Outline

Overview

This unit provides foundational knowledge for human physiology by introducing essential concepts from biology, chemistry and physics, and demonstrating their application to physiological processes. The key topics include molecular interactions, energy metabolism, equilibrium, fluid dynamics, and radiation, all introduced from first principles and applied to medicine. Students will learn how these concepts relate to human body systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary systems, with a focus on maintaining homeostasis. The unit will equip students with the scientific principles necessary to understand physiological processes and their relevance to health and disease.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Department of Medical Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	BBHE1011
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rachel Codd, rachel.codd@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam: BBHE1011 + BBHE1003 Written examination, including extended response case studies and MCQs assessing all content in Modules 3, 4 and 5. Aligned with content from BBHE1011.	0%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early feedback task Early Feedback Task: Post-module MCQ quiz (Module 1: Molecules)	0%	Week 03 Due date: 18 Aug 2026 at 09:30 Closing date: 18 Aug 2026	20 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	In-class formative quiz Post-module MCQ quiz (Module 2: Chemistry of the Body)	0%	Week 06 Due date: 08 Sep 2026 at 10:30 Closing date: 08 Sep 2026	20 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-semester test In-semester test assessing all content in Module 1 and Module 2	0%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Sep 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 15 Sep 2026	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	In-class formative quiz Post-module MCQ quiz (Module 3: Equilibrium)	0%	Week 09 Due date: 06 Oct 2026 at 10:30 Closing date: 06 Oct 2026	20 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Assessment: Presentation Group presentation and Q&A	0%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2026 at 09:00 Closing date: 20 Oct 2026	10-minute group presentation and Q&A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	In-class formative quiz Post-module MCQ quiz (Module 4: Fluid Dynamics)	0%	Week 12 Due date: 27 Oct 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 27 Oct 2026	20 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessments in this unit are designed to scaffold learning, providing feedback in earlier tasks to support completion of later tasks.

Early feedback task: In-class MCQ quiz assessing module 1 content. This is a formative assessment in week 3.

In-class formative quizes:聽In-class MCQ quizzes.听These are formative quiz assessments in聽weeks 6, 9, 12.

In-semester test:聽Assesses all modules 1 and 2 content. This summative assessment is graded on a pass/fail basis in week 7.

Group presentation: Group based presentation of clinical scenarios affecting key body systems. Students must apply knowledge of biochemistry, chemistry or physics.听This summative assessment is graded on a pass/fail basis聽in week 11.

Final exam: The final assessment is a secured, written exam shared with BBHE1011 and conducted during the final examination period. This summative assessment is graded on a pass/fail basis.

The summative assessments in this unit are: (i) in-semester test, (ii) group聽presentation, and (iii) the final exam.听All summative assessments in this unit are pass/fail. To pass this unit, students are required to fail no more than one of the summative assessments. Students who fail any summative assessment will be given one opportunity for remediation and re-assessment for that specific assessment.

Detailed instructions for each task can be found on Canvas and discussed further within tutorial/workshop classes.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the聽聽(Schedule 1).听

Result name聽	Mark range聽	顿别蝉肠谤颈辫迟颈辞苍听
Satisfied requirements鈥�	50 - 100聽	The learning outcomes of the unit of study鈥痟ave been met to a satisfactory standard.鈥�
Failed requirements聽	0 - 49聽	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.听

Paired assessment(s):听聽

This unit contains the following paired assessment (s):听

BBHE1003/1011 鈥� Final exam (exam period)聽

Marking of paired assessments will be as follows:鈥�

Assessment of learning outcomes from one unit will be awarded only to that unit using鈥痑n appropriate rubric.鈥�

Assessment of learning outcomes in both units will be awarded to both units using鈥痑n appropriate rubric.听

Assessment of learning outcomes in鈥痝rade-only units, will be assessed against meeting the required competency level using鈥痑n appropriate rubric.鈥€€�

