Course Title: Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209. 

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus. 

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 



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 BIOL2538 Human Pathophysiology 1 and BIOL2539 Human Pathophysiology 2 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 will focus on the mechanisms of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and evaluates the interventions that are used to investigate and or treat them. You will gain insight into the cellular and molecular pathways that drive the onset and progression of diseases such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, hypertension, atherosclerosis and heart failure. You will explore how to understand, interpret and apply research-based knowledge to the development of interventions for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. You will explore different approaches to treatment including lifestyle changes, pharmacological intervention and regenerative medicine. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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

BP231 – Bachelor of Biomedical Science 

  • PLO1 Apply a breadth and depth of biomedical science knowledge, concepts and evidence in various real-world settings using a scientific approach. 
  • PLO2 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. 
  • PLO4 Communicate and collaborate with diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats employing integrity, inclusivity and culturally safe practices. 
  • PLO5 Demonstrate critical reflection skills, responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

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


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

  1. Apply knowledge of pathophysiological processes underlying common cardiovascular and respiratory conditions to case based scenarios.
  2. Critically evaluate contemporary approaches to treatment of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases including lifestyle changes, pharmacological intervention and regenerative medicine.
  3. Analyse complex scientific data and justify your interpretation to your peers and industry.
  4. Critically reflect and communicate, in a written and oral format,  current understanding of cardiovascular and respiratory research. 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, 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. 


Overview of Learning Resources

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

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 CLO 1  

Assessment Task 2: Group Project and Presentation 
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4 

Assessment Task 3: Case-Based Timed Assessment
Weighting 30% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 & 2  

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.