UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

The content of the unit is divided into several major themes: (1) Membrane transport and electrical phenomena in cells—this is concerned with the physical rules and the molecular mechanisms that govern the movement of salts, solutes and water across cell membranes, how these are linked to cell volume and membrane voltages and how they are coupled in tissues to achieve secretion and absorption that is fundamental to the operation of many organ systems; (2) Electrical and chemical communication between cells, including how nerve cells transmit rapid electrical and chemical signals for information processing in the nervous system, and 'slow' chemical signalling pathways; (3) The cellular basis of sensation and how sensory stimuli are detected by specialised cells and converted into electrical signals for use by the nervous system. This section includes a consideration of the chemo–electrical interactions that occur between cells in early stages of sensory pathways; and (4) Generation of mechanical force by cells, relating molecular processes to functional contraction of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles. This section ends with an illustration of how nerve and muscle cells are linked together by synapses to form simple neural circuits controlling muscle contraction and generating reflex contractions of muscle in response to sensory stimuli.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) recall and integrate key knowledge and concepts about membrane transport and function of epithelia, nerve cell function, cellular basis of sensation, and cellular basis of movement; (2) acquire skills in dissection and handling materials for experimentation,; (3) use instrumentation for physiological experimentation and measurement, data recording and analysis including simple use of a spreadsheet, and simple statistical tests; (4) document experience gained from laboratory work and reading and write clearly in correct scientific style and format; and (5) work effectively as a team member to explore and present a topic.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) final exam and (2) assignments. 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)

Dr Peter McFawn and Professor Shane Maloney

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Successful completion of

PHYL1001 Physiology - How your body works
or IMED1001 Form and Function
or NEUR1001 Neuroscience in Society
or SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell

or Enrolment in

71520 Master of Biomedical Science

Advisable prior study

12 points of any Level 1 biology type units including human biology, biology, sports science, biomedical (IMED) and especially SCIE1106 Molecular Biology of the Cell.
Those without any high-school physics are encouraged to consider taking a suitable Level 1 physics unit.
Knowledge of year 12 chemistry is assumed and those without high school chemistry are advised to take a level 1 chemistry unit.

Contact hours

lectures: 2 hours per week
labs: 3 hours per week (for 5 weeks)
tutorials: 2 hours per week (for 6 weeks) (alternating with lab classes)

Recommended
reading

Sherwood, L. Human Physiology: from Cells to Systems, 9th edn, Thomson 2009

Students who have Rhoades and Tanner's Medical Physiology will find this text is suitable for some aspects of this unit but they may need to supplement their reading in some areas. Copies of Sherwood are on closed reserve in the Science Library.

Alberts' Molecular Biology of the Cell provides useful supportive material in some areas.