UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

In this unit, students will be introduced to foundational knowledge in the principles of biochemistry and physiology. The fundamentals in human anatomy, structure, function, behaviour and development for the digestive, endocrine, skin, musculoskeletal, immune systems is explored in the context of the common clinical and pathological manifestations, natural history, diagnostic principles, therapeutic principles and aspects of population health. Students will explore genetics and growth diseases, behavioural and psychiatric conditions as well as the clinical aspects of immunology, common human pathogenic organisms, their associated diseases and treatments in relevant areas of microbiology. Students are also provided with opportunity to engage in self-directed supplementary learning throughout the duration of this unit to enhance learning and to extend knowledge in the above areas. The modules in this unit equip the students with knowledge relating to fundamental medical sciences in preparation for understanding the normal and pathological structures and processes in podiatry. It provides a high-challenge, high-support educational environment. It encourages deeper understanding and learning and helps students cross the threshold from undergraduate to postgraduate. It also provides a transformative educational environment.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Non-standard teaching period	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) Summarise clinically relevant normal and abnormal human anatomy, structure, function, behaviour and development for the digestive, endocrine, skin, musculoskeletal, immune systems; (2) describe the common clinical and pathological manifestations, diagnostic principles, therapeutic principles and aspects of population health for the digestive, endocrine, skin, musculoskeletal, immune systems; (3) describe the human immune system, the clinical aspects of immunology, common human pathogenic organisms, their associated diseases and treatments in relevant areas of microbiology

; (4) explain inflammation and the healing processes of human tissues; (5) explain the mechanisms for genetics and growth diseases; (6) describe common behavioural and psychiatric conditions

; and (7) display professional behaviour in the educational and clinical setting.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignment(s); (2) test(s); (3) examination(s); and (4) professional behaviour assessment (PBA). Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the examination(s) and professional behaviour assessment (PBA) components.

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

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Simone Duncan

Unit rules

Prerequisites

(1) a.
96 points credit including completion of all level 2 units in Major of Podiatric health and Medical Sciences Major (MJD-PHMSC).
or b.
Enrolment in

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine 91870.
and (2) students enrolling in this unit via the assured pathway MJD-PHMSC and/or the graduate entry DPM must comply with the requirements of the School's Infection Control, First Aid, Working with Children's check and Police Clearance check requirements prior to the commencement of Level 3 PODI units, as detailed in the DPM course rules.

Co-requisites

PODI3111 Body Systems 1 (ID 7818).
PODI3113 Anatomy and Cutaneous Science (ID 7819).
PODI3000 Professionalism in Practice (ID 7835).
PODI3112 Clinical Podiatric Practice 1 (ID 7817)

Contact hours

Approximately 6 hours per week