Overview
In this unit you will explore fundamental pathophysiology (alteration in function as seen in disease) of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous, haematological systems, and the pharmacology of drugs used in the treatment and management of disease. Throughout the unit, there is an integrated focus on body systems contrasting normal and abnormal, and how disease states may be managed therapeutically. The unit concentrates on common major diseases of these body systems which facilitates a comprehensive study of the pathophysiology encountered in these disease states, as well as gaining an understanding of normal physiology. This is complemented by the study of the treatment and management of these diseases, whilst also focusing on the professional and legal responsibilities that underpin the use of medicines in the treatment of human disease.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: BIOH11005 Introductory Anatomy Physiology or BMSC11010 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 AND NURS11166 Health and Assessment in Nursing AND admission into CL91 Bachelor of Nursing OR admission into CM77 Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse Pathway).
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE feedback Staff reflection
The inclusion of extra resources throughout the unit to clarify anatomy concepts for students would assist in linking anatomy to the current content.
Develop or source additional resources to provide extra support for understanding the anatomy concepts and how they link to the pathophysiology and pharmacology content.
Feedback from SUTE feedback Staff reflection
The Q&A tutorials did not always have enough time to go through the answers to the prepared questions during the tutorial.
Review and update the current content being delivered to identify and focus on key aspects of that week's material so that all questions can be addressed during the allocated tutorial time.
- Apply knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous and haematological systems to discuss pathophysiological processes, signs and symptoms of various relevant diseases
- Evaluate appropriate pharmacological interventions in disease processes of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous and haematological systems
- Explain basic pharmacological principles; pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics
- Outline the nurse’s professional and legal responsibilities in the quality use of medicines.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | ||||
| 2 - Case Study - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Online Test - 50% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurses 1 (Custom Edition eBook)
Edition: 1st (2021)
Authors: Debra Carlson and Roslyn Clapperton (from Shane Bullock, Elizabeth Manias, Majella Hales, Elaine Marieb, Katja Hoehn, Suzanne Keller, Michael Adams and Matthew Sorenson)
Pearson
Melbourne Melbourne , VIC , Australia
ISBN: 9780655704294
Binding: eBook
Additional Textbook Information
The unit textbook can be bought through the Pearson website as a digital eBook or as a paperback version. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase a second hand textbook from another student.
The library does have a very limited number of digital eBooks available.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
r.clapperton@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to pathophysiology and pharmacology
Chapter
Module 1: Introduction to pathophysiology and pharmacology.
Chapters 1 to 8.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Nursing pharmacology principles
Chapter
Module 2: Pharmacology Principles.
Chapters 9 to 14.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Inflammation, anti-inflammatories and analgesics
Chapter
Module 3: Analgesics and Anti-Inflammatory Medications.
Chapters 15 to 18.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Haematology
Chapter
Module 4: Haematology Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.
Chapters 19 to 21.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Cardiovascular - Part 1
Chapter
Modules 5 and 6: Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.
Chapters 22 to 27.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No classes this week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Cardiovascular - Part 2
Chapter
Modules 5 and 6: Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.
Chapters 22, 24 to 26 and 28 to 30.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Respiratory - Part 1
Chapter
Modules 7 and 8: Respiratory Pathophysiology and Associated Pharmacology.
Chapters 31, 32, 34 and 35.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Respiratory - Part 2
Chapter
Modules 7 and 8: Respiratory Pathophysiology and Associated Pharmacology.
Chapters 33, 34 and 36.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Endocrinology - Part 1
Chapter
Modules 9 and 10: Endocrine Pathophysiology and Associated Pharmacology.
Chapters 37 to 40, 42 and 43.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Endocrinology - Part 2
Chapter
Modules 9 and 10: Endocrine Pathophysiology and Associated Pharmacology.
Chapters 38, 41 and 44.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Neurology - Part 1
Chapter
Modules 11 and 12: Neurological Pathophysiology and Associated Pharmacology.
Chapters 45 to 50 and 55.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Neurology - Part 2
Chapter
Modules 11 and 12: Neurological Pathophysiology and Associated Pharmacology.
