Microcredential
Principles of Homeostasis and Respiration
On this page: Overview | Entry requirements | Scope of future study | Learning outcomes | Course structure | Fees | Apply
Important dates
| 2026 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal** | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 14 January 2026 | 19 January 2026 | 2 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 | 29 March 2026 | 13 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | 8 April 2026 | 13 April 2026 | 27 April 2026 | 18 May 2026 | 21 June 2026 | 6 July 2026 |
| Term 3 | 1 July 2026 | 6 July 2026 | 20 July 2026 | 10 August 2026 | 13 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | 23 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 | 12 October 2026 | 2 November 2026 | 6 December 2026 | 18 January 2027 |
| 2027 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 13 January 2027 | 18 January 2027 | 1 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 | 28 March 2027 | 12 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | 7 April 2027 | 12 April 2027 | 26 April 2027 | 17 May 2027 | 20 June 2027 | 5 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | 30 June 2027 | 5 July 2027 | 19 July 2027 | 9 August 2027 | 12 September 2027 | 27 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | 22 September 2027 | 27 September 2027 | 11 October 2027 | 1 November 2027 | 5 December 2027 | 4 January 2028 |
| 2028 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 12 January 2028 | 17 January 2028 | 31 January 2028 | 21 February 2028 | 26 March 2028 | 10 April 2028 |
| Term 2 | 5 April 2028 | 10 April 2028 | 24 April 2028 | 15 May 2028 | 18 June 2028 | 3 July 2028 |
| Term 3 | 28 June 2028 | 3 July 2028 | 17 July 2028 | 7 August 2028 | 10 September 2028 | 25 September 2028 |
| Term 4 | 20 September 2028 | 25 September 2028 | 9 October 2028 | 30 October 2028 | 3 December 2028 | 2 January 2029 |
Overview
This microcredential deepens your understanding of complex physiological concepts relevant to clinical practice. The microcredential builds upon foundational undergraduate knowledge physiology and advances it to a higher level of critical thinking and clinical application. You will explore the underlying principles of homeostasis, focusing on the intricate mechanisms the body uses to maintain internal stability in response to changing external and internal conditions. Additionally, the module examines the physiological processes involved in respiration, including gas exchange, regulation of respiratory function, and the implications of altered respiratory dynamics in clinical contexts.
The prescribed textbook for the microcredential is:
Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2023). Human anatomy and physiology (12th ed.). Pearson Education.
This is the first microcredential in the series of three that relates to Unit 344 Advanced Applied Pathophysiology (in Clinical Practice).
Entry requirements
Available to all registered nurses
Pre-requisite
Not applicable
Scope of future study
This microcredential can be completed to receive a standalone credential or stacked together in a series of three microcredentials. Completing all three in the series allows you to apply for credit towards the unit 344 Advanced Applied Pathophysiology (in Clinical Practice) (6 credit points) to build towards a full Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing, Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing, or Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing at ACN.
Which unit does this microcredential align with?
Learning outcomes
- review aspects of cellular structure, function and metabolism related to optimal physiological function
- discuss the role of homeostasis in maintaining health and its impact on health breakdown
- integrate advanced physiological principles related to assessment, findings, and clinical management of people with respiratory and haemodynamic disorders and transmit this knowledge to members of the interprofessional team
- explain the principles of pharmacotherapy used in managing common respiratory, cardiovascular and neuro-endocrine disorders
Course structure
Topics
- Module 1: Cell metabolism and principles of homeostasis
- Module 2: Respiration and ventilation
Assessment
- Reflective journal
Fees
Members: $881
Non-members: $979
Fees are GST inclusive and are subject to change without notice.
Meet your Nurse Educator
Sharron Smyth-Demmon, Nurse Educator – Higher Education
RN, MCN, B.Ed (Prof. Hons), DPSN, Cert IV TAE, MACN, MACORN, NSWOTA, ACPAN
e: sharron.smyth-demmon@acn.edu.au
» About me
Sharron coordinates our Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing. She began her nursing career in the United Kingdom where she worked in primarily in the field of women’s health, both in an acute gynaecological setting and in primary health as a qualified family planning nurse. Sharron has several years of experience within the perioperative setting, mainly in anaesthetics and recovery. She also has extensive experience in the day surgery environment. Sharron has 30 years of nursing experience and sees nursing as not only a science but also an art, with compassion, humanity and empathy at its core.
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Apply now
Please ensure you read all course information and make sure you meet entry requirements prior to commencing the application form.
Application will not be progressed until all relevant documentation has been received by Customer Services.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care professionals to study this course. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person we encourage you to let us know in your application. If you require assistance with completing your application or support during the course, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
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How microcredentials work
Start with a single course, build practical skills you can use immediately, and stack credits towards a graduate certificate when you’re ready.
1
Choose your first course
Start with any microcredential that fits your goals and interests. Each course is online, self-paced, and designed to make an impact in your practice right away.
2
Build your expertise
As you complete more courses, you build expertise in essential areas. Each microcredential you complete adds to your skills and prepares you for greater responsibility.
3
Stack towards a Graduate Certificate
Combine your completed courses to work towards a graduate certificate, creating a pathway to formal qualifications on your own schedule.
Why study with ACN
*The ACN Member discount cannot be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-entry).
Discover more course options from ACN
We’re here to help you every step of the way
For general information please contact:
Customer Services
t: (02) 9745 7500
e: customerservices@acn.edu.au
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