Key facts
UNE unit code: PSIO230
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

As our populations age and diseases become increasingly complex, an understanding of pathophysiology – the processes governing disease and injury development – adds value in many biomedical and clinical science fields.
This unit introduces you to the processes underlying cellular adaptation and injury, and inflammation and healing to build your understanding of the role these processes play in the pathophysiology of disease.
Examining a range of pathophysiological processes, and the impact of factors such as stress, you will focus on diseases/disorders of the blood and the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, reproductive, immune, gastrointestinal and renal systems.
Extending your critical thinking abilities, you will also explore the contribution of genetics to the conditions discussed, gaining insight into the processes driving carcinogenesis and abnormal tissue growth (neoplasia).
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
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:
- apply their knowledge and describe the steps in the pathophysiological processes that underlie disease susceptibility;
- describe the role of oxidative stress in acute and chronic disease;
- understand and describe the inflammatory processes associated with pathology;
- understand the pathophysiology of cancinogenesis and neoplasia; and
- interpret scientific literature and connect the literature with key concepts in pathophysiology.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study 1 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Case Study. It is mandatory to attempt this assessment.
|
| Case Study 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Case Study. It is mandatory to attempt this assessment. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the uni 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. |
| Group Assessment | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Group Assessment. It is mandatory to attempt this assessment. |
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.
Fundamentals of Applied Pathophysiology
ISBN: 9781119869733
Ian Peate, Sufyan Akram, Michele Dowlman, Ellie Kirov, Bonnie Williams. John Wiley and Sons Australia Ltd., John Wiley and Sons Australia Ltd. First Asia-Pacific Edition 2023
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Principles of Pathophysiology
ISBN: 9780655708377
Bullock, S. and Hales, M., Pearson 3rd ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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