Module BISS2002: Human Physiology & Pharmacology

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BISS2002: Human Physiology & Pharmacology

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide an in-depth discussion of the homeostasis of the adult and physiological control systems used building on physiology from year 1.
• To introduce general principles of endocrinology and investigate the control of key areas of physiology by hormones.
• To consider non-pathological “altered states” of physiology which are a challenge to homeostasis- both natural and environmental.
• To provide in-depth discussion of the science and practice of pharmacology with reference to the molecular nature of receptors and ion channels as targets for therapeutic drug action.

Content

• Digestive physiology.
• Introduction to endocrinology and control of physiological systems.
• Reproductive physiology including pregnancy and neonate and fetal physiology.
• Challenges to homeostasis- natural and environmental including ageing, life at altitude, deep-sea diving, blood volume disturbances.
• Pharmacology- receptor theory, the molecular nature and classification of receptors.
• Therapeutic targets affecting aspects of physiology studied in the module.

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of this module students should have an understanding of the physiological control of homeostasis of a young, healthy adult and how this differs in a non-standard state.
• Students should also have an understanding of the mechanisms by which drug molecules act to produce their therapeutic and adverse effects.

• Students should be able to discuss “altered physiological states” from the norm, the control of homeostasis and be familiar with the techniques used to asses physiological status.
• Students will be able to therapeutic targets affecting physiology and be able to design and undertake pharmacological experiments in the laboratory.

• Students should show an ability to handle, interpret and present experimental data.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures, Lab work, Unseen exam and Data handling.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practicals CAL package Journal based exercise

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University