PHYS20040 An introduction to Physiology: Human cells and tissues

Academic Year 2020/2021

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.

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Curricular information is subject to change

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.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Tutorial

6
Computer Aided Lab

8
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

58
Total

118
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 Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Continuous assessment 1: Assignment relating to cell structure and function. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20
Continuous Assessment: Continuous Assessment 4: Assignment relating to muscle physiology (structure/function) Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20
Continuous Assessment: Continuous assessment 2: Assignment relating to excitable tissues. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20
Continuous Assessment: Continuous assessment 3: Assignment relating to neurophysiology/sensing. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20
Attendance: Students will be assessed based upon their participation in various defined online activities and small group discussions. Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

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

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Submitted work will be annotated by the examiner for feedback and guidance purposes. 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