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Human Physiology

  • Module code: LS4004
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 4
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: Appropriate level 3 qualification or equivalent
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This is a core module taken by students studying BSc Biomedical Science, Nutrition, Medical Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, and Forensic Biology.

The module introduces students to fundamental physiological concepts which underpin the coordinated functioning of the human body, including homeostasis, cellular communication and movement of molecules through body compartments. The main physiological systems of the body are then covered, including the nervous, muscle, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal and digestive systems. Core material is delivered through lectures, problem solving exercises and directed reading. Laboratory practicals provide experience of selected techniques, experimental design and data analysis used in physiological experimental work.

Aims

  • to provide knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts in human physiology
  • to provide knowledge and understanding of selected human physiological systems
  • to introduce selected methods of practical measurement, data analysis and aspects of good experimental design in physiology.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental physiological concepts
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the functioning of selected human physiological systems, and an appreciation of some of the experimental observations from which this knowledge is derived
  • Be able to write clear explanations of physiological mechanisms
  • Understand how to perform simple physiological experiments and clearly and accurately record, analyse and interpret experimental data
  • Demonstrate skills which will enhance employability
  • Fundamental physiological concepts: What is physiology?  The concept of homeostasis. Movement of molecules and ions through body compartments. Cellular communication; signal transduction pathways.
  • Neurophysiology. Structure and classification of neurons. Membrane potentials, the resting potential, graded potentials and action potentials. Synapses, excitatory and inhibitory chemical synapses, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, modification of synaptic transmission. Selected examples of neuropathology.
  • Muscle. Skeletal muscle: molecular mechanisms of contraction, the neuromuscular junction, mechanics of single fibre contraction, skeletal muscle energy metabolism, types of skeletal muscle fibres. Selected pathologies of skeletal muscle. Smooth muscle: excitation-contraction coupling, types of smooth muscle.
  • The endocrine system. Hormone structure and synthesis, hormone transport in the blood, hormone metabolism and excretion, mechanisms of hormone action, control of hormone secretion. Selected examples of pathophysiology.
  • Cardiovascular system:  Blood: plasma, blood cells. Overall design of cardiovascular system. Cardiac action potentials, cardiac ECG, excitation-contraction coupling and the cardiac cycle.  Cardiac output: control of heart rate and stroke volume. Relationship of pressure, flow and resistance.  Arterial blood pressure and its measurement, control of vessel tone, the function of capillaries, the function of veins.  Regulation of arterial pressure by control systems. Selected examples of pathophysiology.
  • The respiratory system. Organisation of the respiratory system. Ventilation. Exchange of gases in alveoli and tissues. Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood. Control of respiration. Hypoxia. Selected examples of disorders of the respiratory system.
  • The urinary system: Structure of the kidneys and urinary tracts. Filtration, reabsorption and secretion in the nephron. Composition of urine. Control of micturition. regulation of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. Selected examples of pathology of the urinary system.
  • The digestive system: Digestion and absorption of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals and water. Regulation of secretion and motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Selected examples of pathology of the gastrointestinal system.

Teaching and learning strategy

Lectures will deliver topics outlined above. Students will be directed to further reading, formative questions, case studies, problems and additional educational resources to consolidate their knowledge and understanding. Feedback on the tasks set will be provided either in lectures or online via ‘Study Space' as appropriate. In some class sessions, a more interactive style of delivery will be adopted to allow students to undertake practice questions and problems in the session itself under the guidance of the lecturer. Throughout, emphasis will be placed on experimental observations from which current knowledge is derived. Although most material will focus on the normal physiological functioning of the body, selected examples of pathophysiology will be discussed to illustrate ways in which the body may malfunction in disease.

Laboratory work will enable students to develop practical skills in undertaking, recording and interpreting physiological measurements. They will also give students experience of the inherent variability in physiological measurement in human subjects. Consideration will also be given to good experimental design. Embedded in the practical sessions will be the opportunity for students to gain experience of data handling and analysis. Follow up tutorials will allow discussion of results obtained. Knowledge and appreciation of key experimental techniques not covered in practical sessions will be provided by directing students to attempt computer simulations and view footage of additional physiological experiments.

In addition to the academic content of the module, emphasis will be placed on students developing generic skills that will enhance their employability, including communication skills in formal settings, time management and development of effective working strategies to meet deadlines. Self reflection on progress and identification of areas of strength and weakness to formulate action plans, ways of giving and receiving feedback from peers and staff, and effective teamwork will be discussed. To enhance awareness of the activities of the wider biological community and biologically based careers, students will be encouraged to become student members of the Society of Biology, Physiological Society and/or the Institute of Biomedical Science, and to attend appropriate events to foster networking skills.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Lectures (42h), practical classes (8h), practice classes (21h), tutorials (26h) formative exercises (3h) 100
Guided independent study Directed reading, problem solving, data handling, computer simulations 200
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment will consist of an end of year examination (40%) comprising MCQs and short answer questions. Practicals will be assessed by a practical MCQ test (35%). Students will only be eligible to take the practical test if they have attended the practical session itself. Coursework (25%) will consist of a written assignment comprising short answer questions designed to develop students' writing, analytical and independent reading skills.

Formative assessments will be held regularly to prepare students for summative assessment. MCQ tests will be undertaken fortnightly throughout the module, and a more extended MCQ test will also be held midway through the year in order for students to assess their progress. Formative written assignments will allow students to develop their expertise in independent learning, writing, problem solving skills, giving and receiving feedback in preparation for the summative assessment.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Demonstrate understanding of fundamental physiological concepts End of year examination (S) Coursework assignment (S) Practical test (S) In-class test (F) MCQ progress tests (F) SAQ exercise (F)
2) Demonstrate an understanding of the functioning of selected human physiological systems, and an appreciation of some of the experimental observations from which this knowledge is derived End of year examination (S) Coursework assignment (S) Practical test (S) In-class test (F) MCQ progress tests (F) SAQ exercise (F)
3) Be able to write clear explanations of physiological mechanisms End of year examination (S) Coursework assignment (S) SAQ exercise (F)
4) Understand how to perform simple physiological experiments and clearly and accurately record, analyse and interpret experimental data End of year examination (S) Coursework assignment (S) Practical test (S) Practical class (F) Data handling tutorial (F)
5) Demonstrate skills that will enhance employability SAQ exercise (F) Practical class (F) Practical test (S) Coursework assignment (S) End of year examination (S) MCQ progress tests (F)

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
End of year exam Written Exam 40%
In class practical MCQ test Written Exam 35%
Written assignment Coursework 25%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Widmaier, E., Raff, H, Strang, K. (2011) Vander's Human Physiology The Mechanisms of Body Function, McGraw-Hill. (12th edition)

Bibliography recommended reading

Barrett, K.E. et al. (2012) Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, McGraw Hill (24th edition)

Guyton and Hall's Textbook of Medical Physiology (2010) Saunders (12th edition)

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