92713 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 2024 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 equip nurses with a deeper level of understanding of selected pathophysiological processes, associated signs and symptoms, and how this knowledge translates into clinical practice. Illnesses examined in this unit have been selected to align with the Australian National Health Priority Areas. Health and wellbeing concerns of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, paediatric patients, and older patients are integrated throughout the learning modules. Content in this subject builds on prerequisite knowledge of principles of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Discuss selected pathophysiologic processes of common illnesses across the lifespan. |
|---|---|
| B. | Explain how selected pathophysiological concepts and processes affect human body systems at systemic and cellular levels. |
| C. | Demonstrate an understanding of the physiological basis for signs, symptoms, and selected diagnostic test results associated with selected illnesses. |
| D. | Examine the role of the nurse in identifying, assessing and commencing interventions associated with pathophysiological processes. |
| E. | Analyse and apply research and other information sources to develop and improve nursing practice. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Are reflective critical thinkers who examine and contribute to practice, policy and research to achieve clinical excellence and enhance health outcomes (1.0)
- Are visionary, innovative and responsive leaders (2.0)
- 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)
- Communicate effectively and professionally in diverse and dynamic situations (4.0)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1.0 Critical thinking: Are reflective critical thinkers who examine and contribute to practice, policy and research to achieve clinical excellence and enhance health outcomes.
2.0 Leadership: Are visionary, innovative and responsive leaders.
3.0 Are socially, culturally and ethically aware and accountable when engaging with health care consumers, families/significant others, interdisciplinary teams, communities, organisations and authorities.
4.0 Communication: Communicate effectively and professionally in diverse and dynamic situations.
Teaching and learning strategies
Orientation activities
Preparation for the Session - students are expected to undertake activities prior to the first week. These activities include online readings, videos, interaction with peers, and are important in helping students prepare for the subject's Assessment Tasks. This also provides students with an opportunity to meet and interact with peers. Students will learn through independent learning activities, group work, peer review, and participation in the Zoom meetings.
Independent learning activities
Relevant readings, videos and activities will be made available online relevant to the topic of the week. Students are expected to come to Zoom meetings prepared. This will enhance the students’ ability to progress successfully throughout the subject and complete assessment items effectively. The online material aims to enhance students’ understanding of the topic or delve deeper into a more specific area. Information and links to all these learning activities can be accessed via Canvas as well as the subject outline.
Zoom meetings
Zoom meetings will provide opportunities for group activities and discussion, self-assessment, peer review and formative feedback from the subject coordinator. Zoom meetings will be conducted at a time that enables the majority of students to contribute. Students are strongly encouraged to attend the first Zoom meeting in Week 1 as these prepare students for the subject’s Assessment Tasks.
Feedback
Feedback will be frequent and takes several forms including self-assessment, peer review and from the subject coordinator. Formative feedback throughout the subject aims to increase student performance at summative assessments.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task is designed to allow students to demonstrate their in-depth knowledge of pathophysiological processes. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B and C This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0 and 4.0 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 3 x online multiple-choice question quizzes of 20 questions each. 45 minutes timed quiz. |
| Criteria: | The marking criteria will be available on Canvas. |
Assessment task 2: In-service presentation
| Intent: | This assessment task is designed to allow students to apply their pathophysiological knowledge of the stress and inflammatory responses to a real-life case study through an educational resource. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 15 slides (not including title page slide or final reference slide) with speaker notes of 1000 words +/- 10% |
| Criteria: | The marking criteria will be available on Canvas. |
Assessment task 3: Patient case study: Examining cellular and systemic level pathophysiological processes
| Intent: | This assessment task is designed to allow students to demonstrate knowledge of pathophysiological processes and concepts at the cellular and systemic level in relation to a patient case study. |
|---|---|
| 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): 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 2500 words +/- 10% (excluding references and appendices) . |
| Criteria: | The marking criteria will be available on Canvas. |
Required texts
Craft, J.A., Gordon, C.J., Huether, S.E., McCance, K.L., Brashers, V. L., & Rote,N.S. (2019). Understanding pathophysiology (3rd ed.). Elsevier Australia.
Students are advised to acquire their own copies of these texts. The text is available to purchase in electronic format or hardcopy.
Copies of this text are available at the UTS library on open and closed reserve. However, please note it is highly recommended that you purchase your own required textbook, as the UTS library has had very limited stock to issue.
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) and 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.