Chapters 51 to 54, 56, 61 and 62.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The unit coordinator this term is Roslyn Clapperton. You can contact me using the forums on the Moodle site; through email: bioh12011@cqu.edu.au or via the telephone on (07) 4930 9603.
Unit Content:
The unit content has been developed so that the first three (3) weeks cover the underlying principles of pathophysiology and pharmacology, nursing pharmacology principles, inflammation and medications used in treating inflammation and pain. The next nine (9) weeks cover the main pathophysiological conditions of the blood, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and nervous systems, and the associated pharmacology used in treating these conditions. The learning materials for each week are located within the weekly tiles. The following information and links will be provided each week:
- Selected weekly readings from the unit textbook, learning objectives and associated terminology
- Lecture slides and pre-recorded lectures
- Tutorial slides and recordings of the live tutorials (typically available within 24 hours of the tutorial)
- A weekly practice quiz
- Additional resources to support learning
The pre-recorded lectures are delivered by Roslyn Clapperton, Natasha Shepley, Roxina Sharma and Debra Carlson, and will be released progressively throughout the term on the Moodle site.
It is expected that students will review the weekly content, including the assigned readings and pre-recorded lectures prior to attending the tutorials.
Tutorials:
There are two different tutorials held each week, and both will provide students with an opportunity to ask questions. The first tutorial is a concept tutorial which reviews key concepts from the weekly lectures. The second tutorial is a question and answer session that is conducted by a registered nurse, and will use case scenarios and associated questions to help you apply what you are learning to the nursing profession. All tutorials will be delivered live on the Rockhampton campus, with the option for all students to join the tutorial online using the Zoom link provided in the Virtual Classes tile on the Moodle site. All students are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in the weekly tutorials. All tutorials will be recorded to enable all students to view the content if they are unable to attend the live tutorial. If you have never used Zoom before, please review the Zoom information provided in the Virtual Classes tile on the Moodle site.
Student Communication:
- Open discussions of pathophysiology and pharmacology is important when learning this content and for being able to communicate this information. It is expected that you will use reputable sources for your information, respect your fellow students, maintain a polite, respectful dialogue, and at all times communicate in the professional manner expected in the nursing profession.
- Any NON-PERSONAL communications (e.g., questions relating to the lectures, tutorials, assessments, etc.) should be conducted via the relevant forums on the Moodle site.
- Any PERSONAL communications (e.g., personal illness, life events, etc.) should be held with the unit coordinator via email or telephone. Please ensure that all emails contain your name, contact details and unit code, as sometimes we are coordinating more than one unit at a time.
- All assessment extension requests must meet the requirements of the assessment policy and procedure and be made via the Assessment Extension Request link found at the top of the BIOH12011 Moodle site as part of the Support tab. Please ensure that you provide the appropriate documentation with your extension request (e.g., medical certificate, statutory declaration). If you have any questions about this process, please contact the unit coordinator for further advice.
As per Australian educational standards, you are expected to commit 150 hours of engagement to your study of this unit. A recommended breakdown of study hours is given below:
- 2-3 hours per week watching recorded lectures and revising the content through study notes.
- 2-3 hours per week attending the weekly tutorials and reflecting on your answers to the weekly study questions.
- 2-3 hours per week revising content from this week and previous weeks.
- 2-3 hours per week preparing for your assessments or studying for the online quiz and online test.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
The purpose of this online quiz is to challenge your knowledge and understanding of the concepts that underpin pathophysiology and pharmacology, the pharmacology principles of nursing, the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications, and blood disorders and their associated medications such as anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies.
Online quiz details:
- Opens: Week 5, Monday at 10:00 am AEST (QLD time).
- Closes: Week 5, Tuesday at 10.00 am AEST (QLD time).
- Topics examined: Weeks 1 to 4 inclusive.
- Attempts allowed: One (1).
- In the absence of an approved extension request for more time, there will be no opportunity to complete the task after the assigned date.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)
The submitted assessment item must be your own work, and not written, prepared, or composed using Gen AI agents. Note: Cutting and pasting of Gen AI material into assessments may be considered contract cheating and/or plagiarism and a breach of academic integrity. If you have questions about the appropriate use of Gen AI material, please speak with the unit coordinator.
