SHB102 Structure And Function of The Human Body
Assessment 2: Concept Mapping of Homeostatic Pathways
Length : One (1) x A4 Page or 1 PowerPoint slide, plus reference list. 750 words ± 10%.
Weight : 30%
Total Marks : 100
Learning Outcomes :
SLO a) Define commonly accepted terminologies in relation to anatomy and physiology concepts.
SLO b) Explain the levels of structural organisation in relation to the human body systems.
SLO c) Describe and discuss the concept of homeostasis and the integration of body systems to maintain a constant internal environment.
SLO d) Identify and explain the major components in relation to anatomical features and the basic
functions of each of the body systems studied.
SLO e) Describe the physiological processes of metabolism, oxygenation, movement, protection, elimination and reproduction as essential to the maintenance of health and normal function.
SHB102 Structure And Function of The Human Body
Context:
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.
SHB102 Structure And Function of The Human Body
Figure 1: A flow diagram depicting the feedback system of the body (Tortora et al., 2018, p. 13).
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:
Figure 2: A simple concept map outlining multiple concepts and pathways related to cellular solute and
water regulation.
SHB102 Structure And Function of The Human Body
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:
- Choose one homeostatic pathway (see below for examples). Use the time you are in class to discuss this will your peers and Learning Facilitator.
- Choose three (3) biological systems that have been discussed in SHB102 that help regulate this homeostatic pathway. In addition, make sure you include at least one of the key systems which regulate homeostasis e.g., the Nervous System and/or Endocrine System.
- 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 - Ensure all linking arrows are labelled with a meaningful word e.g., stimulates (see the map above).
SHB102 Structure And Function of The Human Body
Some examples:
- Temperature regulation: integumentary, muscular, endocrine, nervous…
- Calcium homeostasis: skeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular, renal…
- Glucose homeostasis: digestive, endocrine, renal, cardiovascular, nervous….
- Bone remodeling: skeletal system, endocrine, digestive, cardiovascular…
- Respiration: respiratory, nervous, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular…
- Blood pH: cardiovascular, respiratory, renal,
- Heart rate/blood pressure: cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, nervous, muscle
Please note that these are just examples, and you can choose any pathway of interest. Just make sure you run this by your facilitator, who can help you conceptualise your ideas.
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 words
- Input these into the digital technology of choice
SHB102 Structure And Function of The Human Body
Referencing:
In-text referencing on your map is not required. However, a reference list of a minimum of five 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://XXX.referencing
Format/Structure:
The concept map must not exceed 750 (± 10%) words. 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.