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
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: BMSC11002 Human Body Systems 2 or BMSC11011 Human Anatomy and Physiology 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 - 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 In person and SUTE
The students thoroughly enjoyed the weekly in class quiz and felt that it was a fun way to keep up to date with content and allow better recall of the material.
It is recommended that the unit coordinator continue to provide weekly in class quizzes.
Feedback from In person and SUTE
The students felt that the written assignment was interesting and added to their learning.
It is recommended that the unit coordinator continue to offer the written assignment case as a learning assessment.
Feedback from In person and SUTE
The students felt that the end of term assessment weightage is too high for the unit (60%) .
It is recommended that the unit coordinator review the weightage of the assessments.
- 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
- 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.
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 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
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.
b.holtsbaum@cqu.edu.au
Week 1: Introduction and disorders of the skin
Begin Date: 10 Mar 2025Module/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: Disorders of the digestive system- part 1
Begin Date: 17 Mar 2025Module/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
In class quiz: during tutorial class
Week 3: Disorders of the digestive system- part 2
Begin Date: 24 Mar 2025Module/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
In class quiz: during tutorial class
Week 4: Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Begin Date: 31 Mar 2025Module/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
In class quiz: during tutorial class
Week 5: Disorders of the Endocrine System
Begin Date: 07 Apr 2025Module/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
In class quiz: during tutorial class
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 14 Apr 2025Module/Topic
Vacation Week
Chapter
Vacation Week
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6: Cardiovascular System
Begin Date: 21 Apr 2025Module/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
In class quiz: during tutorial class
Week 7: Disorders of the Haematopoietic and Lymphatic Systems
Begin Date: 28 Apr 2025Module/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
In class quiz: during tutorial class
Week 8: Disorders of the Respiratory System
Begin Date: 05 May 2025Module/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
In class quiz: during tutorial class
Week 9: Disorders of the Urinary and Male Reproductive System
Begin Date: 12 May 2025Module/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
In class quiz: during tutorial class
Written Assignment due: Monday 12th May 2025 09:00 AEST
Written Assignment Due: Week 9 Monday (12 May 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Week 10: Cardinal Manifestations and Differential Diagnosis
Begin Date: 19 May 2025Module/Topic
Lecture:
Cardinal Manifestations and Differential Diagnosis
Tutorial:
Cardinal Manifestations and Differential Diagnosis
Chapter
Bate's - Ch 3: Interviewing and the Health History.
Tally and O'Connor - Chapter 1 and 2: The General Principles of History Taking
McLeod's - Ch 1: Managing Clinical Encounters with Patients; and Ch 2: General aspects of history taking
Events and Submissions/Topic
In class quiz: during tutorial class
Week 11: Disorders of Ear and Eye
Begin Date: 26 May 2025Module/Topic
Lecture:
Disorders of Ear and Eye
Tutorial:
Disorders of Ear and Eye
Chapter
See E-reading List
Bate's - Ch 7: The head and neck (the eye, the ear)
Tally and O'Connor - Section 12: 'The eye', 'The ears'
McLeod's Ch 8: The visual system; Ch 9: The Ear
Events and Submissions/Topic
In class quiz: during tutorial class
Week 12: Review Week
Begin Date: 02 Jun 2025Module/Topic
Lecture: Review
Tutorial: Review
Chapter
1. Attend review tutorial
2. Commence revision exercises available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 09 Jun 2025Module/Topic
In Class Test
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
In Class Test Due: Review/Exam Week Thursday 12th June 2025 09:00-11:00. Rooms TBC
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 Thursday (12 June 2025) 9:00 am AEST
This unit builds on previous anatomy and physiology based units such as Human Body Systems 1 (BMSC11001) and 2 (BMSC11002), Medical Pathophysiology (MPAT12001). These units provide the foundations for CHIR13010 and is expected knowledge.
A maximum of 1 make up session will be offered in the event of illness or exceptional circumstances (with appropriate supporting documentation) otherwise you will need to consider applying for Consideration of Special Circumstances.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
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 and take place in week 2-11.
1
Other
Weekly, at the end of every tutorial class with feedback
Feedback and grade to be provided in person at the end of the quiz.
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.
- 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
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Information Literacy
2 Written Assessment
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 12th May at 09:00 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.
Week 9 Monday (12 May 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Completed rubric and individual feedback will be provided
Week 11 Monday (26 May 2025)
Completed rubric and individual feedback will be provided
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.
- 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.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
3 In-class Test(s)
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.
Review/Exam Week Thursday (12 June 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Online via moodle
Exam Week Friday (20 June 2025)
One week after the due date of the in class test, online via moodle
The assessment criteria will involve selecting or providing the most accurate and correct answers to the questions posed in this in class test as well as the unit coordinator marking short answer questions.
- 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.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Information Literacy
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?
