possible.
In-Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
3/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This exam will include a variety of questions, including but not limited to short answer and multiple-choice questions. Content covered in the exam will include lectures in Weeks 1-5 inclusive. Details of the examination format will be provided during the semester.
This exam will be a closed book invigilated exam held on campus, undertaken via the Inspera eAssessment platform. Students will be required to bring a laptop to the exam that meets the device requirements for Inspera. It is important that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. The Library website Get familiar with Inspera provides the latest information for students about using Inspera.
Further information about the exam will be provided on Blackboard.
Please have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 35 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 65%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This exam will include a variety of questions, including but not limited to short answer and multiple-choice questions. The exam will cover lecture content from the entire course (weeks 1-13). Details of the examination format will be provided during the semester.
The exam will be a closed book invigilated exam held on campus, undertaken via the Inspera eAssessment platform. Students will be required to bring a laptop to the exam that meets the device requirements for Inspera. It is important that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library . The Library website Get familiar with Inspera provides the latest information for students about using Inspera. Further information about the exam will be provided on Blackboard.
Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| 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% |
| 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% |
| 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% |
| 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% |
| 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% |
Additional course grading information
No assessment items are compulsory. A mark of zero will be recorded if an assessment item is not submitted. Penalties apply for late submission unless there is an approved extension date.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Information onﾠ applying for an assessment extensionﾠ can be found on the ﾠApplying for an extension website.
Information onﾠ applying for a deferred examﾠ can be found on the ﾠDeferring an exam website.
Information onﾠ assessment re-mark requests ﾠcan be found on the ﾠQuerying a resultﾠ website.
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) | 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 |
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 2 |
Lecture |
Module 1: What is a cell? Louise Ainscough One on campus lecture in week 1 on course introduction and homeostasis. Three independent study lectures (cell structure and function; diffusion and osmosis; active and passive transport), plus a lectorial on campus in week 2. |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 5 |
Lecture |
Module 2: How cells communicate Cassy Spiller Six lectures on campus (action potentials; neural communication; muscle cells; muscle contraction; nerve endings & sensations; intercellular communication). |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Module 3: The cardiovascular system Louise Ainscough Four independent study lectures (intro to CVS and heart; cardiac output; blood flow and pressure; veins and regulation of blood pressure), plus a lectorial on campus in week 8. |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 10 |
Practical |
Blood pressure practical The "Blood pressure" practical examines the measurement of arterial blood pressure and the effect of posture and stress on BP. In this practical, you will measure your blood pressure and test the effects of posture and stress on blood pressure. Practical group 1 will attend in week 8, and group 2 will attend in week 10. PPE required: Closed in shoes. You do not need your lab coat or safety glasses. |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 10 |
Lecture |
Module 4: The respiratory system Louise Ainscough Four independent study lectures (intro to the respiratory system; mechanics of breathing; lung function in health and disease; gas exchange and transport), plus a lectorial on campus in week 10. |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Module 5: Pharmacology Mary-Louise Roy Manchadi Four independent study lectures (pharmacology 1; pharmacology 2; cardiovascular pharmacology; respiratory pharmacology), plus a lectorial on campus in week 13. |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 12 |
Practical |
Spirometry practical The "spirometry" practical measures lung function in health and disease. In this practical, you will your lung function and explore the impacts of disease on lung function. Practical group 1 will attend in week 11, and group 2 will attend in week 12. PPE required: Closed in shoes. You do not need your lab coat or safety glasses. |
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 - 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: