University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised October 2005)

Code: USSJ4F-20-2 Title: Human Physiology Version: 9

Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field: Applied Sciences

Valid from: September 2007 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: USSJJL-20-1 Human Anatomy and Physiology

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:

• explain the principles of operation of the major physiological systems (as in the condition of health), with particular reference to homeostasis;

• relate particular practical investigative instrumentation / techniques in human physiology and pharmacology to the principles of operation noted above;

• interpret data derived from practical investigations of physiology and pharmacology and employ good laboratory practice.

Syllabus outline:

• review of neural and endocrine communication systems related to homeostatic control; somatic neuromuscular control; types of muscle as effectors;

• cardiovascular system: cardiac muscle and intrinsic properties of the heart; extrinsic control; vascular system and peripheral resistance; regulation of cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure;

• respiration: mechanics of lung ventilation; neural and chemical control; gas exchange and transport including acid-base considerations;

• endocrinology: selected examples from the endocrine system will be used to illustrate the role of hormones in homeostatic systems;

• digestion: structure and functional differentiation of human digestive tract; examples of integration of neural and endocrine control of motility and digestive secretions;

• renal physiology: nephron form and function; measures of function such as clearance; fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance; endocrinology as appropriate, including ADH, Aldosterone, ANP, Renin-Angiotensin system;

• principles of Pharmacology: receptors, autonomic and neuromuscular pharmacology; structure-activity relationships; pharmacological analysis of drug-receptor interactions.

• Applied physiology: examples of the integrative functioning of physiological systems under stress, to include dynamic, sustained exercise; extreme heat; stress and the general adaptation syndrome.

Teaching and learning methods:

Keynote lectures will facilitate student study based on in-house video pod files which can be found at http://science.uwe.ac.uk/medialibrary/sgomez/hp/ ; a number of topics will also be supported by PC-based tutorials and learning exercises, available via the internet, as directed study. Textbooks recommended for reference in conjunction with the work book will be available as a “short loan” collection within the Library.

Practical work will illustrate, consolidate, amplify and test key principles within the syllabus content. The practical programme will use structured schedules and “paperless” PC-based instruction / tutorial software to support / direct the students activities in data retrieval, (and in a number of practicals, on- line) data handling, statistical analysis and presentation.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Indicative Reading List:

Principles of Human Physiology by Cindy L. Stanfield and William J. Germann (Paperback - 30 Jan 2007) Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

Principles of Human Physiology by William J. Germann and Cindy L. Stanfield (Hardcover - 23 April 2004) Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

Silverthorn, D (2006) Human Physiology. Prentice Hall ISBN 0-13-017697-4

Berne,R., Levy,M. (2008) Principles of Physiology. Mosby Int.Student Edn.

Marieb,E. (2008) Human Anatomy and Physiology Benjamin Cummings

Tortora,,G., et.al. (2006) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology Harper and Row

and relevant Journals in Biological and Biomedical Science

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A (controlled conditions? Yes)

Element weighting

EX2A - 2 hour exam at the end of semester 2 FINAL ASSESSMENT 1

Component B (controlled conditions? Yes)

Element weighting

EX1B - 2 hour exam at the end of semester 1 1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is required)

Component A (controlled conditions? Yes)

Element weighting

EX2A - 2 hour exam at the end of Semester 2 FINAL ASSESSMENT 1

Component B (controlled conditions? Yes)

Element weighting

EX1B - 2 hour exam at the end of Semester 1 1

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

Academic Registry

October 2005