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the聽Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the聽Current Students website聽for more information on AI in assessments, including聽details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties (grade-only unit): On-time submission of assessments and meeting deadlines is a key aspect of professionalism in the healthcare sector. Assessments submitted late without permission (see Special Considerations: http://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration-and-arrangements.html) will incur a late penalty applied to the marking of your assessment. The late penalty will be applied within the 鈥榩rofessionalism鈥� category of the rubric, where professionalism is graded 鈥榟ighly satisfactory鈥�, 鈥榮atisfactory鈥�, 鈥榩oor鈥� or 鈥榰nsatisfactory鈥�, or 鈥榓utomatic fail鈥�. Assessments submitted 0-5 calendar days late will automatically incur a 鈥榩oor鈥� grade for professionalism, and assessments submitted 6-10 calendar days late will incur an 鈥榰nsatisfactory鈥� grade. Performance within the other assessment categories will determine if the late penalties for 0-5 and 6-10 days late result in an overall fail grade for the assessment. If the assessment is more than 10 calendar days late, it will incur the 鈥榓utomatic fail鈥� grade for professionalism, and the overall assessment will be failed.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website聽provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the聽Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)聽which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the聽Current Students website聽for more information on AI in assessments, including聽details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a聽simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for聽special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,聽聽includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy聽reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Chemical elements and atoms	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Covalent bonding in molecules	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	The shape of molecules	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Week 1 Overview AND Carbon frameworks and shapes	Workshop (1 hr)
	Modelling small molecule 3D structures	Practical (2 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 1 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 02	Bonding between molecules	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Macromolecules: forming proteins from amino acids	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Molecular properties: water-lipid solubility	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Week 2 Overview AND Adding function to the framework	Workshop (1 hr)
	Predicting the solubility properties of small molecules	Workshop (2 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 2 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 03	Molecular properties: acid-base chemistry	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	How small-molecule drugs work	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Case study: A cancer drug	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Week 3 Overview	Workshop (0.5 hr)
	Characterising the properties and function of two drugs	Practical (3 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 3 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 04	Biological membranes, and transport	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	ATP as the energy source of the body	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Enzymes: catalytic proteins	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Week 4 Overview AND How enzymes work	Workshop (1 hr)
	Using databases to explore enzyme-drug complexes	Workshop (2 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 4 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 05	Macromolecule catabolism and ATP production	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Anabolic pathways	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Metabolic pathways and regulation	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Week 5 Overview AND Laboratory Preparation	Workshop (1 hr)
	Conducting an enzyme assay	Practical (3 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 5 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 06	Biomolecular polymers: carbohydrates and blood groups	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Nucleic acids: information storage and retrieval	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Cholesterol synthesis and statins	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Week 6 Overview	Workshop (0.5 hr)
	Analysis of a full blood count/hematology case study	Workshop (2 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 6 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 07	Body fluids and fluid compartments	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Movement of solutes, water and gases	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Resting membrane potential: electrochemical equilibrium	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Week 7 Overview AND Case studies: Heart failure, acidosis	Workshop (2 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 7 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 08	Macromolecule acid-base properties: carbonic anhydrase	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	How fluids (blood, air) move	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Filtration and reabsorption in the capillaries	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Week 8 Overview AND Laboratory Preparation	Workshop (1 hr)
	Solute and water flow: RBC homeostasis	Practical (3 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 8 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 09	Principles of fluid flow: Pressure, flow, flow conservation	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Determinants of flow and resistance: Poiseuille鈥檚 Equation	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Flow in a network of tubes	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Week 9 Overview	Workshop (0.5 hr)
	Fluid dynamics workshop	Workshop (2 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 9 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 10	Compliance and pulsatile flow: the Windkessel effect	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Flow behaviour: Laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Fluid dynamics: physiological and clinical case studies	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Week 10 Overview AND Laboratory Preparation	Workshop (1 hr)
	Fluids practical: Poiseuille鈥檚 Law	Practical (3 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 10 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 11	Types of radiation and applications in medicine	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Medical imaging: how X-rays, CT and PET scans work	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Risks and benefits in medical imaging	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 11 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 12	Radiation therapy in cancer	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Risks and benefits of radiation therapy	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Ethical considerations in radiation treatment	Lecture (0.33 hr)
	Weeks 11/12 Overview AND Tour(s) of NM&R/RT Departments	Clinic (1.5 hr)
	Bringing it all together: Targeted radiopharmaceuticals	Seminar (1 hr)
	Self-directed learning of Week 12 learning activities	Self-directed learning (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Participation:听Each week this unit聽consists of聽two聽face-to-face classes,聽a 1 h tutorial and a 2-3 h workshop/practical.听

