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PHYS20040

Academic Year 2024/2025

An introduction to Physiology: Human cells and tissues (PHYS20040)

Subject:
Physiology
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Medicine
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor John Baugh
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is designed to provide an introduction to the functioning of normal mammalian tissues with an emphasis on human physiology where possible. The module begins with an overview of the generalised structure and function of cells followed by consideration of the primary tissues of the body (connective, muscle, epithelial tissues and nervous). Transport mechanisms across cell membranes and across epithelia and the form and function of a number of the connective tissues, i.e. the tissues which provide shape and strength to the body, will be explored. The mechanisms responsible for cell membrane potentials, including action potentials, will be described with particular emphasis on how those electrical properties contribute to the communication function of nerves and the contractile properties of muscles. The sensory system of the body is dealt with from peripheral receptor transduction to initial processing of information about the external and internal environments. Other aspects of sensory systems including vision, hearing, and vestibular system are introduced in this module. Attention will be given to the content and function of blood including the form and function of the cells of the blood. Throughout, particular emphasis is placed upon the relationship between tissue structure and function. Student learning is supported by lectures that highlight key concepts and by practicals providing interactive learning experiences.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: Describe the basic structure and function of a mammalian (human) cell including its component parts; Demonstrate an understanding of the essential features of the primary tissues; Explain the generation and significance of membrane potentials; Explain how various sensory receptors work; Describe the workings of the eye and ear; Describe the basic features of blood; Describe mechanisms by which substances can be transported across cell membranes and epithelia; Describe some example mechanisms by which cells can communicate.

Indicative Module Content:

Basic cell structure and organelle function.

Cell membrane structure and function.

An introduction to connective tissue.

Cellular membrane potentials, graded potentials, and action potentials.

Basics of neuronal signalling with emphasis on an alpha motor neuron and the neuromuscular junction.

Structure and function of skeletal muscle.

Structure and function of smooth muscle.

Structure and function of cardiac muscle.

An introduction to sensory neurophysiology - structure and function of sensory receptors.

Introduction to the senses - vision, hearing, taste, smell.

Blood - white / red blood cell function and haemostasis.



Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Computer Aided Lab

8
Specified Learning Activities

12
Autonomous Student Learning

72
Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) sessions

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ANAT20030 - Basic Tissues & Early Develop, MDSA10030 - Cell-cell Comm & Signalling, MDSA10040 - Basic Tissue and Early Develop, PERS10120 - Sci of Human Perf I, PHTY10120 - Sci of Human Perf I, PHYS20050 - Cell-Cell Communication, PHYS20060 - Fundamentals of Physiology , PHYS20090 - Principles of Physiology, PHYS20100 - Cell-Cell Signalling

Equivalents:
An introduction to Physiology: (PHYS10020)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End of trimester short answer question paper. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
70
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Quiz 1: Short quiz in Brightspace at end of computer aided learning class in either week 4 or 5. Week 4, Week 5 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
7.5
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Quiz 2: Short quiz in Brightspace at end of computer aided learning class in either week 6 or 7. Week 6, Week 7 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
7.5
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Quiz 3: Short quiz in Brightspace at end of computer aided learning class in either week 6 or 7. Week 9, Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
7.5
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Quiz 4: Short quiz in Brightspace at end of computer aided learning class in either week 11 or 12. Week 11, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
7.5
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

General feedback will also be provided at the class level post-assessment. Students who require additional feedback may request to meet the module coordinator and/or examiner.

Physiology Textbook- "Vander's Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function" Eds Widmaier, Raff & Strang, published by McGraw Hill

Plus one of the following two histology textbooks-
either "Junquera's Basic Histology" Edited by Mescher, published by McGraw Hill, or
"Wheater's Functional Histology" Eds Young, O'Dowd & Woodford, published by Elsevier

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 Mon 16:00 - 17:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 2 Week(s) - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Mon 16:00 - 17:50
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