Cardiorespiratory and Renal Physiology

Unit code: RBM2800 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
St Albans
Prerequisites
RBM1528 - Human Physiology 2
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of the function, control and co-ordination of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems. Students will examine cardiac, pulmonary and renal function and normal circulatory, respiratory and renal dynamics. An overview of the co-ordination of these systems will be achieved through an examination of the mechanisms involved in maintaining fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, and the integration of neural and endocrine function in the control of cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems. Homeostatic control of the cardiac, pulmonary and renal systems will also be examined by investigating their responses to stresses, including exercise and high altitude.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Reflect on cardiac function and explain changes in ECG, cardiac work and the pulse pressure wave in order to understand physiological responses to exercise;
  2. Evaluate the characteristics of obstructive and restrictive diseases and interpret how these alter lung volumes;
  3. Interpret kidney control and feedback mechanisms, including molecular transport in each nephron segment, in order to forecast fluid, electrolyte and acid-base imbalance;
  4. Analyse and report on cardiorespiratory responses to exercise and outline exercise limitation in normal and extreme environments; and
  5. Analyse and report on cardiorespiratory and renal data from experimental procedures on human participants in a clear and concise scientific manner;

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Laboratory Work
|
Grade: 24%
Three (3) Laboratory Reports (1500 words total)
Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 16%
Two (2) in class/online submissions (600 words total)
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 10%
Test (20mins)
Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 50%
Justified response to Physiological reasoning questions (open book - 2.5 hours)

Required reading

Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach
Silverthorn, D.U. (2019)| Pearson

RECOMMENDED TEXTS: Beachey, W. (2018) Respiratory Care Anatomy and Physiology: Foundations for a Clinical Practice 4th ed, Elsevier Powers, S.K., & Howley, E.T. (2018) Exercise Physiology 10th ed, McGraw-Hill.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Biomedical and Exercise Science
HBES | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Biomedicine
HBBM | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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