Key facts
UNE unit code: PSIO411
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Whether you are interested in biomedical science, or you work in a parallel discipline, a broad understanding of human physiology adds value to roles in many scientific fields.
This unit draws on your knowledge of human biology, introducing you to organ-system physiology and the basic chemical principles and concepts of cell physiology critical to human body function.
We will focus on the structures and functions of the musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and reproductive systems.
Throughout the unit, the importance of homeostasis is emphasised, in particular its maintenance by feedback systems in states of disease and health.
You will have opportunities to hone your critical thinking and analytical skills as you apply your knowledge and critique information from a range of sources and analyse and interpret data to solve complex physiological problems.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Basic knowledge and understanding of cells, tissues, body fluids, and their underlying chemical and physical principles is expected.
A self-directed review module is provided.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- discuss the basic chemical principles and concepts of cell physiology associated with the functioning of the human body;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the structure and function of the human musculoskeletal, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and reproductive systems and apply this information to solving physiological problems;
- critically analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources and apply these to the integrated understanding of physiological principles and research design; and
- critically analyse and interpret physiological data and relate the outcomes to our current understanding of physiological systems.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Four (4) online quizzes with multiple choice questions. Students must attempt and submit all assessment tasks in order to pass the unit. |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Two (2) written practical tasks. Students must attempt and submit all assessment tasks in order to pass the unit.
|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | To complete the unit, i.e. to achieve a passing grade, the student must attempt and submit all assessment tasks, obtain 50% in the final examination, and perform at a level of 50% or above in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach
ISBN: 9781292259543
Silverthorn, D.U., Pearson Education Limited 8th Global edtion 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
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