Introduction to Human Biology

Module title	Introduction to Human Biology
Module code	INT0047
Academic year	2021/2
Credits	20
Module staff	Julia De Ste Croix (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		10

Number students taking module (anticipated)	30

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

This module complements the Foundation Biology module, INT0016, extending your knowledge of the basic physiology and functioning of human body systems. It is intended to prepare you for the first year of undergraduate study in medicine or related medical or biological sciences. You will broaden your analytical and interpretative skills building on those developed in the Introduction to Biological Science module, INT0016 and the Foundation Chemistry module, INT0044.

It is a requirement of this module that you have studied or will be concurrently studying the Introduction to Biological Science module, INT0016.

Module aims - intentions of the module

To develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of human biology and how they relate to each other.
To provide a foundation knowledge of human body systems and homeostasis which, in conjunction with the content of the Foundation Biology module, INT0016, gives the preparatory biological requirement for progression to the first year of an undergraduate programme in medicine or related medical or biological sciences.
To prepare students for a problem/enquiry-based approach to learning.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Describe the systems of the human body which are associated with particular functions
2. Describe the interrelationship of each system with other systems and the body as a whole
3. Evaluate data and reports associated with functioning of the body systems studies
4. Describe the effects of named diseases on the human body with particular emphasis on the body systems targeted
5. Describe the role of homeostasis in keeping a stable internal environment and in the regulation of body systems

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

6. Explain the way key body systems relate to each other under normal conditions and how disease can disrupt this relationship
7. Describe and begin to evaluate aspects of knowledge in the medical sciences with reference to data sources outside of lectures
8. Analyse, interpret and evaluate experimental methods and results

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

9. Take responsibility for most of your learning, with some tutor support
10. Work cooperatively in groups through online and/or face to face activity
11. Present your work effectively, both orally and in writing, to your peers
12. Consideration of ethical issues and the multiple perspectives that influence decisions regarding the treatment of human conditions

Syllabus plan

Overview of the body as an organism (organisation, body systems and tissue types)
Brief histology of epithelium, cuboid and ciliated; muscle, smooth and striated; connective tissue, collagen.
Digestive system
Structure and function of the human alimentary canal, its secretions and their role in digestion, conditions affecting the digestive system
Circulatory system
Structure and functions of the blood, heart and blood vessels, heart function, tissue fluid, cardio-vascular disease
Respiratory system
Ventilation, exchange of gases, asthma
Biochemistry of respiration
Nervous system
Response to stimuli, spinal cord, simple reflex arc, structure of motor neurone, synapse and synaptic transmission, effect of psychoactive drugs, motor neurone disease
Control systems
Homeostasis and the concept of negative feedback, structure and function of the kidney, endocrine system, kidney failure and dialysis
Fight or flight – muscles, hormones and nerves working together
The production of a coordinated response, muscle contraction
Reproductive system
Structure and function of human reproductive systems, gametogenesis, fertilisation and implantation, infertility, IVF
Human defence mechanisms
Barriers against infection, immune response, vaccination, HIV

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
60	140	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities	60	Formal online teaching/lectures, group tutorials (online or face to face) and supervised group work
Guided independent study	140	Preparation for lectures and tutorial exercises. Reading and research. Carrying out coursework exercises both independently and in groups depending on the exercise.

Assessment

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Class exercises e.g. tests, exam style questions, research, problem solving group tasks, data analysis	Varies with topic	1-8, 10-12	Oral feedback in tutorials
Coursework presentation and essay preparation	Varies with student (for final size see below)	4, 6-8, 11	Formative feedback available prior to submission

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
40	60	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Presentation	30	Reflective element (with guidance) - (max 500 words) 10% Presentation (5 minutes) 20%	1-7, 9-12	Written feedback on formal submission.
Mid-term Examination (online)	20	CMA MCQ paper 3 hours	1-6, 9, 11	Formal grade only
Final Examination (online)	50	2.5 hour paper, mix of question types	1-9, 11	Formal grade only

Re-assessment

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
Presentation	Presentation	1-7, 9-12	As soon as possible, before APAC
Mid-term Examination (online)	Mid-term Examination (online)	1-6, 9, 11	As soon as possible, before APAC
Final Examination (online)	Examination (online) 2.5 hours	1-12	As soon as possible, before APAC

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that 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 take a re-sit exam. Only your performance in this exam will count towards your final module grade. A grade of 40% will be awarded if the examination is passed.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Williams, G.(2015). Advanced Biology for You. Cheltenham: OUP (Biology module textbook)

Anatomy & Physiology (2^nd Edition) Student workbook, Biozone

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6593

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Human Biology, human body systems, homeostasis

Credit value	20
Module ECTS	10
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	Introduction to Biological Sciences module, INT0016
NQF level (module)	3
Available as distance learning?	Yes
Origin date	20/08/2019
Last revision date	12/08/2021