090047 Applied Pathophysiology in Practice
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 96325 Applied Pathophysiology in Practice
Description
This subject is designed to advance students’ clinical practice by developing their understanding of key pathophysiological processes that result in clinical manifestations of disease. Building on prerequisite knowledge and principles of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body, students critically evaluate the presentation and management of patients within their clinical context.
The physiological determinants that predispose or protect people from illness are explored and analysed across the lifespan and in relation to Indigenous Australians’ health. The pathophysiological basis for the use of key diagnostic methodologies and the mechanism of action of important treatment modalities are considered using applied case studies that align with contemporary practice.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Critically assess key pathophysiological processes, signs and symptoms to identify appropriate methods of investigation and management of clinical conditions relevant to their practice. |
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| B. | Evaluate the applicability, reliability and interpretation of key investigations used in diagnosis and management of clinical conditions |
| C. | Analyse physiological changes in pathophysiological processes manifested across a lifespan and evaluate the outcomes as they relate to clinical practice |
| D. | Integrate contemporary knowledge with problem-based analysis of conditions that are major contributors to the burden of disease in Australian communities |
| E. | Critically interpret how pathophysiological changes at a cellular level may predispose different population groups to certain clinical presentations |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Identify, and evaluate and apply the best available evidence for translation into practice to achieve optimal health outcomes (1.1)
- Demonstrate comprehensive clinical judgement and clinical reasoning that is based on evidence and reflects relevant professional codes and guidelines (1.2)
- Demonstrates ability to collaborate to achieve evidence-based change and transformation for optimal health care outcomes (2.1)
- Synthesise evidence-based principles of quality and safety to achieve optimal health outcomes (3.2)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
Critical thinking: Are reflective critical thinkers who examine and contribute to practice, policy and research to achieve clinical excellence and enhance health outcomes (1.0)
Leadership: Are visionary, innovative and responsive leaders (2.0)
Accountability: Are socially, culturally and ethically aware and accountable when engaging with health care consumers, families/significant others, interdisciplinary teams, communities, organisations and authorities (3.0)
Communication: Communicate effectively and professionally in diverse and dynamic situations (4.0)
Professional qualities: Embody the professional qualities appropriate to the scope of their role (5.0)
Indigenous cultural respect: Demonstrate professional capabilities to work effectively with and for Indigenous peoples and communities across the health profession (6.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
Orientation activities
Preparation for the session - You are expected to undertake activities during orientation week. These activities are designed to introduce you to the subject and your peers, and will assist you to prepare for the subject's assessment tasks.
Independent learning activities
Relevant readings, videos and activities will be made available online relevant to the topic of the week. This will support your ability to progress successfully throughout the subject and complete assessment items effectively. The online material aims to enhance your understanding of the topic or delve deeper into a more specific area, compare experiences and ideas with others and gain feedback. Information and links to all these learning activities can be accessed via Canvas as well as the subject outline.
Zoom meetings
You are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled Zoom meetings as they will prepare you for the subject’s assessment tasks. Additionally, they provide opportunities for group activities, discussion, self-assessment, peer review and formative feedback from the subject coordinator and your teaching team. The schedule for this subject’s zoom meetings is below in the program section.
Feedback
Feedback in this subject takes several forms including self-assessment, peer review, automatic feedback from interactive activities and from the teaching team. Formative feedback throughout the subject aims to increase your performance in summative assessments.
Feedback and changes from previous subject offering
Feedback from the previous offering was positive and no major changes have been made. Several resources and readings have been updated and/or refined to maintain subject quality, accuracy and relevance.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Case presentation: Inflammation and the General Adaptation Syndrome
| Intent: | This assessment task is designed to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and comprehension of the pathophysiological processes involved in the inflammatory response and the General Adaptation Syndrome in a patient from your workplace. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.1, 1.2 and 3.2 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Maximum 1200 words +/- 10% (excluding references and appendices) |
| Criteria: | Please refer to the marking rubric below for this assessment. |
Assessment task 2: Case presentation: examining the pathophysiological processes of two interrelated diseases
| Intent: | This patient case presentation assessment is designed to allow the student to demonstrate their knowledge of pathophysiological processes, analysing and discussing concepts from a cellular to systemic level between two interrelated diseases. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.1, 1.2 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 60% |
| Length: | 2000 words +/- 10% (excluding references and appendices) |
| Criteria: | Please refer to the marking rubric below for this assessment. |
Required texts
Craft, J.A., Gordon, C.J., Huether, S.E., McCance, K.L., & Brashers,V. L. (Eds.).(2023). Understanding pathophysiology (4th ed.). Elsevier Australia.
Students are advised to acquire their own copies of this text which is available to purchase in electronic format and/or hardcopy. An e-copy may be available from the UTS library as well as access via open and closed reserve.
All additional readings, other than text books, will be available via links from within Canvas.
References
See Canvas for further resources.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) or Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.
The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.
The Financial Assistance Service can assist you with financial aspects of life at university, including Centrelink information, tax returns and budgeting, interest-free student loans and grants to assist with course-related costs. Check eligibility and apply online and make an appointment on +61 2 9514 1177 or Financial.assistance@uts.edu.au.