Integrated Human Physiology
| Module title | Integrated Human Physiology |
|---|---|
| Module code | CSC1005 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Melanie Moore (Convenor) Dr Dominic Wiredu Boakye (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 | 11 | 1 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 270 |
|---|
Module description
This core module provides an introduction to the science that underpins human health; from cells through to systems that regulate everyday functions. You will explore the modules content through a variety of different teaching formats including working in small groups with a facilitator, larger group seminars and supporting lectures. You will explore the core concepts of human physiology with some examples of diseases in order to underpin your understanding of the normal physiology that controls the internal environment of the human body. The module is structured in cycles of question-setting, personal research and sharing of findings within and between small groups. The personal research stage of each learning cycle is supported by workshops/seminars and delivery of lectures or videoed lecture content, as well as electronic resources.
This is a core module for students studying BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences and associated pathways.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the module is to introduce and explore the fundamental concepts of human physiology from cellular functions through to systems that are responsible for homeostasis. The module aims to begin with the broader principles of how cells communicate and how cells function. From this basis, you will explore key physiological systems, investigating the central and peripheral nervous systems, how differing muscles are stimulated to contract, the digestive system and key associated nutritional principles, the cardiorespiratory system, the renal system and its regulatory role and the immune system and how it aims to protect the body against infection and disease. This module also aims to introduce the principles of group learning, critical thinking, problem solving and communication of scientific information.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate an integrated basic knowledge of the biomedical principles underpinning human health.
- 2. Demonstrate a basic awareness of the scientific principles underpinning the prevention, diagnosis and management of some important diseases
- 3. With guidance, apply skills of critical thinking, problem-formulation and problem-solving.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Understand the need for good laboratory practice, competency and professional behaviour, within the broad context of physiology
- 5. Critically appraise scientific information gained from multiple sources including text books, review articles, journals and websites.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Manage time, workload, ambiguity, change and stress effectively
- 7. Demonstrate professional competence in communicating effectively.
- 8. Demonstrate an ability to work as part of a team.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
Cell signalling- Introduce the differing types of cell receptors and associated signalling pathway mechanisms through the exploration of hormonal signalling processes within the context of a variety of physiological process such as gene expression, cell growth/proliferation and other important cellular functions.
Nervous system- Gross anatomy and structure, electrical and chemical signalling and associated receptors.
Cardiorespiratory system- Structure of the heart and blood vessels. Blood pressure and how it is regulated. Structure of the lungs and key processes of inspiration and expiration.
Renal system- Structure of the kidneys/nephrons. Functions of the kidney. Process of blood filtration, reabsorption/excretion of filtrate labelled for urination. Hormonal regulation of water and ion reabsorption/excretion.
Gastrointestinal system- Structure of the gastrointestinal tract. Key physiological functions and processes that differentially occur throughout the system. Exploration of the basics of nutrition, digestion and absorption of macro/micronutrients.
Pharmacology – Introduce the fundamentals of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics with direct applications to systems taught within the module.
Immune system- Basic function of the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 63 | 237 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 44 | Facilitated structured small group learning (SSGL) sessions If face-to-face delivery is not possible, this will be delivered through MS Teams or Zoom, supported by online collaborative platforms. |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 19 | Structured supporting learning sessions (including a combination of Laboratory practical sessions, workshops and seminar sessions) If face-to-face delivery is not possible, this will be delivered through MS Teams or Zoom, supported by online collaborative platforms. |
| Guided Independent Study | 18 | Lecture material delivered through face-to-face sessions supported by asynchronous discussion board. |
| Guided Independent Study | 219 (approximately 10 hours per week of self-directed studies) | Session preparation, self-directed learning using on-line resources and videos accessed on the module web site, team mural creation and online discussion forum contribution and revision. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice multiple-choice questions | Variety of 20-40 questions for each topic area | 1-2 and 4 | Online |
| Practice multiple-choice questions Engagement in small group learning | Term 1 | 1-3 and 5-8 | Written/Verbal |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| End of Term 1 Applied Scientific Knowledge (multiple-choice question exam) | 25 | 60 minutes, 50 questions | 1-2 & 4 | Verbal |
| End of Term 2 Applied Scientific Knowledge (multiple-choice question exam) | 25 | 60 minutes, 50 questions | 1-2 & 4 | Verbal |
| Term 1 Mid-term Applied Scientific Knowledge (multiple-choice question exam) | 15 | 60 minutes, 50 questions | 1-2 & 4 | Verbal |
| Term 2 Mid-term Applied Scientific Knowledge (multiple-choice question exam) | 15 | 60 minutes, 50 questions | 1-2 & 4 | Verbal |
| Engagement in small group learning (Term 2) | 20 | Engagement in the SSGL process will be assessed by the facilitator throughout the year. This will include the quality and quantity of resources the student shares in the teams collaborative space as well as attendance. A final score and judgement will be provided to the student at the end of term 2 | 1-3 & 5-8 | Written |
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| End of Term 1 Applied Scientific Knowledge (multiple-choice question exam) | Multiple-choice online quiz (25%) | 1-2 & 4 | Referral/Deferral period |
| End of Term 2 Applied Scientific Knowledge (multiple-choice question exam) | Multiple-choice online quiz (25%) | 1-2 & 4 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Term 1 Mid-term Applied Scientific Knowledge (multiple-choice question exam) | Multiple-choice online quiz (15%) | 1-2 & 4 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Term 2 Mid-term Applied Scientific Knowledge (multiple-choice question exam) | Multiple-choice online quiz (15%) | 1-2 & 4 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Engagement in small group learning | Short reflective piece of written work 500 words on importance of collaboration and working in a team (20%) | 1-3 & 5-8 | Referral/Deferral period Please see further details in the re-assessment notes |
Re-assessment notes
The module is split into theme blocks e.g Nervous system, cardiovascular system, etc. (see syllabus plan) Each e-resource is specific to a theme block. As such, if a student needs an extension, they can submit another e-resource (notes+3 question quiz) for another theme block. Deferrals are not permitted for either the e-resource or engagement in small group learning assignment.
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Human Physiology from Cells to Systems. Sherwood, L. (2016, 9th edition) Cengage Learning.
- Medical Sciences. Eds. Naish, J. and Syndercombe Court, D. (2018, 3rd edition) Elsevier
- Pharmacology. Rang, H., Ritter, J., Flower, R. and Henderson, G. (2016, 8th Edition). Elsevier
- Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Waller, D. G. Sampson, A., and Hitchings, A. (2021) Elsevier Health Sciences
- Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Tortora, G. and Derrickson, B. (2017, 15th edition). Wiley
- Molecular Biology of the Cell. Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Morgan, D., Raff, M., Roberts, K. and Walter, P. (2022, 7th edition) Garland Science
ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=9075
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 19/07/2017 |
| Last revision date | 21/04/2024 |
