Physiological Systems and Regulation
COURSE SPECIFICATION
| Course Title: | Physiological Systems and Regulation | Code: | BIOC0578 |
| Co-ordinators: | Dr Abigail Rickard | Level: | 5 |
| School: | School of Science | Credits: | 15 |
| Department: | Life and Sports Science | ||
Aims
To develop students' understanding of the roles and limitations of homeostatic control and regulation; To examine the factors which contribute to the integrated control of representative examples of different physiological systems.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students will be able to: 1. Explain the inter-relationships existing between the anatomy and physiology of organ systems; 2. Discuss how physiological and biochemical systems interact to maintain the stability of the internal environment; 3. Explain how regulation of internal physiological parameters is related to changes in the external environment. Skills Learning Outcomes: Following successful completion of this course, students will be able to: Obtain and integrate knowledge from a range of text and electronic sources; Analyse, synthesise and summarise information and to present a critical review thereof Reference / cite work appropriately Use electronic systems as an information source and communication tool in a critical manner Build on organisational and time management skills Design, plan, conduct and report on investigations, obtaining and analysing data using appropriate techniques (working individually or as a group); Undertake investigations in a responsible, safe and ethical manner Develop an adaptable, flexible, and effective approach to study and work. Review and be able to synthesise appropriate literature in selected aspects of physiology.
Indicative Content
Endocrine and neural systems: Transmission of information by electrical and chemical systems; synaptic events; transmitters; receptors and signal transduction; information processing; control of hormone action and secretion; neuro-endocrine co-ordination; pituitary-hypothalamic relationships. Cardiac and respiratory systems: the cardio-vascular system, baroreceptors and medullary control centres; Cardiac and vascular contraction; ventilation of the lungs; chemoreceptors nad medullary inspiratory centre; transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Fluid and solute regulation of the kidney: rennin, aldosterone and the control of sodium reabsorption; ADH/vasopressin and the control of water reabsorption; salt balance, water balance and blood pressure; Extra-cellular hydrogen and bicarbonate ion regulation and the absorption of pH. Thermoregulation: the hypothalamic 'set point'; avenues of heat loss and gain shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis; acclimation and acclimatization of thermoregulation; pathological and adoptive hypothermia. Immunological Co-ordination: types of immunity; innate and specific responses; antigen-antibody interactions; complement; phagocytosis; vaccination and immunisation.
Teaching & Learning Activity
This course will consist of lectures and tutorials (approximately 2:1) together with incorporated practicals. Lectures will be used to review a variety of complex regulatory processes which occur in physiological and biochemical systems. Tutorial exercises will provide an opportunity for students to build on and extend knowledge derived from lectures and independent study. Online support is integrated into the course. Practicals will enable students to become familiar with a wide range of different techniques used in physiological investigation and will train them to present and interpret scientifically the results of their work.
Assessment
Essay: 25% - 1250 words. Using relevant sources and referencing Practical : 25% Submission of laboratory record book and a selected full laboratory report. Examination : 50% - 2 hours Minimum pass mark - 40% overall.
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