INTEGRATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - 2019/0
Module code: BMS2038
Module Overview
The module introduces the functions of several physiological systems and creates an understanding of methods that exist to enable control of these in an attempt to maintain whole body homeostasis.
Topics covered include: central nervous system, the basis of vision, hearing and other special senses; the function of the gastro-intestinal tract and the principles of endocrinology including the role of individual hormones.
Module provider
School of Biosciences and Medicine
Module Leader
BAILEY Sarah (Biosc & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 5
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 111
Lecture Hours: 33
Tutorial Hours: 6
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
BMS1032 - INTRODUCTION TO PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PRACTICAL SKILLS
Module content
Module introduction: Review of key physiological concepts from level 1 and overview of integration of these with current module themes.
Central nervous system:
- Organisation of the central nervous system (spinal cord, brain).
- Motor control.
- Higher functions of brain (speech, memory, sleep and emotions)
Senses:
- Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste and Somatosensation and ascending pathways (touch, proprioception, temperature, pain)
Endocrinology:
- Principles of endocrinology (steroids and peptide hormones)
- Hypothalamus, pituitary and feedback loops
- Thyroid gland
- Endocrine pancreas
- Adrenocortical hormones (cortisol and mineralocorticoids)
- Regulation of calcium (Parathyroid glands)
- Adrenal medulla
- Male reproduction
- Female reproduction
Liver:
- Structure of the liver and functions
Digestive System:
- Structure, function and motility of GI tract
- Control of salivary and gastric secretions
- Digestion of carbohydrates and proteins: Pancreas and duedenum
- Function of liver and gallbladder in lipid metabolism
- Water handling by GI tract and function of colon
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| School-timetabled exam/test | ON-LINE MCQ TEST (60 MINUTES) | 30 |
| Examination | EXAMINATION (50 MCQS AND TWO ESSAYS IN 120 MINUTES) | 70 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their conceptual understanding of integrated physiology in a step-wise fashion of related topics.
Formative assessment will be provided in the form of MCQ questions given either in the lecture or on Surrey Learn as practice for summative assessment. Verbal (lecture) or written (Surrey Learn) feedback will be available for these questions. Formative feedback and peer feedback on scientific writing will be given as part of essay writing workshops and feedback.
The sequential summative MCQ questions prepare the students for the summative written exam, assessing the module content while simultaneously allowing a build-up of knowledge. The final exam, comprising two written questions, enables the demonstration of a depth of knowledge and ability to link topics taught on this module.
The summative assessment consists of one MCQs test (30% ) and a final examination (70%, 120 minutes)
Module aims
- Introduce the concept of whole body homeostasis and its control mechanisms
- Provide grounding in neuronal signalling and an overview of CNS functions.
- Introduce the special senses and communication between receptors and the CNS.
- Describe the liver structure and function.
- Introduce the activities of the GI tract and their effects on digestion of specific food types.
- Identify key endocrine organs, explore the use of hormones as effectors of control and explain their actions at target site.
- Using examples, explore the mechanisms that underpin disruption of homeostasis in disease.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Show an understanding of the principles underlying physiological regulatory systems | KCT |
| 002 | Demonstrate an understanding of the nervous system and in particular nervous pathways involved in sensation and in controlling movement; a brief introduction to behaviour and the brain | KC |
| 003 | Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of different specialist senses, including: the eyes and vision; the ears and hearing; the chemical senses of smell and taste | KC |
| 007 | Explain how the gastro-intestinal tract controls the motility, digestion and absorption of dietary nutrients | KC |
| 004 | Describe the mechanisms through which the endocrine system maintains homeostasis and physiological function | KC |
| 005 | Integrate knowledge gained with written communication skills to efficiently communicate material to others | KCT |
| 006 | Explain the role of the liver in storage, metabolism and homeostasis, linking it to activities of the GI tract (C,K) | KC |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to include lectures, self- study and workshops in order to develop subject specific knowledge and the ability to communicate it to others. Summative, formative & peer feedback used to enhance knowledge and writing skills.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- 33 hours Lectures
- 6 hours of tutorials
- 111 independent study
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: BMS2038
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Nutrition BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Microbiology BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biochemistry MSci (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.