Key facts
UNE unit code: LSK440
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
With constant innovation in the world of biomedical science, a well-rounded understanding of human physiology – the science of the ways in which the human body functions – ensures that you can keep pace with new developments and evolving knowledge.
This unit introduces you to the way human body systems work together, using animal physiology as model systems. Through skills-oriented training, you will learn the theoretical concepts behind cutting-edge technology and perform associated experiments independently, while also gaining an extensive understanding of laboratory practices.
You will investigate the body’s response to changing environmental conditions, such as exercise, temperature and altitude, and will conduct experiments exploring the function of different body systems and solving physiological problems.
Delivered online, this unit also includes an intensive school giving you hands-on experience and enterprise-based scenarios that complement your theoretical studies.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 5 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | All students must attend the mandatory intensive school which is held in Armidale. |
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:
- demonstrate laboratory skills that will allow interrogation of physiological systems in a lab based environment;
- demonstrate a high degree of understanding of the ethical and legal constraints of using animals in physiological research;
- apply advanced knowledge of physiological system integration, physiological lab techniques, and experimental design;
- apply advanced knowledge of data analysis, data interpretation, and communication of results;
- demonstrate an understanding of physiological integration between organ systems; and
- demonstrate communication and teamwork.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Ethics Course | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Complete the UNE Animal Ethics Course. |
| Experiment Design | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Using your knowledge of physiological system integration, experimental design, ethics, and legal regulation, design an animal experiment to investigate a physiological research question. You will need to clearly state the aims of the experiment, and how these will be addressed in your experimental design, and consider the number of animals needed for a statistically robust design. This will be done by completing a UNE Animal Ethics application form - submit this to the unit, not to the ethics committee. No. Words: 1500
|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements 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. |
| Lab Report | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Write a report on one of the practical activities performed during the intensive school. |
| Lab Skills Test - Assurance Task | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Successfully demonstrate the use of physiological lab techniques to staff. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the 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.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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