Vår 2020

MBI-3016 Human physiology - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for medisinsk biologi

Type of course

The course is an elective course for students accepted to the Master´s program in Biomedicine, but is also open for single course students who meet the admission requirements.

Course contents

The physiological regulation of body organ systems to maintain body homeostasis in health and disease. i.e., the nervous system, muscles, the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, excretory organs, the endocrine system and the reproductive system.

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1. December

Admission requirements

The course is an elective course for students accepted to the Master´s program in Biomedicine.

The course can be taken as a singular course by students with a Bachelor´s degree in Biomedicine or similar (180 ECTS).

Recommended prerequisites: Basic knowledge at University Bachelor level in physiology, biochemistry and cell biology.

Application deadline for nordic applicants is 1st of December. Applicationcode: 9371

Admission requirements: see the admission requirements for the Master program in biomedicine

Objective of the course

After the course, the students should be able to:

Knowledge

outline the short- and long-term regulation of blood pressure and discuss the pathophysiology of circulatory shock and essential hypertension
summarise the regulation of cardiac output by alteration of cardiac inotropy and venous return
discuss factors affecting pulmonary ventilation, circulation, and pulmonary gas-exchange, and describe the control of breathing
compare physiological responses to acid/base disturbances and describe examples of metabolic and respiratory disorders
discuss endocrine and neuroendocrine maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, growth and reproductive function, and describe the pathophysiology of common endocrine disorders
explain the regulation of gastrointestinal motility, secretion and absorption of nutrients during different physiological settings, and discuss mechanisms that regulate dietary balance and energy expenditure
explain the development of hypertrophy, atrophy and sarcopenia in skeletal muscles and discuss the muscular adaptations to acute and long-term changes in physical activity
explain integration of sensory input in the central nervous system, the interplay between different areas of the brain and spinal cord, and the induction of simple and complex motor responses

Skills

critically discuss and assess current (potentially conflicting) hypotheses and ideas within human physiology

General proficiency

communicate orally and in writing, relevant issues within human physiology
apply knowledge within physiology in new areas in order to implement advanced work tasks and project

Language of instruction

English

Teaching methods

Seminars where the students and/or teacher present selected topic, which is followed by a discussion and elaboration of physiological issues.

Assessment

The exam for the course consists two parts.

A written exam (3 hours)
An oral examination.

The written exam and the oral exam each counts 50% of the final grade for the course.

Alphabetical grades A-F (F-fail)

Coursework requirements:

The following coursework must be completed in order to attend the written and the oral exam:

Participation in the lectures/seminars
Participation /approval of oral and written tasks given through the course

A re-sit exam/postponed exam will be arranged early in the following semester, for candidates who failed the exam or who, for valid reasons, were unable to attend.

Students who failed the exam must re-sit both the written and the oral examination.