About the online Bridging Course in Physiology and Anatomy

What is the aim of the course? The aim of the online Bridging Course in Physiology and Anatomy is to enable the student to become an independent learner in the disciplines of physiology and anatomy, by development of an understanding of the functions and structure of the human body. This aim serves either as an end in itself, or as a foundation for further studies in the health sciences. For most students, this course will bridge the gap between studies in the health sciences, and previous studies that did not include Physiology and Anatomy Mode of Delivery Online. Course Fee $365 Course Dates: Two courses will be offered in the 2013-2014 period. Monday 9 December 2013 to Friday 24 January 2014. This course will be open over 6-weeks, allowing students to take up to 3-weeks off for the holiday period. Monday 27 January 2014 to Sunday 23 February 2014. This 4-week period allows time for students to complete other studies (such as cornerstone subjects) that their School of enrolment may require them to do. Estimated maximum time to complete the course: 90 hours These hours include the time required to access the materials for learning and teaching, private study, quizzes for feedback, and the tests and final examination for assessment. This means that a student may need to devote up to 5 to 6 hours per day for 5 days a week to participation in the course. However, students may complete participate in the course at any times that suit them, provided that they complete all of the assessments before the course closes. Who should enrol in the Bridging Course in Physiology and Anatomy? Successful completion of this course is a requirement for several student groups: graduates whose previous studies did not include physiology and anatomy and who are offered a place in: Master of Health Information Management or Master of Occupational Therapy Practice or Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry) program, Students enrolled in Bachelor of Psychological Sciences/Master of Occupational Therapy Practice prior to commencing the Master of Occupational Therapy studies Successful completion of this course is also a requirement for those who qualified as a Division 2 Nurse prior to 2008 and who are offered a place in: Bachelor of Nursing (Division 2 Conversion) conversion program. Post-graduate students who plan to study certain post-graduate Masters degrees in the health sciences, but whose previous studies have not included physiology and anatomy, may find that the background that they gain from this course is a beneficial preparation for their formal studies.

Finally, any person who is interested in learning about human physiology and anatomy is welcome to enrol and participate in this online course - you do not have to intend to enrol in any other course at La Trobe University. This course is also accepted by some other universities as a bridging course into particular programs. Note: The Physiology and anatomy bridging program is NOT a pathway into the Master of Physiotherapy Practice How is the course run? A timetable is provided. Course materials are posted on the Learning Management System (LMS) for students to work through at their own pace, with materials arranged by topic. Once a topic has been completed it remains available for revision. The prescribed textbook will be used as a resource and CD-ROMs or DVDs with Interactive Physiology are an optional extra that some students find very helpful. Formative (practice) tests are used for self-assessment, feedback and preparation for the course assessments. Students will be able to communicate with each other and the course coordinator by means of discussion that takes place in the online Forums. How is the course assessed? There are 5 tests, each contributing 10% to the final mark for the course. The final examination contributes 50% to the final mark for the course. All assessment is by Multiple Choice Questions. All assessment is taken online. Competencies to be developed during the course The successful student will be able to: Learn independently about information and concepts (ideas) in the disciplines of physiology and anatomy. Describe the roles of the organ systems, and explain how these contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, and to describe physiological responses for survival. Describe the relationship between structure and function of cells, tissues and organs. Appreciate that there are individual physiological and anatomical differences between persons, including differences due to a persons stage in the lifespan. Interpret and apply data which describe normal physiological functioning. Predict the consequences of certain diseases or injury on normal function. Communicate in an informed way about normal physiology and aspects of anatomy with colleagues and clients. In addition to content related skills, the student will refine other skills, including: Mastery of concepts and development of core information in disciplines not previously studied Time management Computing skills Access and retrieval of information Communication with peers about physiology and anatomy. Computer requirements and assistance These specifications are the same as those for access to all online support at La Trobe University, including access to Moodle, the Learning Management System (LMS) that is used to present learning and teaching materials for this course. Details are provided at: www.latrobe.edu.au/students/it/teaching/lms For more information please visit our website or contact the Department of Human Biosciences: www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/anatomy-and-physiology/short-courses Elizabeth Brown Academic coordinator e.h.brown@latrobe.edu.au + 61 3 9479 5207 0400 216 640 (+61 400 216 640)
For more information please contact: Department of Human Biosciences La Trobe University T 03 9479 5207 E l.ciccullo@latrobe.edu.au CRICOS Provider 00115M

Linda Ciccullo School Programs Officer l.ciccullo@latrobe.edu.au + 61 3 9479 5207