Year 2

Human Metabolism and Disease

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300220 - Biochemistry 2. Understanding human metabolism at a molecular level underpins our understanding of human health and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Kinetics and regulation of enzymes will be studied as a preliminary to learning how metabolic pathways work. The central pathways of energy metabolism, their control and inter-relationships will be analysed in detail, including carbohydrate and fat metabolism; ATP synthesis involving electron transport and ATP synthase; and nitrogen metabolism, including aspects of amino acid degradation and urea synthesis. Emphasis will be placed on enzyme and hormonal regulations, the roles of different tissues in metabolic homeostasis; and the consequences for human health when enzymes or their regulations are defective.

Anatomy of the Thorax and Abdomen

This unit provides a thorough understanding of the topographic anatomy of the human thorax and abdomen. It undertakes this by utilising a regional approach (as against a systems approach), emphasising the interplay of the different body systems within this part of the axial skeleton. The relationship between form and function, at a topographical level, will underpin all teaching of this unit.

The Appendicular Skeleton

This unit provides a thorough understanding of the topographic anatomy of the human upper and lower limbs, including their respective girdles. It undertakes this by utilising a regional approach (as against a systems approach), emphasising the interplay of the different body systems within the appendicular. The relationship between form and function at a topographic level, will underpin all teaching of this unit.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of the therapeutic interactions of drugs with the human body, focusing on the drug's mechanisms of action at the biochemical and cellular level, on adverse reactions and on clinical applications. The aim of this unit is to provide students with a sound understanding of fundamental aspects of this field to prepare for further study of advanced pharmacology or other biomedical sciences. The general principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be discussed in detail. This will be followed by the discussions of the major drug categories that affect different organ systems. Research methods in pharmacology and drug development process will also be introduced.

Year 3

Neuroanatomy

This unit builds on the human anatomy and physiology studied in first and second year, equipping students with detailed knowledge of functional neuroanatomy, with particular emphasis on the central nervous system. Cadaver specimens are used to facilitate the learning of spatial relationships between structures. The study of neurological function and dysfuntion integrates many previously learned scientific principles.

And three units from Schedule B

Schedule B Units:

Medical Microbiology

This unit has a modern approach to the study of the interaction between the human host, micro-organisms and parasites. Students will embark on a journey into the world of pathogenic micro-organisms exploring the molecular mechanisms by which these override host defences leading to disease. Topics include: Non-specific and specific defences (immune system) of the human body. Host-parasite interaction and pathogenesis of disease. Types of infection and epidemiology. Infectious diseases of the human body systems and associated aetiological agents. This will be supported with laboratory experience representing modern laboratory diagnostic procedures including molecular biology for the identification of infectious disease agents and how this information is applied to epidemiology.

Analytical Microbiology

This unit in analytical microbiology aims to introduce students to analytical techniques for the detection, identification and enumeration of microorganisms in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and environmental materials.

Anatomy of the Head and Neck

This unit provides a thorough understanding of the topographic anatomy of the human head and neck areas. It undertakes this by utilising a regional approach (as against a systems approach), emphasising the interplay of the different body systems. Cadaver specimens are used to facilitate the learning of spatial relationships between bony and soft tissues.

Microbiology 2

This unit discusses the origins of genetic variation in prokaryotes and explores the structure and metabolic diversity of microorganisms from a variety of habitats including extreme environments. Studies of the biochemistry of prokaryotes focus on metabolic strategies for energy generation and growth in various natural environments. Students are introduced to the applications of microbial metabolism in food, wine and other industries. The principles of classification and identification of bacteria and yeasts are developed. This includes an introduction to molecular systematics and its impact on the classification of living organisms and in areas such as molecular diagnostics and epidemiology. The unit also addresses the principles and applications of recombinant DNA techniques in biotechnology and in the study of microbial physiology and genetics. Laboratory classes introduce students to techniques used to study microbial identification, physiology and genetics.

Human Molecular Biology

Students studying at Hawkesbury or Parramatta campus should refer to 300234 - Molecular Biology. This unit concentrates on the Molecular Biology of eukaryotic cells (human) and studies gene regulation at an advanced level, leading into the processes and practical applications of DNA technology. Students gain a thorough grounding in major techniques involved in gene cloning, such as DNA manipulation using restriction enzymes, PCR, DNA fingerprinting. Cloning vectors, DNA libraries, genetic engineering in different types of eukaryotic cells and organisms and are studied. Students are introduced to functional genomics, bioinformatics and issues in biosafety and ethics relating to gene technology.

Pathophysiology 1

This unit is intended for students enrolled in a range of health science courses within the School of Biomedical and Health Sciences. It is designed to equip students with a detailed knowledge of pathophysiological processes evident in a number of key human diseases that are vocationally relevant to these students. The content is organised using a systems based approach. Problem-based learning methods will be adopted in the tutorial component of this unit to help students develop crucial problem solving skills.

Pathophysiology 2

This unit extends the scope of topics that were explored in Pathophysiology I. The lectures and tutorials in this unit, apply a systemic approach to the study of a range of disease categories, providing a foundation of pathophysiological knowledge for Osteopathy, Chinese Medicine, and Naturopathy students. This unit aims at preparing the future practitioner with: an in-depth knowledge base of diseases; to be able to anticipate and safeguard the patient from potential harm by exercising accurate judgement, and making appropriate referrals, if necessary.

Choose one of

Topics in Physiology

This unit is an extension of ‘Human Physiology 1: Introduction to Human Physiology’. It provides greater depth and breadth of understanding of aspects of whole-body physiology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, locomotion, sleep, reproductive technology, psychoneuroimmunology, interactions with others or the environment, the life cycle.

Human Physiology 3.1

In 2010 this unit replaced by 300622 - Human Physiology 2. This unit complements the Level 2 unit, Human Physiology 2.2, and provides the student with a deeper and broader understanding of the physiological systems. The nervous system, including the senses of taste and smell, and muscle physiology are studied in depth.