PSYG09002 2022 Physiological Systems

Differentiate and integrate anatomical structures of the respiratory, cardiac, vascular, gastrointestinal and neurological systems and related systems. 

Assess and explain physiological concepts relevant to the respiratory, cardiac, vascular, gastrointestinal and neurological systems. 

Distinguish structures responsible for regulation/control of body systems and discuss how they provide an integrated response to altered demand, changes in metabolism, and disease states. 

Explain components and function of the lymphatic system and body defences, including immunity/immune response and its role in disease states. 

Summarise common pathologies of the respiratory, cardiac, vascular, gastrointestinal and neurological systems. 

Lectures will expose learners to key concepts supported by laboratory-based practicals. Practical work will offer opportunities for interactive learning in small groups through enquiry and discussion. 

The VLE will support the module as a repository for learning material but also providing opportunities for self-directed learning through the provision of short formative assessment quizzes and activities including case study work. Module materials embrace the principles of a Universal Design for Learning approach. 

Students will be expected to actively engage with reading material and self-directed learning activities to promote integration of prior knowledge and assimilation of new specialist knowledge. 

Students will write up laboratory practicals as a key part of ongoing assessment to apply theory to case study data. Written feedback will be provided at regular intervals as a result of this process. 

Short answer and multiple-choice quizzes will also be used to assess theoretical knowledge. 

Application of theoretical knowledge will also be assessed via final written exam. 

Students will be afforded the opportunity to undertake any/all Failed elements of the module at the earliest opportunity. Where the attendance of practicals is below 75%, students will be expected to offset the deficit before being regarded as having successfully completed the module.

This module contains 'must pass' assessments.  The minimum ‘pass’ mark for this module overall is 50%.

Where the attendance at practicals is below 75%, students will be expected to offset the deficit before being regarded as having successfully completed the module.

Indicative Lectures:

• Introduction to integrative anatomy and physiology: Levels of organization, physiological concepts (including the central unifying concept of homeostasis and homeostatic regulation), communication systems (endocrine/nervous), and integration.
• Functional anatomy and physiology of the muscular, skeletal, and integumentary systems (with reference to regulation, relationships with other body systems, pathophysiology, and common pathologies).
• Functional anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system (with reference to regulation, relationships with other body systems, pathophysiology, and common pathologies).
• Functional anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular (heart and vasculature) and lymphatic systems and immunity (with reference to regulation, relationships with other body systems, pathophysiology, and common pathologies).
• Functional anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system (GI tract and accessory organs), metabolism and energetics (with reference to regulation, relationships with other body systems, pathophysiology, and common pathologies).
• Functional anatomy and physiology of the nervous system (central and peripheral) (with reference to regulation, relationships with other body systems, pathophysiology, and common pathologies).
• Functional anatomy and physiology regulation of the endocrine and reproductive systems (with reference to regulation, relationships with other body systems, pathophysiology, and common pathologies).
• Functional anatomy and physiology of the urinary system including fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance (with reference to regulation, relationships with other body systems, pathophysiology, and common pathologies).

Indicative Practicals: 

Laboratory activities are designed to support lectures and enhance module learning, where pre-lab reading, accessing virtual simulations, and/or tutorials may be required for each practical.

• Cardiovascular: Pulse, Blood Pressure, and ECG testing of healthy persons at rest and during altered demand (exercise) states (using expired air analysis). Norm values for healthy persons and values typically observed in various cardiovascular system pathologies Anatomy/histology of vascular tissue.
• Respiratory:  Spirometry testing of healthy persons at rest and during altered demand (exercise) states. Norm values for healthy persons and values typically observed in various respiratory system pathologies. Anatomy/histology of pulmonary tissue. 
• Gastrointestinal:  Case Study Tutorial.
• Neurological:  Neuromuscular stimulation and reflexes (including reference to abnormal/disease states).
• Control and Integrative Physiology: Scientific experiment to investigate response of five physiological systems to increased metabolism (exercise) with presentation according to standard scientific practice. Urinalysis.