Physiological Sciences

Overview

The module will provide knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Introductory and basic systems pharmacology; physiology of movement and sensation; physiology of pain, analgesia and use of local anaesthetics; the neural control of exercising muscle; physiological regulation of the vasculature and circulation; blood supply to special regions; cardiac output; mechanical and electrical events of the cardiac cycle; the cardiovascular system during exercise; static and dynamic lung mechanics; spirometry; gas transport and transfer; lung function and exercise; renal clearance; acid base regulation and disorders; the kidney’s role in exercise and drug excretion; applied physiology including exercise testing and training.

Learning Objectives

On completion of the module the successful student should be able to:
- describe and explain neural, cardiovascular, respiratory and renal system physiology and apply it to exercise and extreme environments
- demonstrate and apply basic pharmacological knowledge to the neural, cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems
- apply knowledge to analyse and interpret experimental data
- apply knowledge to analyse and interpret normal observations in health and abnormal observations in selected diseases of these systems.

Skills

- Analysis, interpretation and presentation of numerical data by statistical, graphical, numerical and logical analytical procedures
- Data collection and recording of physiological measurements in humans
- Appreciation of the importance of physiological measurements in disease
- Problem-solving
- Independent use of library facilities for literature review and assessment
- Communication – verbal and written
- Team work

Assessment

All continuous assessment elements must be submitted. To gain an equal share of the marks in a group assignment, students must give a full commitment to the group in attendance and actions. Students must pass both the written examination AND the combined continuous assessment elements. Although 100 % attendance at all classes is normally expected, a minimum of 75 % attendance will be acceptable if appropriate mitigation is provided.