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Physiology 1

Module description

This module will introduce you to some basic concepts of human physiology, including how the human body is organised into cells, tissues and systems.  More specifically, this module will utilise the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to illustrate core concepts, such as homeostasis and neuronal and hormonal signalling, that will provide you with a solid foundation in physiology.   This module will be taught through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops and consolidation & application sessions to promote active learning and engagement with the module content. This module provides the foundation from which you may progress to higher modules in Physiology II and Biology of Cancer.   

To take CSC1010 you must normally have an A Level (or equivalent) in Biology.

Module aims - intentions of the module

In this module, you will learn how the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system are closely integrated in their overall functions to transport oxygenated blood and nutrients, regulate body fluids, electrolytes and pH levels, and to remove metabolic wastes from body tissues.  You will gain an understanding of cardiac muscle physiology, electrical control of the heart, regulation of cardiac output, neuronal and hormonal regulation of the heart, blood vessels and ventilation, and how the respiratory system provides homeostatic control of blood gases and acid/base balance.  How the autonomic nervous system functions to monitor, process and effect the cardio-respiratory systems will also be explored.  Physiological variations across different ethnic groups will be considered and the implications on healthcare and research will be evaluated. Finally, this module will look at what can happen when normal physiological process are compromised by exploring selected cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.  Assessment will take the form of an infographic on a selected physiological concept and an end of module examination.

Graduate attributes: as part of this module, you will develop the key employability skills of time management, team working and communication skills.

The module aligns with sustainable development goals (SDGs) SDG 2 (Improved Nutrition) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) promoting knowledge into human physiology and healthy lives for all.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. Understand fundamental concepts relating to the function and regulation of cardiorespiratory physiology
• 2. Apply physiological principles to the prevention, diagnosis and management of selected cardiorespiratory diseases
• 3. Interpret physiological data relating to cardiorespiratory function in the context of human health and disease

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 4. Evaluate scientific information gained from multiple sources including textbooks, review articles, journals and websites.

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 5. Communicate physiological concepts to a target audience.
• 6. Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Syllabus plan

1. An introductory overview of basic physiology concepts and neuroendocrine control, including how cells, tissues and systems are organised within the human body and how homeostasis is maintained by the peripheral nervous system and endocrine system.
2. Cardiovascular physiology, including the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels, the regulation of the cardiovascular system by the nervous and endocrine systems, the maintenance and regulation of blood pressure, principles of cardiac and smooth muscle contraction, the measurement and analysis of cardiovascular physiology parameters, and an introduction to selected cardiovascular diseases.
3. Respiratory physiology, including the mechanics of ventilation, respiratory gas exchange and transport, the regulation of acid-base balance by the respiratory system, the regulation of the respiratory system by the nervous and endocrine systems, the measurement and analysis of respiratory physiology parameters, and an introduction to selected respiratory diseases.

Accessibility Statement:

As part of this module, you will undertake workshop sessions that are of 2 hrs in duration. Breaks are possible, and students are able to leave the teaching space for short periods. These workshop sessions will be undertaken in pairs or small groups, with students contributing to associated group discussions. 

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

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment 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 (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Physiology, Costanzo, L. 7^th Edition (2022). Elsevier.
• Physiology at a Glance, Ward, J.P.T. & Linden, R.W.A. 4^th Edition (2017). Wiley Blackwell
• Human Physiology from Cells to Systems. Sherwood, L. 9^th Edition (2016). Cengage.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• Module ELE page containing formative quizzes and access to on-line learning resources – Faculty to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages
• Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts. Klabunde, R.E. https://cvphysiology.com
• Visible Body digital Learning platform (or equivalent)

Key words search

Physiology, histology, anatomy, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, peripheral nervous system, autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, blood pressure, homeostasis.