Future Students - Courses

Physiology

Unit Code: HETP502

Duration	Contact Hours	Campus	Prerequisite	Corequisite
1 Semester	Equivalent to 5 Hours per Week	Online	Nil	Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Graduate Diploma of Science (Cardiovascular Perfusion) and Master of Science (Cardiovascular Perfusion).

Aims & Objectives:

To develop a general understanding of the structures associated with key physiological systems in cardiovascular perfusion, and to develop skills in scientific report writing.

Teaching Methods:

Online, CD-ROM & Internet Links, Newsgroup & Email

Assessment:

Scientific Report, Online Discussion Contribution, Essay, Examination/Test.

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Graduates are capable in their chosen professional areas.
Graduates operate effectively in work & community situations.
Graduates are adaptable & manage change.

Cardiovascular Perfusion Attributes:

Graduates have an in-depth understanding of the physiology of the cardiovascular perfusion systems.
Graduates have the ability to apply knowledge of basic cardiovascular perfusion fundamentals.
Graduates have an understanding of the changing and developing role of technology in the area of cardiovascular perfusion.
Graduates have the ability to communicate their science knowledge to others.

Learning Outcomes: An understanding of the physiological functioning of the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory & immune systems (outlined below) leading to the ability to:

Describe the basic physiology of the systems.
Compare & contrast the normal & abnormal physiology of these systems.
Comprehend & summarise scientific articles.
Write a scientific report.

Content:

Course content focuses on developing an understanding of the function & physiological processes of the systems associated with cardiovascular perfusion:

Cardiovascular physiology

Compare & contrast the normal & abnormal ECG complex during the cardiac cycle.
Describe the neurohumoral mechanisms maintaining the cardiac output & blood pressure.
Physiological changes in myocardial function associated with heart failure.
Pathophysiology, common congenital heart defects and effects of haemodilution.

Respiratory physiology

Normal mechanisms of lung & chest wall movement during respiration.
Mechanisms of gas exchange in the pulmonary capillary, in microcirculation, during Total Body Hypothermia.
Effect of Haemodilution.

Renal physiology

The basic anatomy of the kidneys & function of each component.
Role in maintenance of normal blood pressure.
Abnormalities in renal failure.
Effect of cardiovascular bypass perfusion on renal function.

Fluid & electrolyte physiology

Describe components of fluid & electrolyte physiology, & normal & abnormal acid-base balance.

Physiology of blood

Blood typing; blood clotting mechanisms.
Normal & pathophysiological effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on normal haemostasis.

Physiology of the immune system

Humoral & cellular immunity.
Define & describe the Complement system.
Defence against infective agents in normal & surgical environments.

Reading Materials:

Supplementary course materials available through distance learning.