Science: Supporting Health and Wellbeing (SCIE10003)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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Scientific investigation underpins an evolving understanding of the structure and function of the healthy human body, as well as threats to human health and changes that occur as the body ages. This subject aims to develop students’ understanding of both health and disease, integrating the contributions of biology, chemistry and physics.

Topics include:

  • Molecules of life: Compounds in food (carbohydrates, fats, oils, proteins and amino acids), inheritance (RNA, DNA) and other molecules important to life;
  • Cells' structure and function: Properties of a cell (prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells), moving molecules in and out of cells (diffusion, osmosis, active transport), replication of cells;
  • Body systems: Systems maintaining balance (homeostasis) – gases, salt, water, temperature; systems detecting the environment - sensory and nervous systems (detection of light, electrical conduction); other body systems - musculoskeletal system (movement, biomechanics);
  • Upsetting the balance: Infectious disease (control, plagues and epidemics), other diseases (e.g. cancer)

Intended learning outcomes

To enable students to apply the methods of science to understanding the interaction the structure and function of the human body, and develop their capacity to:



  • explain the principles underpinning our understanding of human bodies both when healthy and when experiencing injury and disease;
  • apply these principles using logical reasoning, together with appropriate mathematical reasoning, to a variety of familiar and novel situations and problems in the biological, chemical and physical sciences; and
  • acquire experimental data using a range of measurement instruments and interpret these data.

Generic skills

A student who completes this subject should be able to:

  • explain their understanding of science principles and applications clearly, both in writing and orally;
  • acquire and interpret experimental data and design experimental investigations;
  • participate as an effective member of a group in discussions and practical work;
  • think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning; and
  • manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular classes and assessment tasks.

Last updated: 3 November 2022