UnitLevel 1Undergraduate

PHR1031 How the body works

Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PHR1031 How the body works is a level 1, 12-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Malaysia and Parkville. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 18 units, leading on to 19 units in all.

Credit points: 12
Offered in 2026: Semester 1; Malaysia, Parkville
Assessment: Exam 30%; and 10 other tasks

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before PHR1031

No prerequisites or corequisites.

After PHR1031

18 units list PHR1031 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

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Overview

This unit will provide you with the foundational understanding and knowledge of the human body, including how cells, molecules and organs ensure proper functioning of the body. This will include studies of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry relevant to pharmacists. You will be able to predict the outcome of cell and organ dysfunction, as well as effectively communicate aspects of how the body works.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching period	Campus	Mode
First semester	Malaysia	On campus
First semester	Parkville	On campus

Assessment

Workshop assessment quiz 1Written
5%
In semester test 1Quiz / Test
10%
Workshop assessment quiz 2Demonstration
5%
Workshop assessment quiz 3Written
5%
Topic oral assessmentPresentation
7.5%
Topic essayWritten
7.5%
Communication workshop assessmentDemonstration
5%
In semester test 2Quiz / Test
10%
Research presentation workshop assessmentDemonstration
5%
Role play workshop assessmentDemonstration
10%
Final ExaminationExamination
30%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1
Explain how molecules, cells and organs ensure homeostasis and functioning of the body
2
Compare and contrast how macromolecules (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, DNA) contribute to cell structure and function
3
Relate the structure and the function between and within organs and organ systems
4
Predict the physiological and clinical consequences of molecular, cellular and organ dysfunction
5
Analyse a clinical situation and logically articulate the underlying pathophysiology
6
Effectively communicate (verbal and written) aspects of how the body works to peers
7
Demonstrate skills to ensure effective teamwork

Workload and teaching

Workshops48 hours
Applied sessions48 hours
Assessments2 hours
Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
Teaching approachRole play
Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
Teaching approachResearch activities
Teaching approachCase-based teaching
Teaching approachOnline learning
Teaching approachActive learning

One hundred and forty-four hours of independent study
Forty-eight hours of pre-learning activities (up to 4 hours per week)
Forty-eight hours of active learning applied sessions (4 hours a week)
Forty-eight hours of small group classes including assessment (4 hours per week)

Learning resources

Recommended resources

Vander's Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function, Widmaier, Raff and Strang; 12th Edition. McGraw Hill. (Recommended if you have a biology background; especially human physiology/anatomy)

OR Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach, Silverthorn; 5th Edition. Pearson Publications. (Recommended if you do not have a biology background or if you have studied basic mammalian biology rather than human physiology/anatomy)

OR Human Physiology, Fox; 12th Edition. McGraw Hill. (Recommended if you do not have a biology background or if you have studied basic mammalian biology rather than human physiology/anatomy)

Technology resources

For more information on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) specifications and the technology systems and services available to students, review the Student Technology Essentials Handbook <https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1041220/student-it-brochure.pdf >

Contacts

Chief Examiners: Associate Professor Betty Exintaris
Unit Coordinators: Rita Wardan; Dr Chong Lor Huai

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for PHR1031?

PHR1031 has no prerequisites.

What can I take after PHR1031?

PHR1031 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 18 units, including PHR1122, PHR2011, PHR2012, PHR2021, PHR2041 and PHR2042. Those lead on to 19 units in all.

When is PHR1031 offered?

In 2026, PHR1031 runs in Semester 1 at Malaysia and Parkville.

Does PHR1031 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 10 other tasks.

More details

Credit points: 12
Level: 1
Study level: Undergraduate
Faculty: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Type: Coursework
EFTSL: 0.250
Student contribution: SCA Band 2
Study abroad: Not available
Handbook years: 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 202520262027