General Information
The aim of this subject is to apply and further advance knowledge and critical thinking skills that students have developed throughout their degree program. Students will be required to think across disciplines (including anatomy, physiology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, immunology and microbiology) in their quest to understand each disease mechanism. This subject applies problem-based learning (PBL) as its central tenet to promote active and self-directed learning.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine Subject code: BMED13-125 Subject title: Exploring Human Disease Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: September 2026 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Tutorial
- Forum: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Forum 1
- Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Forum 2
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 60) - Recommended Study Hours
Attendance and learning activities: Students are expected to attend all timetabled classes. Regular attendance supports your learning and is closely linked to your engagement and participation in the subject. Where a subject includes assessable class engagement or participation, that assessment is contingent on attendance, as you cannot demonstrate participation in a session you do not attend. Students should refer to the relevant assessment task-sheet for the specific requirements and criteria that apply. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: No Prescribed resources.
After enrolment, students can check the Books and Tools area in iLearn for the full Resource List.iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
Class recordings: The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision.
These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision.
See the Recording policy for further details.
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | BMED13-125 |
| Subject title: | Exploring Human Disease |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | September 2026 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
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| Attendance and learning activities: | Students are expected to attend all timetabled classes. Regular attendance supports your learning and is closely linked to your engagement and participation in the subject. Where a subject includes assessable class engagement or participation, that assessment is contingent on attendance, as you cannot demonstrate participation in a session you do not attend. Students should refer to the relevant assessment task-sheet for the specific requirements and criteria that apply. |
| Prescribed resources: | No Prescribed resources. After enrolment, students can check the Books and Tools area in iLearn for the full Resource List. |
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
| Class recordings: | The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision. These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision. See the Recording policy for further details. |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. Assumed Prior Learning (or equivalent):
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Explain mechanisms of disease and the body's response at the systemic, cellular and molecular level
- Explain clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment/management of common human diseases
- Access and interpret biomedical information from journals, electronic databases, websites and other sources
- Critically evaluate new knowledge with an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of scientific investigation in biomedical sciences
- Demonstrate competency in effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Describe how broad health challenges impact disease treatment/management.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed AI category Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) EOS exam 45.00% Final Examination Period 1, 2, 5 Essay Essay individual - 1500 words 20.00% Week 8 3, 4, 5 Presentation§ Oral presentation/Group 20.00% Week 12 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Activity Tutorial participation 15.00% Ongoing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed | AI category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Closed) | EOS exam | 45.00% | Final Examination Period | 1, 2, 5 | |
| Essay | Essay individual - 1500 words | 20.00% | Week 8 | 3, 4, 5 | |
| Presentation§ | Oral presentation/Group | 20.00% | Week 12 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | |
| Activity | Tutorial participation | 15.00% | Ongoing | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
- § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of the total marks available for the assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Subject curriculum
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Problem-Based Learning Cases
Please note that all information provided here on problem-based learning case studies is kept broad. Case information is not made available in advance because the learning goal is to simulate real-world practice, where professionals rarely have all the information before encountering a problem. This promotes clinical reasoning, active learning, and problem-solving, and stimulates in-class discussion. Each case spans two weeks, with PBL activities preceding forums. Cases may be delivered in a different order from those listed below.
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Case 1
Case 1 will examine the incidence, spread, and characterisation of infectious diseases. You will learn to characterise infectious agents that cause global health concern. You will also learn which infections require active monitoring and policy changes to improve health outcomes.
SLOs included
- Explain mechanisms of disease and the body's response at the systemic, cellular and molecular level
- Explain clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment/management of common human diseases
- Access and interpret biomedical information from journals, electronic databases, websites and other sources
- Critically evaluate new knowledge with an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of scientific investigation in biomedical sciences
- Demonstrate competency in effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Describe how broad health challenges impact disease treatment/management.
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Case 2
Case 2 examines how long-term exposure to toxic products or environmental pollutants can manifest to influence key human organ structures. You will learn how to measure and monitor these changes to organ function. You will also learn how to describe, characterise, and understand the conditions that result from these anatomical changes.
SLOs included
- Explain mechanisms of disease and the body's response at the systemic, cellular and molecular level
- Explain clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment/management of common human diseases
- Access and interpret biomedical information from journals, electronic databases, websites and other sources
- Critically evaluate new knowledge with an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of scientific investigation in biomedical sciences
- Demonstrate competency in effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Describe how broad health challenges impact disease treatment/management.
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Case 3
Case 3 will examine the body's response to traumatic injury. You will learn how various levels of the healthcare system respond to serious patient outcomes. You will also learn to describe physiological mechanisms that exist to compensate against sudden changes to organ function.
SLOs included
- Explain mechanisms of disease and the body's response at the systemic, cellular and molecular level
- Explain clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment/management of common human diseases
- Access and interpret biomedical information from journals, electronic databases, websites and other sources
- Critically evaluate new knowledge with an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of scientific investigation in biomedical sciences
- Demonstrate competency in effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Describe how broad health challenges impact disease treatment/management.
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Case 4
Case 4 details physiological organ changes relating to lifestyle in early adulthood. You will learn about the tests, treatments, and long-term implications of both the disease and its treatments. You will also learn how to treat patients that present with more than one disease that effect the same organ system.
SLOs included
- Explain mechanisms of disease and the body's response at the systemic, cellular and molecular level
- Explain clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment/management of common human diseases
- Access and interpret biomedical information from journals, electronic databases, websites and other sources
- Critically evaluate new knowledge with an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of scientific investigation in biomedical sciences
- Demonstrate competency in effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Describe how broad health challenges impact disease treatment/management.
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Case 5
Case 5 will examine the molecular basis of inherited diseases. You will learn how to describe the pathophysiology and molecular basis of genetic diseases. You will learn how these molecular changes work to effect key organ systems, and how to test for and manage these pathologies.
SLOs included
- Explain mechanisms of disease and the body's response at the systemic, cellular and molecular level
- Explain clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment/management of common human diseases
- Access and interpret biomedical information from journals, electronic databases, websites and other sources
- Critically evaluate new knowledge with an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of scientific investigation in biomedical sciences
- Demonstrate competency in effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Describe how broad health challenges impact disease treatment/management.
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Case 6
Case 6 will detail how dysregulation of hormone signalling affects key organ systems, and how hormone-linked disease states can work to influence related or comorbid conditions. You will reinforce your current understanding of key hormone signalling pathways. You will learn to detail and summarise key adaptations that occur as a result of hormonal signalling. You will learn to describe the pathophysiology of disease states that occur as a result of dysregulated hormone signalling.
SLOs included
- Explain mechanisms of disease and the body's response at the systemic, cellular and molecular level
- Explain clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment/management of common human diseases
- Access and interpret biomedical information from journals, electronic databases, websites and other sources
- Critically evaluate new knowledge with an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of scientific investigation in biomedical sciences
- Demonstrate competency in effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Describe how broad health challenges impact disease treatment/management.