Unit information: Fundamentals of Body Function in 2018/19

Unit name	Fundamentals of Body Function
Unit code	PHPH10014
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Lumb
Open unit status	Open
Pre-requisites	None (A-level biology recommended)
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

An introduction to physiology, with an emphasis on mammalian physiology. The following topics are covered: homeostasis, cell biology and physiology, nervous system and muscle, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, endocrinology and reproduction. Practical classes are supported by an online dynamic laboratory manual, eBioLabs, and complement the lecture topics. Practicals include investigating the physiology of cells and tissues, and the function of the human nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems.

Aims:

• To promote understanding of the basic physiological mechanisms governing the function of mammalian body systems.
• To expose students to a range of activities thereby developing the attitudes and skills desirable for scientific study.
• To develop the attributes necessary for lifelong learning.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit you should be able to:

1. explain the concept of 'internal environment' and how homeostatic mechanisms maintain this within narrow limits;
2. explain how the various systems of the body work together to maintain the constancy of the internal environment;
3. describe cell biology, resting potentials, action potentials and transmission across synapses;
4. describe the general organisation of the nervous system including the autonomic nervous system, the spinal cord and the brain;
5. describe muscle activity (skeletal, cardiac and smooth)
6. give an account of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and renal systems;
7. explain how endocrine systems work within the body;
8. explain the physiology of the reproductive system;
9. collect physiological data with due regard to scientific method;
10. analyse and test physiological data using appropriate statistical techniques.

Teaching Information

Lectures

Practicals

eBiolabs (supporting practicals and renal physiology online tutorial)

Large group tutorials

Assessment Information

Summative:

Practical assessments via eBioLabs - 10% (Assesses learning outcomes: any of 1-8, 9 and 10)

Abstract (Practical) – 5% (Assesses learning outcomes: any of 1-8, 9 and 10)

2hr Summer exam (MCQ, EMQ, DIQ)- 85% (Assesses learning outcomes 1-8,10)

Formative assessment will be provided by:

A large group tutorial consisting of a revision quiz using turning point student response system.

Written feedback will be provided for the practical abstract

Electronic feedback will be provided for the pre­lab and post­ lab work via eBiolabs.

Feedback during practical classes will be provided by staff and demonstrators.

Unit assessment marks will be provided and feedback will be available from the Unit Director on request.

A breakdown of marks for the summer exams will be provided.

Reading and References

Recommended Reading:

Physiology (5^th Edition), Costanzo, L.S. 2014, Elsevier, ISBN: 978-1-4557-0847-5

This book covers the fundamentals of physiology well and is recommended by students.

Further Reading:

Human Physiology, Davies, A., Blakely A.G.H. and Kidd C., Churchill Livingstone, ISBN:0443045593

Medical Physiology (2^nd Edition), Boron F. and Boulpaep E.L., 2012, Elsevier, ISBN: 978-1437717532

You should be aware that the Medical Library stocks a good range of textbooks including those listed above.