- Course Code
- BI 20B2
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr G McEwan
Pre-requisites
Overview
This course introduces human physiology - the understanding of body function. The central concept, essential to physiology, is homeostasis - the maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment in a constantly changing external environment. This course (along with its partner BI25B2) will consider how this is achieved at cell and whole body level. The focus in this course will be on the roles of the nervous and endocrine control systems. Specifically, it deals with: the physiology of the cell with special reference to nerve and muscle; cell-cell signalling; neuro-endocrine integration and some aspects of endocrinology; membrane potentials and action potentials in nerve cells; reflexes; central nervous system control of movement; the physiology and pharmacology of the autonomic nervous system; transduction of sensory information by receptors and processing of sensory information by the CNS; the composition and function of blood including its role in immunity.
Structure
3 one-hour lectures per week and 1 three-hour practical every 2 weeks.
Assessment
1st Attempt: 1 two-hour MCQ examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%). Continuous assessment comprises: 2 laboratory reports, mid-term MCQ exam.
Resit: 1 two-hour MCQ examination (70%) and previous continuous assessment (30%).
Formative Assessment
PRS-based revision session allows students to practice for MCQ tests and receive feedback on their performance.
Feedback
Practical reports will be marked with written comments.
Students will be given general feedback on performance during timetabled exam information sessions.
PRS MCQ assessment answers discussed during timetabled exam information sessions.