PHY2820 - Physiology of human health - 2019

In Physiology of human health, students learn how the human body systems act together to perform complex body functions. Students will study the endocrine system and how it coordinates and integrates to regulate health and disease. The role of hormones will be examined with respect to the male and female reproductive systems, and the gastrointestinal system. Common dysfunctions of these body systems are also explored, to allow for a greater understanding and appreciation of both the normal physiology and disease states. This unit will provide a foundation in human physiology to support further study in medical sciences.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Describe the mechanism, action and role of hormones on the human gastrointestinal and reproductive systems;
2. Evaluate and explain how changes in the normal endocrine system may lead to disease;
3. Perform physiology laboratory techniques including measurements of carbohydrate metabolites, and analyse experimental data quantitatively;
4. Discuss and critically analyse physiology research papers;
5. Collaborate effectively in a group to complete academic tasks;
6. Communicate experimental physiology data via written practical reports.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Online multiple choice quizzes: 20%

Two practical reports (5% each): 10%

Literature review: 10%

Oral research project presentation: 10%

Computer simulation exercise: 5%

Examination (2 hours): 45%

Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical class or progress review period per week

See also Unit timetable information

Medicinal chemistry