Human Physiology
| Module title | Human Physiology |
|---|---|
| Module code | ESS1007 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Dimitris Vlachopoulos (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 205 |
|---|
Module description
The function of the human body is dependent on the interaction between numerous physiological systems. This module will provide you with an overview of the role of key physiological systems in the human body including the cardiovascular, respiratory, blood, thermoregulatory, endocrine, neural, muscular and cellular systems, and how these interact as part of an integrated physiological system. You will gain an appreciation of how these systems preserve homeostasis and how these systems respond when the human body is stressed during exercise. You will also be provided with ample opportunity to put theory into practice by performing physiological measurements in the exercise physiology laboratory. The knowledge gained in this module will provide a good foundation of knowledge in human physiology and an introduction to aspects of exercise physiology that will be expanded in future modules. There are no pre or co-requisites for this module and it is suitable for non-specialist students who have studied some science at A-Level or equivalent.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module seeks to provide you with the necessary foundation knowledge of the human body as a physiological system and how to perform basic physiological measurements in an exercise physiology laboratory. The key components of the cardiovascular, respiratory, blood, thermoregulatory, endocrine, neural, muscular and cellular systems will be covered, alongside the integration of these systems. You will also be introduced to how some of these systems change during exercise. You will cover the theoretical aspects and complement this with practical laboratory sessions to assess and analyse the responses at rest and during exercise whilst gaining experience of necessary laboratory techniques.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Identify at a fundamental level key physiological systems
- 2. Explain how the key physiological systems relate to exercise and sport
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Demonstrate scientific writing skills through the production of the abstract
- 4. Display competence in basic laboratory skills
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Manage self-learning: reflect on progress; manage time; learn independently
Syllabus plan
- Introduction to the module; The respiratory system
- The cardiovascular system
- The blood and oxygen transport
- Cellular structure and function
- Body water balance and hydration
- The thermoregulatory system
- The endocrine system
- The neural system
- The muscular system
- The integrated physiological system
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 106 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Practical classes |
| Guided Independent Study | 8 | Seminar preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 24 | Reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Completing study tasks on ELE |
| Guided Independent Study | 12 | Abstract coursework and data analysis |
| Guided Independent Study | 42 | Preparation for assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summative assignment (Abstract) is submitted mid-term and acts as a formative assessment | 250 words | 1-5 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 80 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract | 20 | 250 words | 1-5 | Written |
| MCQ examination | 80 | 1 hour 15 minutes | 1-3 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract | Abstract | 1-5 | August/September Assessment period |
| MCQ examination | MCQ examination | 1-3 | August/September Assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Key text:
- McArdle, Katch and Katch (2009). Exercise Physiology. Williams and Wilkins (two copies are on temporary reserve in the library and one on short-term loan. The book is also available from the University bookshop and is a recommended purchase for 1st year and 2nd year physiology modules.
Other Texts:
There are a number of other physiology related books which cover the essential material at this first year level, including.
- Wilmore, J.H., and Costill, D.L. (1999). Physiology of Sport and Exercise (2nd Edition)
- Powers and Howley. (1994). Exercise Physiology, Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance.
- Robergs, R.A. and Keteyian, S.J. (2003). Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology. For Fitness, performance and Health. McGraw-Hill
Web-based and electronic resources:
- ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3383 – readings, lecture notes, web links and follow-up exercises will be posted on the module’s ELE site.
- British Association of Sport and Exercise Science – www.bases.org.uk
- European College of Sport Science: https://sport-science.org/
- American College of Sports Medicine – www.acsm.org
- Sports Science – www.sportsci.org
Other resources:
As this module will be introducing fundamental concepts which are continuously being re-examined, we will draw significantly on journal articles. Therefore, reading of scientific journals should form a key component of your learning.
- Human Physiology
- Journal of Human Physiology
- Frontiers in Physiology
- New Phytologist
- American Journal of Physiology
- Physiological Reviews
- European Journal of Applied Physiology
- International Journal of Sports Medicine
- Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
- Sports Medicine
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10307 – readings, lecture notes, web links and follow-up exercises will be posted on the module’s ELE site.
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
As this module will be introducing fundamental concepts which are continuously being re-examined, we will draw significantly on journal articles. Therefore, reading of scientific journals should form a key component of your learning.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 30/04/2012 |
| Last revision date | 16/07/2020 |
