HND701 - Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Unit details
| Year | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Cath McNamara |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | HSN720 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | Online independent and collaborative learning activities including 3 x 1 hour online seminars (recordings provided). |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
Content
This unit develops an understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pathology of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and its complications. It enables the student to understand the complexities of the pathophysiology which informs the methods of treatment of DM. On completion of the unit, students will be aware of the epidemiology of diabetes and its complications.
Students will understand the importance of health maintenance in the context of DM and will gain knowledge of how to reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
This unit explores the pathophysiological pathways that occur leading to a diagnosis of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes and the distinction between the different types of diabetes. The pathophysiology and progression of acute and chronic diabetes complications is examined and is a pre-requisite for understanding the management of diabetes, which is the focus of HND702 unit.
An epidemiological perspective shows how diabetes has evolved to become one of the world’s most prevalent non-communicable chronic health conditions. The Unit material draws on current research and theory to explain the complexities behind the diagnosis and classification of diabetes and the development of its complications.
Learning outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Explain blood glucose homeostasis and the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Apply knowledge of diabetes mellitus pathophysiology, epidemiology and diagnosis to specific clinical contexts. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Explain the risk factors, pathogenesis, and identification of chronic diabetes-related complications. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
Assessment
| Assessment description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Diagrammatical representation | 2500 words | 50% |
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| Assessment 2: Recorded oral presentation | 10 minute recorded presentation | 50% |
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The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for HND701 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
To fully engage with Deakin's learning experiences, students must be able to access and use internet-connected devices as outlined in computing requirements at Deakin.
To support student success at Deakin, we have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) learning environment that acknowledges that students and educators bring with them the digital tools they regularly use to complete academic tasks. These tools stay with you beyond the classroom, helping you to keep learning, explore ideas more deeply, and connect with knowledge in ways that matter to you.
Students requiring a loan device should visit our Loan Laptop webpage or students requiring longer-term assistance should visit our Student Financial Assistance webpage.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.