INTRODUCTION TO PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PRACTICAL SKILLS - 2020/1
Module code: BMS1032
Module Overview
To develop an understanding of physiological concepts and to develop skills required in physiological experimentation when using human subjects and human and animal tissues, aligned with Biosciences programmes.
Module provider
School of Biosciences and Medicine
Module Leader
JABR Rita (Biosc & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 4
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 115
Lecture Hours: 21
Tutorial Hours: 6
Practical/Performance Hours: 8
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/A
Module content
Indicative content includes:
Module introduction
Homeostasis
Introduction to Cells and Membranes:
Compartments, pools and spaces (fluids and electrolytes)
Membrane transport and potentials-applied to all cell types- Excitable cell physiology
Autonomic nervous system
The neuromuscular junction and the excitation-contraction coupling
Formative MCQ Tutorial 1
Respiration
Intro to respiratory system (gas exchange structure of the lungs)
Lung mechanics (spirometry dead space lung compliance lung function tests)
Alveolar gas exchange (diffusion capacity) CO2 and O2 transport
Control of breathing
Formative MCQ Tutorial 2
Cardiovascular system and Exercise Physiology
Introduction and Cardiac cycle
Control of cardiac output
Control of blood pressure and regulation of blood flow to tissues
Introduction to basic concepts in exercise physiology
Formative MCQ Tutorial 3
Haematology
Composition and functions of blood Haemostasis and haematopoiesis
Renal Physiology and Electrolystes
Functional anatomy of the urinary tract (renal blood Flow and Glomerular filtration)
Proximal tubule
Plasma osmolality and its regulation
Control of effective circulatory volume- the renin angiotensin aldosterone system
Acid base balance
Formative MCQ Tutorial 4
Practicals:
Practical 1: Lung function tests
Practical 2: Measurements of blood pressure, heart rate and electrocardiogram (ECG)
Practical 3: Haematology and blood groups
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Practical based assessment | COURSEWORK - PRACTICAL WRITE-UP 1 | 13 |
| Practical based assessment | COURSEWORK - PRACTICAL WRITE-UP 2 | 13 |
| Practical based assessment | COURSEWORK - PRACTICAL WRITE-UP 3 | 14 |
| Examination | EXAMINATION - MCQ - 60 QUESTIONS - 60 MINUTES | 60 |
Alternative Assessment
Coursework for practical write-ups 1-3: Design an experiment to demonstrate a given physiological process and discuss the potential results and issues (<500 words).
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate
- An understanding of practical techniques and appreciation of practical investigation in physiology
- an understanding of physiological principles: in particular with reference to the systems indicated in the module content
The summative assessment for this module consists of:
- Three practical reports (13,13 and 14% each, submission deadline: first Tuesday (4pm) after the experiment)= 40%
- 60 MCQs (final exam, 60% in total)
Formative assessment and feedback
- Answers to sample MCQs are assessed formatively in tutorials and verbal feedbacks given
- Coursework (3 practical reports) are marked within 3 weeks of submission and returned to students with detailed comments for feedback.
Module aims
- Develop an integrated view of the functions of different organs and more complex systems in the body
- Develop an understanding of homeostasis, whereby physiological systems are regulated to maintain a relatively constant internal environment.
- Emphasise the physical and chemical principles which underlie mechanisms in physiological systems
- Develop knowledge about: principles of cell physiology; the function of skeletal muscle including neuromuscular junction; the role of the autonomic nervous system in the control of different organs; the function of the respiratory system; the role of the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system) to supply adequate blood flow to tissues; basic concepts of exercise physiology; the different roles of blood including haemostasis; the functions of the kidneys in regulating the internal environment.
- Develop practical and analytical skills to strengthen understanding of physiological concepts through experimentation
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Understand the principles, techniques and skills of using human subjects to measure physiological variables. | CPT |
| 002 | Present, interpret and discuss experimental data using a quantitative approach; develop analytical skills and apply theoretical knowledge to complete laboratory reports. | CPT |
| 003 | Describe the concept of homeostasis and its importance. | KC |
| 004 | Understand body fluid compartments and their differences. | KC |
| 005 | Demonstrate a general understanding of cell physiology and musculo-skeletal physiology, including the origin of membrane and action potentials; chemical communication between nerves (synapses) and muscles (the neuromuscular junction) | KC |
| 006 | Describe the role of the autonomic nervous system. | KC |
| 007 | Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system; demonstrate an understanding of the principles of gaseous exchange; demonstrate an understanding of how respiratory system function is controlled under different conditions | KC |
| 008 | Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of the heart, and how and why the rate of blood flow and blood pressure are controlled | KC |
| 009 | Describe basic concepts in exercise physiology | KC |
| 011 | Describe the functional anatomy of the kidney & upper urinary tract and understand the function of the nephron | KC |
| 012 | Show an understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying regulation of body water, electrolytes and pH | KCT |
| 010 | Describe the fluid and cellular components of blood; the different physiological functions of blood flow to the tissues; the basic principles of blood groups; how O2 and CO2 are carried by blood; principles of haemostasis (prevention of blood loss) and how blood cells develop (haematopoesis) | 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, tutorials and practical work in groups in order to develop subject specific knowledge and practical skills and provide formative feedback, discussion and summative examinations
The learning and teaching methods include:
Lectures
Practicals
Tutorials
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: BMS1032
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microbiology BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biomedical Science MSci (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Nutrition BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Food Science and Nutrition BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Nutrition and Dietetics BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biochemistry BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biochemistry MSci (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons) | 2 | 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 2020/1 academic year.