SHB102 Structure and Function of the Human Body / Assessment 2 / Concept Mapping of Homeostatic Pathways

As a practising health professional, you must be able to understand how each physiological and anatomical

system works in an integrated manner and how any changes in this can result in altered health and disease.

This assessment piece will help you to piece together the biological systems studies within this course, to examine and appreciate the intricate manner that all work together to maintain whole system homeostasis.

Concept mapping is a visual tool used in many ways to integrate information across various subjects and has been shown to increase critical thinking skills, interpretation of information and permanence in retention (Moattari, 2014; Erdem, 2017). These are all critical skills for your future courses and career.

You will be familiar with flow charts through images in your text, such as that shown in Figure 1, and through formative activities performed in class.

However, it is important to know that concept mapping do vary from flow charts. For example, they contain multiple concepts (known as nodes e.g., Osmosis); information flows in various directions; linking arrows contain descriptive words to explain the interaction between each topic.

An example can be seen in Figure 2:

Instructions:

Integrated concept map

To complete this assessment task, you must construct a concept map that integrates three (3) of the biological systems that have been discussed in SHB102. To achieve this, you must:

1. Choose three (3) biological systems that have been discussed in SHB102, and either the Nervous System or Endocrine
2. Consider a homeostatic pathway that is regulated by these systems. Use the time you are in class to discuss this will your peers and Learning Examples may include blood calcium homeostasis, glucose homeostasis, temperature regulation.
3. Design a concept map that clearly highlights:
   • Levels of structural organisation in the body systems (e.g., cells, tissues and organ system).
   • How these systems interact with each other to regulate and return the body to homeostasis
   • How these relate to the homeostatic pathway of choice
4. Ensure all linking arrows are labelled with a meaningful

To be successful in this task, you might consider

• Preparing for this early – creating concept maps while preparing for class/during class each week
• Brainstorming all the important concepts that you can think of for each system and its relation to the homeostatic pathway
• Organise these into groups based on the Structural Organisation of the system (perhaps even on individual pieces of paper)
• Rearrange until clear links are observed and record any meaningful linking
• Input these into the digital technology of choice

Referencing:

Referencing your map is not required. However, a reference list of a minimum of three credible resources must be provided on a separate A4 page. You must use the appropriate APA referencing style for citing and referencing research. Please see more information on referencing here http://library.laureate.net.au/research_skills/referencing

Format/Structure:

The concept map must not exceed one A4 page. Additionally, you will then need to submit your reference list. There is an increasingly extensive range of online tools available for creating concept maps. If you choose one of these tools, take the time to research reviews and ensure the program does not require you to pay for the resource before downloading your final map. This assessment may be handwritten but note that only the Learning Facilitator can mark what is legible.

Submission Instructions:

Submit both A4 pages as a combined document via the Assessment link in the main navigation menu in SHB102 Structure and Function of the Human Body. The Learning Facilitator will provide feedback via the Grade Centre in the LMS portal. Feedback can be viewed in My Grades.