You may still be able to enrol in classes starting in November
To find out how you can enrol in classes starting soon book a free consultation with a student advisor.
Introduction to Human Physiology
Undergraduate
LTU-HBS101 2024Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Map the complex architecture of the human body and learn how it’s organised and structured. Navigate the journey of the smallest cell to the largest organ. Observe how the body performs and adapts, responding to stress and disease to maintain life.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Human Physiology
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Relate the structural organisation of the human body to whole body function.
- Explain how cellular activity contributes to the function of organs and the body as a whole.
- Explain how a given body system contributes to homeostasis under normal conditions.
- Interpret scientific information presented as tables, graphs and diagrams and communicate using correct physiological terminology.
- Introduction to the Human Body
- Cell Structure and Function
- Movement of Molecules
- Nervous System
- Homeostasis and Endocrine
- The Heart
- Cardiovascular System
- Immune System
- Respiratory System
- Digestion and Metabolism
- Renal System
- Reproductive System
In this subject, you will first be introduced to concepts fundamental to the understanding of Human Physiology such as the organisation of the human body, homeostasis, basic cell structure and function, body fluids and the movement of molecules within body fluid compartments. The basics of nervous system and endocrine system function in the context of physiological regulation and homeostasis will then be explored. This information will provide the foundation for the study of major organ systems of the body including the muscular, digestive, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems. This subject will also include content on metabolism of nutrients and acid-base homeostasis.
- Video Presentation Task (1500 word total equivalent). 8-10 minute narrated PowerPoint video. (40%)
- 4 x module quizzes (1400 word total equivalent). Quizzes based on subject learning content that require recall and application of knowledge. (30%)
- Short Answer Justification Task (1000 word total equivalent). Completion of a quiz and production of short answer responses to each quiz question. (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Learn more about La Trobe University.
Explore La Trobe courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 17
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 18
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
LTU-HBS100 (Not currently available)
You won't be able to enrol into this subject if you've already successfully completed or currently enrolled in the following subject(s) as they are considered anti-requisites due to the similarity of the content.
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Late enrolments are generally not permitted past the published OUA close of application date for the study period. For students not enrolled in the prerequisite courses, you may be able to undertake these subjects with approval from your home course coordinator, please contact Ask La Trobe for assistance with this request. A good internet connection is required due to the online delivery.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
30 student respondents between 20 Nov 2023 - 9 Sept 2024.
93%of students felt the study load was manageable
100%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
Undergraduate
LAT-HUN-DEGUndergraduate
LAT-BUS-DEGUndergraduate
LAT-ART-DEGBachelor of Information Technology
Undergraduate
LAT-TEC-DEGBachelor of Psychological Science
Undergraduate
LAT-PYS-DEGUndergraduate
LAT-HSC-DEGUndergraduate
LAT-ART-DIPUndergraduate
LAT-CYS-DEGSingle subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.