Course overview
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the normal function of physiological systems and the critical integrative manner in which they interact. Integumentary System: nature and function, injury and healing mechanisms, effect of ageing and UV damage, role in innate immunity; Lymphatic and Immune System: identification and function of the major components of the lymphatic system and the role, distribution and importance of lymphocytes, the mechanisms of non-specific (innate) and specific (adaptive) immunity; metabolism: describe the basic functioning of the major metabolic pathways involved in energy production; Neural Pathways: structure and function of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, sensory pathways, somatic nervous pathway and spinal reflexes, autonomic pathways and the special senses of vision and hearing; Endocrine System: identification of major organs and their functions, major classes of hormones and their functions, general mechanism of hormone action, comparison between the endocrine and nervous systems; Renal System: structure and function of main components, mechanism of urine formation, regulatory processes of glomerular filtration, the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone in controlling urine volume and concentration, regulation of fluid and pH; Reproduction: nature and function of the female and male reproductive systems, hormonal regulation, common pathologies. Skills in teamwork and critical thinking.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the underlying principles of physiological regulation through feedback mechanisms and the integrative nature of body systems.
- Describe the key role(s) of metabolism and the nervous and endocrine systems in the regulation of physiological processes throughout the human body.
- Describe in detail the composition and functions of the integumentary, immune, renal, and reproductive systems.
- Recognise the limitations of normal physiological function.
- Develop skills in teamwork and critical thinking through data collection, analysis and presentation.