CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHIR13010 Systems and Pathology
Systems and Pathology
All details in this unit profile for CHIR13010 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will build upon your conceptual understanding of the causes, mechanisms and consequences of disease and dysfunction of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, haematopoietic, reproductive, respiratory, endocrine, renal and digestive systems. You will critically evaluate the multifactorial symptoms of dysfunction in order to infer the likely causative pathophysiological condition. Importance will be placed on understanding that different pathologies frequently cause a suite of similar symptoms but can nevertheless be differentiated on the basis of the combination, intensity and development of those symptoms. This knowledge will be used in conjunction with the examination protocols and procedures taught in Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 3, in order to formulate a differential diagnosis.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisites: BMSC11002 Human Body Systems 2 and MBIO12013 Microbiology for Health Care and BIOH12008 Human Pathophysiology or MPAT12001 Medical Pathophysiology

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 - 2024

Brisbane

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 15%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 25%
3. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 60%

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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 Verbal

Feedback

The students enjoyed the challenge of the written assignment and the research required to form a diagnosis for a real patient case.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the unit continue to use this assessment task.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

The students felt the content was heavy and the medical language difficult to understand.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the unit coordinator explore creating an introductory to medical jargon lecture and condense and streamline the content further, where possible.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Some students felt that they would benefit from the tutorial being delivered in person to help connect the concepts more easily.

Recommendation

It is recommended the unit coordinator explore moving the tutorial to an on-campus delivery mode.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Compare the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of common diseases
  2. Explain the pathophysiological basis of symptoms and signs of common diseases, using your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pathology
  3. Analyse the combination, intensity and chronological development of a client’s symptoms, to infer the most likely pathological cause
  4. Explain the multifactorial nature of disease.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 15%
2 - Written Assessment - 25%
3 - In-class Test(s) - 60%

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

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 15%
2 - Written Assessment - 25%
3 - In-class Test(s) - 60%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

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.

Teaching Contacts
Bianca Zietsman Unit Coordinator
b.zietsman@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 04 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

1. Introduction to the module

2. Disorders of the skin

Tutorial:

Disorders of the skin

Chapter

Recommended Reading (any of the references below)

Bate's - Ch 6: The Skin, Hair and Nails

Tally and O'Connor - Section 12: 'The skin and lumps'

McLeod's Ch 14: The skin, hair and nails

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 11 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

Disorders of the digestive system- part 1

Tutorial:

Disorders of the digestive system- tutorial 1

Chapter

Recommended Reading (any of the references below)

Bate's- Ch 11: The Abdomen

Tally and O'Connor- Section 4: The Gastrointestinal System System.

McLeod's- Ch 6: The Gastrointestinal System

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 18 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

Disorders of the digestive system- part 2

Tutorial:

Disorders of the digestive system- tutorial 2

Chapter

Recommended Reading (any of the references below)

Bate's- Ch 11: The Abdomen

Tally and O'Connor- Section 4: The Gastrointestinal System System.

McLeod's- Ch 6: The Gastrointestinal System

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 25 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

Tutorial:

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

Chapter

Recommended Reading (any of the references below)

Bate's- Chpt 10,14, 19 

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 01 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

Disorders of the Endocrine System

Tutorial:

Disorders of the Endocrine System

Chapter

Recommended Reading (any of the references below)

Tally and O'Connor Section 8: The Endocrine System

McLeod's- Ch 10: The endocrine system

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 08 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 15 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

Disorders of the Cardiovascular System

Tutorial:

Disorders of the Cardiovascular System

Chapter

Recommended Reading (any of the references below)

Bate's - Ch 9: The Cardiovascular System

Tally and O'Connor- Section 2: The Cardiovascular System

McLeod's - Ch 4: The Cardiovascular System

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 22 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

Disorders of the Haematopoietic and Lymphatic Systems

 

Tutorial:

Disorders of the Haematopoietic and Lymphatic Systems

Chapter

Recommended Reading (any of the references below)

Tally and O’Connor Section 6: The Hematological System

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 29 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

