INTRODUCTION TO PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PRACTICAL SKILLS - 2022/3

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

Module Leader

BAILEY Sarah (Biosciences)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

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

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 theoretical physiological principles, applying them to real life examples.

• Two practical reports (15% and 25% respectively). Deadlines circulated on SurreyLearn as will depend on practical timetabling.


• Final exam with a mixture of question types reflecting those given in the practice test questions listed below in the formative assessment section.

• Answers to sample test questions are assessed formatively in tutorials, where verbal feedback is given.


• Sample test questions with automated feedback are available on Surreylearn for students to check their own knowledge and inform targeted revision activities while further developing assessment literacy.


• A short practical report will be completed on the first of three compulsory practicals. This will have a rapid turnaround time and provide students with the opportunity for a drop-in for feedback in the aim of enabling students to improve their assessment literacy and produce a better piece of work in the two summative courseworks. 


• Use of discussion boards is encouraged to gain feedback on areas where application of knowledge is challenging.

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

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
  


• 
  Captured content
  

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

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 2022/3 academic year.