General Information
This subject introduces students to the importance of the body-mind link. Students learn basic anatomical and physiological aspects of the human body and its influence on human behaviour. This subject investigates how physical functions impact on the development of acute and chronic psychological disorders.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: BVMT11-109 Subject title: The Influence of Biology on Human Behaviour Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: January 2025 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended study hours
- Seminar: x12 (Total hours: 36) - Weekly seminar
Attendance and learning activities: Attendance is compulsory for this subject and students must attend all lectures. Students who have legitimate reasons for non-attendance such as illness or unforeseen personal crisis should 1) contact the lecturer-in-charge via email to report their absence and 2) provide the lecturer-in-charge with a medical or similar certificate. Further, learning of new material will occur via direct exposure to practical problem-focused tasks, group interaction, and structured discussion. Students will be required to build their understanding of key concepts by engaging in active and on-topic participation throughout the subject. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Lauralee Sherwood (2016). Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems. 9th Ed, Nelson Education 912
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
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | BVMT11-109 |
| Subject title: | The Influence of Biology on Human Behaviour |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2025 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance is compulsory for this subject and students must attend all lectures. Students who have legitimate reasons for non-attendance such as illness or unforeseen personal crisis should 1) contact the lecturer-in-charge via email to report their absence and 2) provide the lecturer-in-charge with a medical or similar certificate. Further, learning of new material will occur via direct exposure to practical problem-focused tasks, group interaction, and structured discussion. Students will be required to build their understanding of key concepts by engaging in active and on-topic participation throughout the subject. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
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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:
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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 Case Study n/a 25.00% Week 1 1,2 Essay Literature review of approximately 2,000 words that will involve students in selecting one system of the body reviewed in class. 25.00% Week 11 1,2,3 Take-home Examination The take home examination will be released week 12 day of seminar, to be submitted after 7 days in week 13. 45.00% Week 13 1,2 Student Engagement Participation in class activities which requires class attendance. 5.00% Ongoing 3 - * 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.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study | n/a | 25.00% | Week 1 | 1,2 |
| Essay | Literature review of approximately 2,000 words that will involve students in selecting one system of the body reviewed in class. | 25.00% | Week 11 | 1,2,3 |
| Take-home Examination | The take home examination will be released week 12 day of seminar, to be submitted after 7 days in week 13. | 45.00% | Week 13 | 1,2 |
| Student Engagement | Participation in class activities which requires class attendance. | 5.00% | Ongoing | 3 |
- * 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.
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 student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
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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An Introduction to Human Biology
The material covered in this lecture will explain and elaborate on the terms “health” and “wellness” from the biological and behavioural perspectives and then begin a discussion of cell structure and function.
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
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Cell Physiology
this lecture will teach you how to utilise the “Wheel of Wellness”, which is designed to provide a visual representation of the concept of wellness that demonstrates the need for “balanced” or “well-rounded” lives in the counselling setting (some handouts have been provided of the six major factors of importance when dealing with human beings). We will elaborate on the significance and purpose of the cell membrane in its ability to regulate what enters and exits the cell, thus facilitating the transport of materials needed for survival. The lipid bilayer and the three types of lipid molecules (i.e., triglyceride, phospholipid and fatty acid) it comprises will be introduced.
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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Digestion, Metabolism and Nutrition
The material covered in this lecture focuses on the topic of nutrition and the digestive system. First, this lecture will explain the two meanings of the expression “you are what you eat”. This expression is taken to mean that the quality of the food included in one’s diet can determine how a person looks, acts and feels. This lecture will identify the different classes of chemicals in food and the ways in which they influence functions in the human body.
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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Nervous System
The material covered in this lecture focuses on the nervous system which is one of the body’s two major control systems (the other one being the endocrine system).
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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Musculoskeletal System
This lecture will focus on explaining the structure and purpose of the Musculoskeletal system. Information on the mid-term exam will be discussed as well.
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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Respiratory System
This lecture will focus on explaining the structure and purpose of the respiratory system.
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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Exercise and Fitness
The material covered in this lecture focuses on exercise science. First, this lecture will discuss the positive and negative effects of exercise. You will be given a six step approach to an exercise programme and you will be taught how to use the SMART or SMARTER goal setting technique. This lecture will discuss the basic principles of fitness training, summed up in the acronym F.I.T.T (Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type) You will be familiarised with the technique known as 4 C’s, which is used for psychological preparation for sport/ exercise (4 C’s = concentration, confidence, control and commitment).
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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Cardiovascular System
The material covered in this lecture focuses on the cardiovascular system. First, this lecture will discuss the cardiovascular system in relation to its major components which are the heart, blood vessels and approximately five litres of blood transported throughout the body via the blood vessels. This lecture will also discuss transportation in relation to transfer of oxygen, nutrients, hormones and cellular waste products throughout the body. The major functions of the cardiovascular system will be explained in detail.
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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Haematology
The material covered in this lecture focuses on haematology, which is the study of the nature, function and diseases of the blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. This lecture will explain the aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of blood diseases that affect the production of blood and its components (e.g., blood cells, haemoglobin, blood proteins) and the mechanism of coagulation.
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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Genetics and Human Behaviour
The material covered in this lecture focuses on genetics and human behaviours. You will have two more lectures on genetics. This first lecture will give you some general information on the science of genes and heredity. You will be told that genetics is the process of trait inheritance from parents to offspring. You will be given information on the molecular structure (base, nucleic acid, DNA and chromosomes). Some detailed information on chromosome numbers, sex chromosomes and the functions of genetic material (Replication, gene expression and mutation) will be introduced to you.
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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Genetics and Human Behaviour
The material covered in this lecture focuses on genetics and human behaviours. You will have one more lecture on this topic. This second lecture will give you some specific information on the science of genes and heredity. You will be given some information on Mendel’s work which suggested that heredity was particulate, not acquired, and that the inheritance patterns of many traits could be explained through simple rules and ratios. You will be given some material on the storage of genetic information and the production of structural and enzymatic proteins of the cell.
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.
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Genetics and Human Behaviour
The material covered in this last lecture focuses on the reproductive system. You will be taken through the anatomy of the reproductive system. You will be given information on the male reproductive organs (testis in the scrotum, epididimus, ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, urethra, and penis) and its function (Projects sperm and seminal vesicle fluid into the urethra prior to ejaculation). Then you will be informed on the female reproductive system (ovaries, fallopian tube, uterus, cervix and vagina) and its function (to transport oocytes and fertilized ova to the uterus).
SLOs included
- Display familiarity with biopsychosocial aspects of a human being.
- Display familiarity with medical terms relating to counselling and behaviour management.
- Apply knowledge to real life situations.