Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Students cover clinically relevant concepts in the disciplines of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Pharmacology, Pathology, Population Science and Behavioural Science. Students undertake introductory learning of molecules, cells and tissues, and the basics of scientific research and medical evidence. This progresses to organ system learning with a focus on the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and neurological systems and the head, neck and sensory organs. Students are also introduced to professional practice including the theory of communication skills within podiatric practice. Concurrently, students cover content related to blood and drugs (haematology and pharmacology), and body defences (microbiology and immunology).

Credit
24 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe common human pathogenic organisms, associated diseases and treatments, inflammation and healing, and describe the structure and function of the immune system and clinical aspects of immunology; (2) discuss clinically relevant normal and abnormal human structure, function, behaviour and development, and explain the classification, epidemiology, aetiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, common clinical and pathological manifestations, natural history, diagnostic principles, therapeutic principles and aspects of population health for the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and neurological systems and the head, neck and sensory organs; (3) promote and participate in discussions on aspects of public and population health, epidemiology, migrant and refugee health in Australia, and discuss strategies for health maintenance, promotion, screening and disease prevention for specified organ system medical conditions; (4) demonstrate knowledge of blood and blood pathologies, and outline principles of drug delivery, metabolism and associated pharmacological aspects; and (5) display professional behaviour in the educational settings, outline some challenges to professionalism, demonstrate objective self-reflection and insight to recognise own personal values, well-being and difficulties and access support services when necessary, and comply with medicolegal requirements and responsibilities.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written assessments; (2) in-semester tests; and (3) professional behaviour assessment (Pass/Fail). 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 professional behaviour assessment (Pass/Fail) component.

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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Catherine Crabb
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (90870)
Approved quota: 35—30 domestic and 5 international places
Contact hours
30 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.