UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

Human Physiology examines how the human body works, from the molecular level to organ, system and the whole human level. It also explores how the body responds to physical activities (e.g., exercise) and to the environment around it (e.g., changes in temperature). Finally, it investigates how disease affects bodily function.Human Physiology is a core component of many biomedical sciences including Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and Sports Science.

PHYL1001 introduces students to the main physiological systems in the human body. Starting with an examination of how the brain coordinates much of our physiology, PHYL1001 focuses on the main physiological systems of the human body including; the cardiovascular system (heart and the circulation), the respiratory system (lungs and associated tissues), the renal system (kidneys and associated tissues), the reproductive system (male and female) and finally the gastrointestinal system (stomach, intestines and associate structures).

Four practical classes are designed to reinforce the understanding of the body systems gained in the lectures. The practical component ALSO provides students with important insights into experimental design, as well and experience and skills in making clinically relevant physiological measurements such as blood pressure, the electrocardiograph (ECG), the ability of the lungs to inhale and forcibly exhale air, and the ability of the kidneys to alter urine output in response to different hydration conditions. Six tutorial classes enable students to consolidate understanding of the unit content, using review material and problem based learning tasks.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 1	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 1 core unit in the Physiology; Neuroscience; Exercise and Health; Sport Science; Sport Science, Exercise and Health; Human Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology); Biochemistry of Nutrition; Pharmaceutical Health major sequences
• Level 1 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) recall and integrate key knowledge about the concepts, mechanisms and pathways responsible for the normal function of the physiological systems examined in the unit (i.e. the physiological control, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal systems); (2) understand how human diseases affect the normal function of the human body; (3) undertake data analysis and correctly interpret results.; (4) make clinically relevant physiological measurements using classical physiology techniques.; and (5) use computer-based digital data acquisition and analysis systems..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) laboratory quizzes and (2) a final theory examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Peter Noble and Dr Christina Bojarski

Unit rules

Incompatibility

PHYL2001 Physiology of Human Body Systems

Advisable prior study

Students without any high-school physics are encouraged to consider taking a suitable Level 1 physics unit.

Contact hours

lectures: up to 2 hours per week
labs: up to 3 hours per week (for 4 weeks)
tutorials: up to 1.5 hours per week (for up to 6 weeks)

Recommended
reading

Sherwood, L. Human Physiology from Cells to Systems, 8th edn: Brooks/Cole 2012