1
Other
Week 5 Tuesday (8 Apr 2025) 10:00 am AEST
Week 6 Tuesday (22 Apr 2025)
Students will be able to review the quiz once all marking is completed and all students have completed the online quiz.
- The online quiz will contain a combination of automatically and manually marked questions.
- A variety of question styles similar to those used in the weekly practice quizzes, as well as application questions, will be used to assess the unit content in a variety of contexts.
- All late submissions will be penalised 5% per calendar day unless an extension request for more time has been approved.
- Apply knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous and haematological systems to discuss pathophysiological processes, signs and symptoms of various relevant diseases
- Evaluate appropriate pharmacological interventions in disease processes of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous and haematological systems
- Explain basic pharmacological principles; pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics
- Outline the nurse’s professional and legal responsibilities in the quality use of medicines.
2 Case Study
Pathophysiology case studies provide a real-world context for understanding the mechanisms that underlie various disorders or conditions. Case studies allow for the interplay between normal physiological processes and the deviations that lead to the pathological disorder or condition being explored in the case study. They also highlight the various roles played by healthcare professionals in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients. As part of the case study, students will need to apply critical thinking skills to analyse case study information to identify the aetiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options.
The case study will be presented in an online format with various question styles used to assess the understanding of the disorder. The case studies will be related to diseases or conditions covered in weeks 4 to 10 of this unit, including the relevant pharmacological treatments of each disease or condition. As you progress through the online case study, you will be provided with information about the patient's clinical presentation, medical and social history, the results of a physical examination and any other relevant tests that are conducted, a pathophysiology concept map, disease diagnosis and treatment plan. With each set of information there will be an associated question(s) to assess your ability to apply what you have learnt during the term to the patient in your case study. To understand how the case study and associated questions will be presented in the assessment task, a practice online clinical case study will be provided.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)
The submitted assessment item must be your own work, and not written, prepared, or composed using Gen AI agents. Note: Cutting and pasting of Gen AI material into assessments may be considered contract cheating and/or plagiarism and a breach of academic integrity. If you have questions about the appropriate use of Gen AI material, please speak with the unit coordinator.
Week 10 Thursday (22 May 2025) 10:00 am AEST
Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025)
Marks will be available once all students have completed the online case study and all manual marking has been completed.
- The online clinical case study will be a combination of automatically and manually marked questions.
- All late submissions will be penalised 5% per calendar day unless an extension request for more time has been approved.
- Apply knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous and haematological systems to discuss pathophysiological processes, signs and symptoms of various relevant diseases
- Evaluate appropriate pharmacological interventions in disease processes of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous and haematological systems
- Outline the nurse’s professional and legal responsibilities in the quality use of medicines.
3 Online Test
The purpose of this online test is to assess your knowledge and understanding of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and neurological pathophysiology and pharmacology covered in this unit.
Online test details:
- Opens: Review / Exam week, Thursday 12th June at 10:00 am AEST.
- Closes: Review / Exam week, Friday 13th June at 10:00 am AEST.
- Topics examined: Weeks 5 to 12.
- Attempts allowed: One (1).
- In the absence of an approved extension request for more time, there will be no opportunity to complete the task after the assigned date.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)
The submitted assessment item must be your own work, and not written, prepared, or composed using Gen AI agents. Note: Cutting and pasting of Gen AI material into assessments may be considered contract cheating and/or plagiarism and a breach of academic integrity. If you have questions about the appropriate use of Gen AI material, please speak with the unit coordinator.
Review/Exam Week Friday (13 June 2025) 10:00 am AEST
Marks will be available once all students have completed the online test and all manual marking has been completed.
- The online test will be a combination of automatically and manually marked questions.
- A variety of question styles similar to those used in the weekly practice quizzes, as well as case study questions will be used to assess the unit content in a variety of contexts.
- All late submissions will be penalised 5% per calendar day unless an extension request for more time has been approved.
- Apply knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous and haematological systems to discuss pathophysiological processes, signs and symptoms of various relevant diseases
- Evaluate appropriate pharmacological interventions in disease processes of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous and haematological systems
- Explain basic pharmacological principles; pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics
- Outline the nurse’s professional and legal responsibilities in the quality use of medicines.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
