What will I learn on this module?
Human Physiology provides the fundamental basis for understanding how the human body functions normally. You will be introduced firstly to the cellular and molecular concepts. As the module progresses, you will be encouraged to critically integrate these essential element with the human organ systems. The module is designed to be delivered across four consecutive blocks. In Block 1 (CTP) Cell and Tissue Physiology, you will be introduced to Homeostasis, Excitable tissue, & Intro to Nervous System. Block 2 (S1) is the first systems based module in which you will explore neurophysiology, the autonomic, nervous and cardiovascular systems. In Block 3 students will learn about the pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems. Finally, in Block 4 you will learn about the Renal and Endocrine Systems. Whilst studying the normal physiological mechanisms, students are encouraged to think about what happens when things go wrong in diseased states.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, dentistry or research, then this module provides a solid foundation. You will also be exposed to a large amount of clinical correlates, which are integrated in the lectures, clinical tutorials, online simulations, assessments and final research project.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through content delivery modalities that include; lectures, learning in a small group setting, directed learning activities, self-directed study and hands on practical laboratory sessions. St. George’s University actively promotes technology-enhanced learning through the use of course management software (SAKAI), interactive audience response (TurningPoint) and an online testing platform (ExamSoft). All information relevant to the module including; syllabus, objectives, timetable, staff contact details and assessment will be posted on the SAKAI module site. You will be provided with dedicated online learning resources for all components of the module encompassing: lecture notes, key texts, practice questions, directed learning activities, along with both formative and summative assessment. Exam feedback delivered through ExamSoft will provide an overview of your strengths and weaknesses across categories and subject areas for further improvement. Feedback will also be afforded to you through clicker questions within each lecture and weekly formative assessments. Formative feedback is further supplemented across all modules on the DipHE Medical Sciences programme after lectures or during office hours aligned to the assessment and feedback pillars in the programme framework for Northumbria awards.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Academic members of staff provide support during office hours and via email to clarify concepts and/or direct you to relevant resources You will also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental small group sessions led by a tutor or demonstrator to help you to comprehend and apply key concepts covered in lecture. Online practice questions are provided to help you evaluate your comprehension of module content and to help you grasp key concepts. All teaching and assessment material, including web-based practice problems and quizzes, case reports and other supportive material, is posted on the electronic course management site (SAKAI) and announcements regarding any changes in scheduled delivery will be posted on the module site and emailed to all students. Detailed objectives, practice problems, web based practice quizzes, and other supportive material are posted to the course management site to help guide you through the module. The discussion forum folder on SAKAI is a powerful tool of the course where you may post your questions regarding administrative as well as academic issues and will be encouraged to take part in the discussion. Forums are monitored by Academic members of staff. Academic, learning and personal support is provided through the SGU offices of the Dean of Basic Science, Department of Educational Services and Dean of Students.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Understand and describe the relationship between the structure and function of the molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and systems underlying normal human physiology.
2. Understand and describe the mechanisms through which information is sensed, generated, transferred, and targeted to allow the human body to adapt changing conditions, regulate physiological function, and maintain homeostasis.
3. Analyze and discuss the physiological elements, conditions, and mechanisms and that distinguish abnormal from normal (i.e. diseased vs healthy) physiological conditions, and apply this analysis to principles of medicine.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Develop effective approaches to study & learning, including self-management and self-evaluation & contribute effectively in partnership with others as a member of a team.
5. Understand the principles of physiology underlying select clinical and diagnostic tests, interpret their results, and apply this information to analyze normal and abnormal physiologic states.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
How will I be assessed?
Summative assessments
1. MCQ Exam, this exam consists of 50 questions from the block covered until the exam date. These questions can be in first order, second or third order questions. Each exam will have a small percentage of clinical vignettes (approximately 5-10 questions). (MLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
2. MCQ Exam, this exam consists of 50 questions from the block covered until the exam date. These questions can be in first order, second or third order questions. Each exam will have a small percentage of clinical vignettes (approximately 5-10 questions). This Exam will contain questions on cumulative material from the contents covered in assessment 1. (MLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
3. MCQ Exam, this exam consists of 50 questions from the block covered until the exam date. These questions can be in first order, second or third order questions. Each exam will have a small percentage of clinical vignettes (approximately 5-10 questions). (MLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
4. MCQ Exam, this exam consists of 50 questions from the block covered until the exam date. These questions can be in first order, second or third order questions. Each exam will have a small percentage of clinical vignettes (approximately 5-10 questions). This Exam will contain questions on cumulative material from the contents covered in assessment 1, 2 and 3. (MLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
5. A clinical case based small group work will be provided weekly to allow students the opportunity to apply the basic physiological concepts to real life situations. The key of these sessions is student-student interaction and the success of these sessions largely depends on all members of the team coming prepared and actively participating in the discussion. Each small group practical session contains a formative assessment. These can take the form of clicker questions, a worksheet or an online prerequisite or post SG assessment. Students must submit a minimum number of these formative practical assessments in order to pass the course. (1,2,3,4,5)
6. Interactive multiple choice question (IMCQ) sessions aim to enhance a student’s test-taking skills and increase their exposure to USMLE style multiple choice single best answer questions, These sessions will improve students’ approach to answering MCQs and emphasize the link between questions and course objectives. As a learning tool, IMCQs provide students with valuable formative feedback enabling them to modify their approach to learning course content, and to identify weaknesses that require remediation. (MLO 1,2,3,4)
7. Practice quizzes and PBL's will be provided every week, each quiz comprised of 10 questions delivered via Sakai. Students must correctly answer all of the questions in order to earn ten points the practice quizzes and PBL's during the semester. (1,2,3,4)
8. Discussion Forums, apart from studying independently, students are encouraged to form their own study groups of 3 to 5 active members. These groups should meet about once a week to discuss difficult course concepts. Active participation in these small group discussions is essential to students’ successful understanding, application, and mastery of course material. (1,2,3,4)
9. Presentation, your final research project gives you the opportunity to culminate the course experience by integrating organ systems seen in clinical or experiments situations. The project is set up as a ‘science fair’ with faculty and peer assessments. (1,2,3,4)
10. Attendence, each lecture contains formative assessment, usually in the format of at least 2 clicker questions of which the first and last questions must be answered. Students must submit a minimum number of these formative lecture assessments in order to pass the course.(1,2,3,4)
11.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
AP0432 Clinical Cases
AP0430 Human Anatomy
Module abstract
After undertaking this module, you will be able to appreciate the cellular, molecular and organ system of the normal and abnormal functioning of the human body. In this module, you will be exposed to the foundations of human physiology in an active learning environment allowing you to develop skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and communication. You will also be guided by academic members of staff, which includes both clinicians and scientists during lectures, small group discussions, simulations, online discussion forums, interactive multiple choice question sessions and a research project presentation. You will complete this module with a thorough understanding of current evidence based human physiology, which can prepare you for pursuit of postgraduate medicine, dentistry, physiology or research.
Course info
Credits 13
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 5 Year Programme
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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