Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Nursing and Midwifery

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Clinical Sciences Introduction

• Unit Code

  NSC1103

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  3

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Aisling SMYTH

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Description

This unit has been specifically designed to provide nursing and midwifery students with an applied understanding of how body systems function to maintain homeostasis. The nervous, renal, digestive and body defence systems will be covered for this purpose. Disruptions to homeostasis as the basis for the initiation of disease will also be introduced to prepare students for stage 2 units regarding pathophysiology and pharmacology. Additionally this unit will investigate the musculoskeletal and reproductive systems to provide students with an understanding of body support, movement and continuity.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 unit from SCN1111

Only students studying courses C33, Y61, Y76, Y19 or Y79 can enrol in this unit.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCN1102, SCN1104, SCN1106

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the functioning of the nervous systems in relation to the maintenance of homeostasis and be aware of the consequences of disrupting these functions.
2. Describe the main elements of the innate and adaptive body defences.
3. Describe the structure of muscle, bone and cartilage and the physiological functioning of these tissues to provide support and movement.
4. Describe the structures of the reproductive system and how they function to achieve reproductive success.
5. Explain basic principles of human genetics and how they may be used in the identification and resolution of common genetic/chromosomal abnormalities.
6. Explain how the components of blood contribute to body maintenance.
7. Explain the mechanisms by which the renal system regulates fluid and solute levels throughout the body and be aware of the basic consequences associated with disrupting renal function.
8. Explain the role and control of digestive processes in the body and be aware of the consequences of disrupting these processes.
9. Identify and name the major muscle groups, bones and joints of the body.

Unit Content

1. Body Defences including: The characteristics, formation and function of blood, histology and physiology of the lymphatic system.
2. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance and Waste Removal including: the structure and function of the urinary system, the mechanisms of fluid and electrolyte balance and waste removal and renal mechanisms of acid-base balance.
3. Mechanisms of movement and support.
4. Nervous system control of homeostasis including: histology and physiology of central and peripheral nervous systems
5. Nutrition including: Structure and function of digestive system organs and tissues, mechanical and chemical digestion, absorption, usage of nutrients, nutritional requirements and digestion and absorption processes.
6. Support and Movement including: Organisation and function of skeletal and muscular structures, sensory and motor integration and mechanisms of movement and support.
7. The Processes of Reproduction and Human Development including: Functions of the male and female reproduction organs and their hormones, Physiology of pregnancy, parturition and lactation.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and tutorials.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Elaine Nicpon Marieb, K. H. (2016). Human anatomy & physiology (Tenth edition, Global edition.). Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.

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