Disorders of the Respiratory System

Tutorial:

Disorders of the Respiratory System

Chapter

Recommended Reading (any of the references below)

Bate's -Ch 8: The Thorax and Lungs

Tally and O'Connor -Section 3: The Respiratory System

McLeod's- Ch 5- The Respiratory System

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 06 May 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

Disorders of the Urinary and Male Reproductive System

Tutorial:

Disorders of the Urinary and Male Reproductive System

Chapter

Recommended Reading (any of the references below)

Bates- chapter 11: The Genitourinary system

Tally and O’Connor: Section 5- The Genitourinary system

McLeod’s: Chapter 11: The reproductive system; Chapter 12: the renal system

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 20 May 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

Cardinal Manifestations and Differential Diagnosis

 

Tutorial:

Cardinal Manifestations and Differential Diagnosis

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assignment due Monday 20th May 2024 08:00 AEST

Week 12 Begin Date: 27 May 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture: Review

Tutorial: Review

Chapter

1. Attend review tutorial 

2. Commence revision exercises available on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 May 2024

Module/Topic

Lecture:

Disorders of Ear and Eye

Tutorial:

Disorders of Ear and Eye

Chapter

 

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 03 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

 

In Class Test

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In Class Test Due: Review/Exam Week Time and location of the end of term test will be as per the timetable.

Please note this is an in-person test and you will be required to attend on your relevant campus. 


In Class Test Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (3 June 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Weekly Quiz

Task Description

The students will undergo a weekly quiz in the tutorial class. The content from the previous week will be tested. This is not a group activity, with the results and feedback allocated at the end of the quiz in class. The quizzes will be weighted at 15% in total. 


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Return Date to Students

Feedback and grade to be provided in person at the end of the quiz.


Weighting
15%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The questions asked in each quiz will be objective in style (e.g. multiple choice and short answer), answers will be marked in class as either correct or incorrect, with the correct answer provided after the quiz has closed.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Compare the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of common diseases
  • Analyse the combination, intensity and chronological development of a client’s symptoms, to infer the most likely pathological cause


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assignment

Task Description

This assignment focuses on questions which are designed to demonstrate the understanding of pathophysiological processes and will be weighted at 25%. Submission for the assignment will open on 1st April at 08:00 AEST and close on Monday 13th May at 08:00 AEST. A marking rubric will be posted on moodle along with the full case description.

This assignment involves one case for a total of 100 marks

  • diagnosis (4)
  • differential diagnosis (6)
  • pathophysiology (10)
  • aetiology (20)
  • epidemiology- (global and local) (20)
  • other common signs and symptoms (20)
  • references (20)

This is not a group activity and you must not use AI to complete the task. 

 

 


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Monday (13 May 2024) 8:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Monday (27 May 2024)


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The marking criteria will assess your ability to:

  • demonstrate understanding of pathophysiological processes
  • develop an analytical approach to referencing and the diagnostic process
  • compare the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of a common disorder
  • Analyse the combination, intensity and chronological development of a patient’s symptoms, to infer the most likely pathological cause
  • communicate clearly in written form with proper spelling and grammar
  • correctly use references in the CQU preferred style and format

This is not a group activity and you must not use AI to complete the task. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Compare the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of common diseases
  • Explain the pathophysiological basis of symptoms and signs of common diseases, using your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pathology
  • Explain the multifactorial nature of disease.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

3 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
In Class Test

Task Description

This in class test will be undertaken in a CQUni computer lab on whichever campus that you are enrolled. The test will involve a mix of question types including multiple choice, short answer and a case discussion. The test will assess all theoretical content taught across weeks 1-12. A study guide will be provided during the term.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (3 June 2024) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Weighting
60%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria will involve selecting or providing the most accurate and correct answers to the questions posed in this in class test.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the pathophysiological basis of symptoms and signs of common diseases, using your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pathology
  • Analyse the combination, intensity and chronological development of a client’s symptoms, to infer the most likely pathological cause
  • Explain the multifactorial nature of disease.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy

Academic Integrity Statement

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?