Course Title: Human Pathophysiology 2

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Human Pathophysiology 2

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: N/A

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: @rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


Course Description

This course builds on your knowledge about basic disease processes from BIOL2538 Human Pathophysiology 1. You will learn and apply knowledge about the cellular mechanisms underlying disease, how they result in clinical manifestations and treatments of major disorders of the endocrine, musculoskeletal, haematological, immune and reproductive, digestive systems. Disorders that affect multiple organ systems like cancer and inherited genetic disorders will also be discussed.  


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs:  

BP231 Bachelor of Biomedical Science 

PLO 1 Apply a breadth and depth of biomedical science knowledge, concepts and evidence in various real world settings using a scientific approach.
PLO 2 Apply systematic thinking and a range of high-level analytical skills using a blend of digital and traditional tools and technologies to solve complex scientific and biomedical problems.
PLO 4 Communicate and collaborate with diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats employing integrity, inclusivity and culturally safe practices. 

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:  

  1. Explain and evaluate pathophysiology processes underlying major disorders of the endocrine, musculoskeletal, haematological, immune, reproductive and digestive systems, cancer and genetic disease.
  2. Critically analyse how the body responds to and compensates for injury through mechanisms such as repair, regeneration, fibrosis and altered function.
  3. Apply pathophysiology concepts at a cellular and gross anatomical level to case-based scenarios and explain clinical manifestations and symptoms.
  4. Demonstrate clinical techniques, recording and report writing in clinical manifestations and treatments of disease.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Quizzes 
Weighting 20%
The assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3  

Assessment Task 2: Problem-Based Project
Weighting 40%
The assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4 

Assessment Task 3: Case Study Analysis
Weighting 40%
The assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.