Physiology II (Human)

Study the physiological structures of the human body. Learn about key systems, how they're formed, how they work, and how they affect the body as a whole.

Course Code: BSC111
Fee Code: S3
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification
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Learn How Body Processes Affect our Ability to Function

There are a range of basic functions that are common to most cells in the body, along with a range of specialist functions performed by specific cells or cell types. In this course, you'll investigate a range of common processes, looking at how important systems are built, how they work, and how they affect the body as a whole.

You'll also discuss how our bodies maintain internal equilibrium and health while exposed to the most variable range of conditions, such as physical, psychological and environmental factors.

A course designed for health therapists and all those working in health care that want or need to develop a deeper understanding of the human body processes and health maintenance.

Prerequisite: Human Anatomy & Physiology BSC101 or equivalent.


Lesson Structure

There are 9 lessons in this course:

  1. Cell Physiology .... Study of the functions of cells
    • Chemical reactions
    • Homeostasis, feedback systems, homeostatic imbalances
    • Cellular Metabolism
    • Membrane Transport
  2. Histophysiology ... Study of the functions of tissues
    • Muscle filaments and fibres
    • Bone Ossification and Growth
    • Varieties of Dense Connective Tissue
    • Functions of Epithelial Tissue
  3. Systems Physiology ... Study of the significant systems and functions of organs
    • Autonomic Nervous System
    • Dual Innervation and neurotransmitters
    • Actions of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System
    • Peripheral Nervous System
    • General senses and their integrative function
    • Study of the sensory modalities - smell, taste, vision, hearing and equilibrium
  4. Neurophysiology .... Study of the functional characteristics of nerve cells
    • Structure of the Nervous System
    • Myelination
    • Resting membrane potentials, ion channels, repolarization
    • Classification of different neurons
    • Grey/White matter
    • Reflexes, reflex arcs and homeostasis
    • Action potentials and synapses
    • Functions of the cerebral cortex
  5. Endocrinology .... Study of hormones and how they control body functions
    • Principle functions of the endocrine system
    • Physiology of hormones
    • Actions of the Anterior and Posterior Pituitary Glands
    • Hormone receptors
    • Mechanisms of homeostatic action
  6. Cardiovascular Physiology
    • The Cardiac Cycle
    • Heart-Muscle cell contraction
    • Hemodynamics of blood - volume, BP, capillary exchange
    • The Arterial-Alveolar Gradient
    • Cardiac Output
    • Oxygen Transport
  7. Immunology ... Study of the body defence mechanisms
    • Non specific cellular and Chemical Defenses
    • Functions of White Blood Cells
    • The Inflammatory Response
    • The Physiology of Fever
    • Specific Defense Mechanisms
    • Immunity and Antibodies
  8. Respiratory Physiology ... Study the functions of the air passageways and lungs
    • Pulmonary Ventilation - pulmonary capacity
    • Gas Exchange
    • Lung Volumes and Capacity
    • The Respiratory Epithelium
  9. Renal Physiology ... Study of the function of the kidneys
    • Structure and Functions of the kidneys
    • Nephrons
    • Glomerular Filtration
    • Renal control of Electrolytes and Acid Base Balance
    • Active and Passive Tubular Reabsorption
    • Tubular Secretion
    • The process of Micturition

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

  • Review basic functions occurring in the cells of the human body
  • Review basic functioning of the tissues within the body such as bone and muscle.
  • Describe the significant systems and the functions of those systems of the body.
  • Describe the functional characteristics of the nerve cells and nervous system.
  • Describe the functioning of hormones and how they control body functions.
  • Describe the functioning of the heart, blood, and blood vessels in the cardiovascular system.
  • Describe the significant functions of the body’s defence system and the cells of the immune system.
  • Describe the significant functions of the respiratory system and the air passages and lungs.
  • Describe the function of the kidneys and the renal system in the human body.

Why is it Important to Understand Physiology?

There are many reasons! Among other things, it allows us to know what good structure is, and to know what we should be striving to attain in our bodies.
 
Consider posture, for instance:
  • Posture is the position in which the body is held upright against gravity while standing, sitting or lying down.
  • Conscious activation of the postural muscles is important, especially when sitting or standing for long periods of time. The postural muscles are primarily located in the torso and referred to as core muscles.
  • The core refers to an area of the body between the diaphragm (the breathing muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen) and the pelvic floor. It is comprised of the multifidus muscles (small deep back muscles that connect the vertebrae), the transverse abdominis (a flat, horizontal deep muscle which forms the abdominal wall) as well as the diaphragm and the pelvic floor.


Benefits of Good Posture

Good posture involves training the body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities.

Correct posture:
  • Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.
  • Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis.
  • Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
  • Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions.
  • Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
  • Prevents strain or overuse problems.
  • Prevents backache and muscular pain.
  • Contributes to a normal appearance.
The spine is the basis of good posture. Three neutral curves are present in a healthy spine and are located in the cervical or neck region, thoracic or chest region and lumbar or low back region. These curves allow weight to be shared by the various structures of the back such as the surrounding muscles and ligaments. These supporting structures have a great influence on the position of the spine.

Abnormal posture is caused when the curves are changed or accentuated due to lifestyle adaptations, reductions in flexibility and strength or altered co-ordination. Examples of abnormal posture include scoliosis or sideways curve, increased lumbar lordosis or sway back, flat back or complete loss of all spinal curves, and kyphosis or hunch back.


 
 
ACS is a Member of the Complementary Medicine Association.
ACS is a Member of the Complementary Medicine Association.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

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Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

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There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

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We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

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We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

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You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

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We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
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Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

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How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

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We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

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What if I have any more questions or need more information?

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