Module BIOL2521: Integrated Physiological Systems

Department: Biosciences

BIOL2521: Integrated Physiological Systems

Prerequisites

• Level 1 Introduction to Physiology BIOL1151.

Corequisites

• At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences module selected from the following list: Ecology BIOL2461, Behaviour BIOL2511, Evolution BIOL2451, Plant Physiology BIOL2571, Cell Signalling BIOL2501, Development BIOL2471, Cell Biology BIOL2481, Molecular Biology BIOL2441, Metabolism BIOL2491, Microbiology BIOL2431, Immune Systems BIOL2421, Biomolecules BIOL2591.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To study the homeostasis of human physiological control systems at an intermediate level.
• To consider non-pathological “altered states“ of human physiology - resulting from endogenous and exogenous stimuli - which are a challenge to homeostasis.
• To explore the bases of disease states resulting from breakdown in homeostasis.

Content

• Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Endocrinology

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the functioning major human physiological processes at an intermediate level.
• Knowledge of the effects of stresses and stimuli on the normal functions of human physiology.
• Knowledge of the effects of disease on normal human physiology, and how pathophysiologies develop.
• Knowledge of the the bases of pharmacological interventions to correct abnormal physiologies.

• Understanding of experimental techniques used to investigate human physiology in "normal" individuals.
• Analysis of data from physiological experiments, using statistical methods.

• Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculations involved in data handling.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in human physiology practical reports.
• Team work.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

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

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Practical Exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Practical Exercises are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis.
• Problem Exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.