General Information
This subject provides students with an introduction to clinical pathophysiology and its relevance to exercise prescription and delivery for individuals with clinical conditions. It also develops an understanding of the allied health professions and the importance of interprofessional collaboration in providing the most beneficial outcome for apparently healthy clients and those with chronic disease. This subject will continue to provide the student with the opportunity to apply their knowledge, skills, and attributes within a second supervised internal practicum experience.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine Subject code: SPEX13-340 Subject title: Clinical Pathophysiology and Professional Practice Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: May 2026 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: Attendance and learning activities: Students must attend all timetabled classes. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Ehman, J.K., Gordon, P., Visich, p., & Keteyian, S.J. (2022). Clinical Exercise Physiology. 5th, Champaign, IL Human Kinetics
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: | SPEX13-340 |
| Subject title: | Clinical Pathophysiology and Professional Practice |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | May 2026 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: | |
| Attendance and learning activities: | Students must attend all timetabled classes. |
| 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 |
| 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: |
Pre-requisites:Co-requisites:There are no co-requisites |
|---|---|
| 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:
- Demonstrate and apply the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice while assisting clients to meet their goals through the integration and application of skills in exercise testing, prescription, and delivery.
- Undertake professional practice within the exercise and sports science industry through the use of ESSA standard logbook entries and recognition of student engagement in the work integrated setting.
- Communicate effectively using both verbal and nonverbal strategies.
- Describe the underlying pathophysiology that contributes to the development of common medical conditions, connecting physiology to function, and identify risks and appropriate risk management of clients during exercise.
- Distinguish between the roles and responsibilities of allied health professionals and sport scientists in an interprofessional team and show understanding of how each contributes to comprehensive client or athlete care, and when to refer.
- Identify the need for guidance or additional information from an appropriate allied health professional when delivering exercise and demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions to terminate a test or delivery of an exercise session when necessary.
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 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.
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.
Subject curriculum
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Metabolic disorders 1
In this week you will explore obesity and metabolic syndrome, including the diagnostic criteria used to identify these conditions. You will examine the complex pathophysiology underlying metabolic syndrome and consider how metabolic disturbances contribute to disease development and progression.
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Metabolic disorders 2
This week introduces diabetes, including its classification, underlying pathophysiology, and common complications. You will develop an understanding of how alterations in glucose metabolism lead to disease and how these complications influence health and physical function.
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Cardiovascular diseases
Across this week you will study cardiovascular diseases, focusing on coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and myocardial infarction. You will examine the pathophysiology and aetiology of atherosclerosis and review common clinical interventions such as angioplasty, stent placement, and coronary bypass surgery. Approaches to the management of CAD and PAD will also be discussed.
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Gut dysfunction
In this week you will explore disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system, including common symptoms and causes of gut dysfunction. Particular attention will be given to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the role of the gut microbiota, and the ways in which exercise may influence gut health and microbial composition.
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Diseases of the respiratory system
This week focuses on asthma and related respiratory conditions. You will examine how asthma severity is classified prior to treatment, recognise key signs and symptoms, and explore the physiological mechanisms responsible for airway narrowing and hyper-responsiveness. Exercise-induced asthma and its implications for physical activity will also be discussed.
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Oncology
In this week you will be introduced to the pathophysiology and classification of cancer. You will explore potential sex-based differences in the prevalence of specific cancers and examine lifestyle factors that may reduce cancer risk.
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Assessment
This week is dedicated to the Case Study assessment. Students will present and defend their case study, followed by questions and discussion to demonstrate understanding and clinical reasoning.
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Interprofessional Education (IPE) 1
This week introduces the structure and function of team-based care in healthcare settings. You will explore person-centred care and examine the benefits of collaborative approaches to healthcare delivery. Students will identify examples of interprofessional care that improve client outcomes and begin developing goals and plans for collaboration within allied health teams. You will also learn more about the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of occupational therapists (OTs).
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Interprofessional Education (IPE) 2
In this week you will develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) and other health professionals. You will analyse similarities and differences between professions, consider referral pathways, and explore how collaborative care occurs in practice. Preparation for active observation in professional contexts will also occur.
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Interprofessional Education (IPE) 3
This week focuses on interprofessional communication. You will learn effective communication tools and strategies for engaging in interdisciplinary discussions and interactions. Emphasis will be placed on presenting client cases clearly and effectively, understanding the role of dietitians in allied health teams, and communicating clinical information accurately while checking understanding during professional exchanges.
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Interprofessional Education (IPE) 4
In this week you will explore team dynamics and processes within healthcare practice. You will examine how teams function in clinical environments, including the theories that underpin effective teamwork. Students will learn how professionals integrate information from multiple disciplines and from clients and families to reach shared decisions in patient care.You will also learn more about the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of physiotherapists.
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Interprofessional Education (IPE) 5
In the final week you will examine the structure of high-performance sport environments, particularly within Olympic and professional sport systems. The roles and interactions between sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, dietitians, and medical professionals will be explored, with a focus on communication and collaboration in planning and implementing training and recovery programs.