Participation in these face-to-face classes is聽compulsory, and a requirement to successfully complete the聽UoS. Students are expected to attend聽a minimum of聽80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline.听

Before attending聽the tutorial聽and聽workshop/practical class, students鈥痵hould watch the accompanying lecturettes and聽complete any聽accompanying聽formative quizzes.听聽

The 爆料王 Coursework Policy 2021 states:鈥�
68 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.听

68 (3) A program director may specify the circumstances under which a student who does not satisfy attendance and participation requirements may be聽deemed聽not to have completed a unit of study or award course.听

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe fundamental principles in chemistry and physics as they relate to human physiology.
LO2. Describe and apply foundational concepts of chemistry and physics to explain mechanisms underlying bodily functions and their relevance in homeostasis and clinical practice.
LO3. Describe and apply introductory skills in collecting, analysing, and interpreting scientific data from laboratory experiments and case studies to assess physiological adaptation to different physical, environmental, and pathological conditions.
LO4. Describe and apply preliminary scientific inquiry skills to analyse and evaluate physiological responses to environmental and pathological stressors, using principles of chemistry and physics to assess the body鈥檚 adaptation.
LO5. Recognise and apply collaborative interactions with peers to demonstrate the development of communication, problem-solving, and reflection while fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity and professionalism.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Additional information

Passing the unit (Grade-only unit):听听听

To pass this unit of study, students must:鈥�

Fail no more than one of the聽non-hurdle summative assessments.鈥�

Remediation and reassessment鈥�(Grade-only unit):听

Students who fail a hurdle task, or their second non-hurdle summative assessment, will be given one opportunity for remediation and reassessment for that specific task.鈥�

This includes receiving detailed feedback on the original failed assessment and additional teaching support comprising either: (i) an extra 1 h tutorial or (ii) a 15-minute meeting with a member of academic staff. This opportunity will be provided within 10 days of the outcome of the original assessment being released, and whilst it will assess the same learning objectives, it could take a different format.听聽

The one remediation and reassessment opportunity is in addition to any reassessment due to a successful application for special consideration. If a student is unable to attend the scheduled remediation reassessment opportunity, they may apply for special considerations as per the 爆料王聽.听

Formative assessment:听

Definition: Assessments that do not contribute to passing the unit or the final grade/mark.

Purpose: To guide instruction, provide timely feedback, and help students improve.

Timing: Ongoing, frequent, during the learning process.

Stakes: Low-stakes or ungraded.

Feedback: Detailed, developmental, and immediate.

Examples: weekly practice quizzes, in-class questions and worksheets.

Summative assessment:听聽

Definition: Assessments that do contribute to passing the unit or the final grade/mark聽聽

Purpose: To evaluate overall learning, measure achievement, and determine competency.听

Timing: Mid-semester test (e.g. week 7/8), towards the end of the unit, exam period.听

Stakes: High-stakes, graded, affects advancement.听

Feedback: Final, evaluative (e.g., score, grade).听

Examples: In semester tests, interactive oral exam, written exam.听

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

爆料王

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BBHE1003: Biomolecular Components of the Human Body

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links