99636 Essentials of Pathophysiology
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2023 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Understanding the basic process of diseases forms the important foundation for any health professional. This subject is a study of essential elements of the disease processes, studied within the context of some commonly occurring disorders such as diabetes. It serves as an introduction to physiological processes in the disease state. Systems studied include cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, kidney and body fluid, respiratory, reproductive and nervous systems, and cancer. The subject provides a broad understanding of fundamental health issues, which can be applied in various health settings the students will face in their professional career.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| A. | Outline the organ structure and functional changes of common disorders in each of the major body systems |
|---|---|
| B. | Identify the integrity between systems during pathological conditions |
| C. | Distinguish the developmental aspect of each system from the disorders |
| D. | Apply the knowledge of pathophysiology to analyse diseases in different scenarios |
| E. | Review the diagnostic measures of disorders |
| F. | Describe the basic principle of treatment and treatment goals |
| G. | Communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline |
| H. | Contribute effectively to a team |
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Understanding how disease states affect the functions of the body is a pre-requisite to developing strategies for returning a patient to health. The study of pathophysiology in conjunction with normal anatomy and physiology will underpin the student's development and application of clinical strategies and practice, whether it is in the western or eastern clinical setting.
This subject contributes to the following Science graduate attributes:
1. Disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate application
You will develop this attribute via lectures and tutorials. You will be at times encouraged to interact with each other and the lecturer so that basic concepts in pathophysiology are well understood. Some lectures, besides covering the basics, will also allow you to gain insights into current applications of pathophysiology in the clinical situation. In class quizzes and formal examinations are all designed to provide you with an opportunity to consolidate your learning and let you assess your developing knowledge in the subject and to determine your mastery of the content of this subject.
6. Communication skills
You will have the opportunity to develop your communication skills, both written and oral by working in small teams to research and present your findings on a midwifery related disease that you are interested in. You will negotaite with your team members to select the topic and decide how you will contribute to the project. You will also work out the best way to share the responsibilities and work effectively as a team. You will share your findings together to produce a written summary and a quality presentation. SPARK will be used to provide peer feedback on group contribution.
Teaching and learning strategies
You will learn in this subject through lectures and practical classes, including 3 hours per week of lectures and 2 hours per week of practicals. Before each lecture, you are expected to read through the lecture notes available via UTSOnline, respond to the questions and bring these responses to the class. These notes will introduce you to the key concepts which will be further explored during the class through presentations, whole class discussions and questioning. Before each practical class, you will need to work through the activities as outlined in the prac manual. In the practical sessions, you will further extend the theory and application of the key concepts through the development of case analysis and hands-on experiences. For example, you will use equipment to measure ECG and lung function. You will work in small groups and individually to solve problems and discuss cases.
You are encouraged to ask questions in the lectures and practical sessions in order to receive verbal feedback on your understanding of subject concepts. The quizzes during the session also provide ongoing opportunities for feedback.
Content (topics)
Topics in Essentials of Pathophysiology include:
- Endocrine disorders – Overview of endocrine system, disorders of endocrine system: diabetes mellitus including gestational diabetes, thyroid disorders, pituitary and growth disorders, disorders of adrenal cortex, management of some endocrine diseases such as diabetes;
- Gastrointestinal system disorders – Overview of GIS, Disorders of GIS, Gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, diarrhoea and constipation, inflamatory bowel diseases, liver disorders, liver functions and diseases of baby;
- Kidney and Body Fluid disorders – urinary tract infections, prostatic disease and renal failure; renal function of baby;
- Cardiovascular system disorders – cardiac failure, vascular disease and hypertension; pre-eclampsia;
- Cancer – overview of the causes, developmental processes, general effects and basis of therapies, cancer in children;
- Disorders of the nervous system – overview of central nervous system and peripheral nervous system disorders, Cerebovascular diseases, seizure disorders in children, degenerative diseases of the CNS, disorders of the PNS, Management some degenrative diseases such as Parkinson's disease;
- Genitourinary disorders – overview of female disorders, disorders of pregnancy, menopause and its management (HRT); sexually transmitted infections, other reproductive disorders.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Science graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate application |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): .0 |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 25 minutes per quiz |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of knowledge of subject matter and interpretation. The quiz total will be the sum of the two quiz marks (15% each). |
Assessment task 2: Presentation
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Science graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate application 6. Communication skills |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, D, E, G and H This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): .0, .1, .2, .2 and .3 |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | Written component approximately 1500 words; presentation up to 10 minutes per group. |
| Criteria: |
|
Assessment task 3: End-of-session Exam
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Science graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge and its appropriate application |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C, D, E, F and G This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): .0 |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | Two hours plus reading time. |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of knowledge of subject matter and interpretation. If the end-session exam is missed with good reason you will be permitted to sit for the exam at a later date provided that the appropriate form (obtained from student administration) is submitted with documentary proof of your reason. This must be submitted to the university within two days of the exam. |
Minimum requirements
Any assessment task worth 40% or more requires the student to gain at least 40% of the mark for that task. If 40% is not reached, an X grade fail may be awarded for the subject, irrespective of an overall mark greater than 50.
This subject will involve lectures and tutorial/practical sessions. Students must normally attend and participate in at least 80% of the tutorial/practical sessions to be eligible for a pass in the subject.
Required texts
Porth CM. (2011) Essentials of Pathophysiology. Concepts of Altered Health States. 3rd Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Recommended texts
Porth CM. (2009) Pathophysiology. Concepts of Altered Health States. 8h Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
OR
Huether SE & McCance KL (2008) Understanding Pathophysiology, 4th Edition. Mosby.
AND
Patton KT & Thibodeau GA (2009) Anatomy and Physiology, 7th Edition. Elsevier.
References
Neal MJ. (2012) Medical Pharmacology at a Glance. 7th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell
Other resources
Marieb, EN and Hoehn, K. (2007) "Human Anatomy and Physiology", Ed 6, Pearson - Benjamin Cummings.
Seeley, Stephens, Tate. (2008) "Anatomy and Physiology", 8th Edition, McGraw Hill.
Harris P, Nagy S, Vardaxis N. (2006) Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions. Mosby - Elsevier.