PHYSIOLOGY

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr D Scott & Dr S Gray

Pre-requisites

BI 20B2 and BI 25B2

Overview

This course takes the integrative function of major organ systems as its main theme. We begin by considering the scientific method in physiology and how the human body copes with the challenges of maintaining homeostasis. We then focus on four specific organ systems - the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastro-intestinal and renal systems. The student will learn how these systems function during health and disease, and how they interact with one another. Special emphasis is placed on the measurement of organ function and pathophysiology. Instruction is also provided in experimental design and measurement of cardiorespiratory variables. Lecture and case-study material is accompanied by the use of a microcomputer in data capture and analysis and a problem-solving project. The course consists of 4 lectures and 1 project/laboratory session per week, and is examined by continuous assessment of course work and a 3-hour written exam.

Structure

3-4 one hour lectures per week and 1 all day practical every week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour essay examination (67%) and in-course assessment (33%). Continuous assessment comprises: 2 laboratory reports, 3 case study exercises, 1 literature-based project (comprised of an individual abstract, a group poster and a peer assessment mark).

Resit: 1 three-hour essay examination (67%) and previous continuous assessment (33%).

Formative Assessment

- Case-study exercise with feedback in preparation for summative assessments.
- Practice exam questions on MyAberdeen.
- Problem-solving sessions.

Feedback

- Practical reports and case studies will be marked with written comments.
- Tutorial/practical sessions will provide feedback on course content.
- Model answers of all assessments will be posted on MyAberdeen.
- Students given informal feedback from wider school during poster presentation session.
- Students also given peer feedback.
- Students also given written feedback on group poster.
- Students also given oral fedback if requested at each weekly practical/project session.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr G McEwan

Pre-requisites

BI 20B2, BI 25B2

Overview

Epithelial transport is essential for the maintenance and propagation of life. In this course you will explore the features of transporting epithelial cells which make them uniquely suited for mediating the controlled, directional passage of ions, nutrients and water across the walls of the alimentary, renal, respiratory and reproductive systems. The importance of these processes to the normal physiological function of these organ systems is reflected by the pathophysiological symptoms which manifest themselves when transport regulation breaks down. For example, infectious diarrhoea occurs as a result of excessive intestinal fluid secretion and accounts for more than five million child deaths per year in developing countries. At the other extreme, the most common genetic disease of the developed world, cystic fibrosis, is caused by a failure of epithelial tissues to secrete any fluid at all resulting in malnutrition, infertility and ultimately, respiratory failure and death. The course will initially examine the common features of transporting epithelial cells and the technologies available for their study. Following on from this, the role of epithelial cells in the kidney, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract and respiratory system will be examined in detail. Emphasis is placed on understanding the cellular transport mechanisms required for the normal physiological function of these systems in health. Where insight into these processes has been enhanced by the study of disease models, these will be highlighted.

Structure

3 one hour lectures per week and 1 all day practical every week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 one and a half hour essay examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).
Continuous assessment comprises: 1 laboratory report, 1 oral presentation of a research paper.

Resit: 1 one and a half hour essay examination (70%) and previous continuous assessment (30%).

Formative Assessment

- Assessment forms with grading criteria discussed in full with class prior to completion of laboratory report and oral presentation exercises.

Feedback

- Practical reports will be graded with structured written comments.
- General class feedback session following return of graded reports.
- Written and verbal feedback provided following grading of oral presentation exercise.
- General class feedback session on oral presentation exercise.
- Exam information session delivered with advice for successful study.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A M Rajnicek

Pre-requisites

BM 3502 or DB 3005

Notes

Students taking this course may not regiser for AN 4301.

Overview

This course considers development of the nervous system in a broad context. Topics include the initial establishment of the nervous system in an embryo, the birth and migration of nerve cells, nerve growth and guidance mechanisms, synapse formation, and development of the eye and brain cortex. Discussion of nervous system plasticity encompasses stem cells and regeneration following injury or disease.

Structure

4 one hour lectures per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour essay examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%).

Continuous assessment comprises: group presentation, 1 essay (2000 words).

Formative Assessment

- Practice exam questions on MyAberdeen.
- Tutorial sessions for group work.

Feedback

- Essays will be marked with written comments.
- Tutor assessment of oral group presentation with written comments.
- Written comments provided to each student on their written summary of the group work.

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr D Shewan

Pre-requisites

PY 3002, PY 3803.

Co-requisites

BM 4004, BM 4005, PY 4302.

Notes

The practical work required in this course may pose difficulties to some students with disabilities. If this arises alternative arrangements will be made. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the School Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

A 10-week research project is undertaken alone or in pairs in which the student learns laboratory or literature research techniques. Each student is assigned to a research team usually on the Foresterhill site, but occasionally projects may be offered by associated teams outwith the University, for example at Robert Gordon University. Each student independently submits the outcome of the project as a thesis. An oral account of the project is presented to SMS staff and fellow students. Students gain extensive experience of literature research procedures, data acquisition and data manipulation. Students are assessed on both their performance throughout the whole project and the quality of the written thesis.

Structure

For literature-based projects, minimum of 2hr tutorial each week for 10 weeks plus all day (9am-5pm) Powerpoint presentations session.

For laboratory-based projects,maximum 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, for 10 weeks plus Powerpoint presentations session.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Continuous assessment of day-to-day performance throughout project duration (25%), supervisor assessment of project report of up to 5000 words (25%), independent second marker's assessment of project report (50%).

Formative Assessment

- Practice oral presentation of research data.
- Practice scientific writing.

Feedback

- Tutorial sessions provide feedback on research and/or practical/technical abilities.
- Feedback on draft thesis provides tuition in scientific writing.