BM4009: STAYING ALIVE - ADAPTATION IN PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS (2017-2018)

Last modified: 25 May 2018 11:16

Course Overview

this course integrates knowledge of physiological systems within the context of physiological adaptation to the environment;
you will understand advanced physiological concepts which regulate every aspect of human survival and the life cycle;
our bodies also adapt to disease and you will examine the physiological changes which occur throughout several major clinical conditions including diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease;
the ability to measure important physiological parameters will also be taught in interactive practical classes;
advanced problem solving in tutorials will provide you with the skills required to tackle complex physiological problems at a research level

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	4
Term	First Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	None.	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Professor Graeme Nixon

Qualification Prerequisites

Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Either Intercalating (Studied) or PY3002 Integrative Physiology (Passed)
Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

BM4005 Human Physiology (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

The physiology of adaptation consists of complex interactions involving several major physiological systems. In order to truly understand physiological adaptation, you must first study individual systems and how they regulate normal body function. This course considers major systems and their role in physiological adaptation. This includes: 1) Skeletal muscle and the way in which it responds and adapts during exercise. 2) The skeleton and bone integrity which provides structural support in normal conditions but adapts to changing conditions. 3) Understand how normal body function is maintained by blood flow and regulation of the cardiovascular system, and how this adapts to different conditions. 4) Metabolism, which constantly changes to adapt to different physiological situations. Additionally, disease greatly affects the ability of the body to adapt. The effects of different pathological conditions including osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease will be discussed for the physiological systems examined.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour essay examination (70%) 2 pieces of work for Continuous Assessment (1 practical exam [15%], 1 problem solving question [15%])

Formative Assessment

- Practice problem solving allows students to write under exam conditions and receive feedback on their performance. - Practice essay allows students to receive feedback on their performance. - Practice exam questions on MyAberdeen. - Problem-solving sessions.

Feedback

- Practical exam will be marked with written comments. - Problem solving questions will be discussed during a lecture/feedback session. - Written comments will be provided on practice exam essay.

Course Learning Outcomes