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BIOL2521: INTEGRATED PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

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Type	Open
Level	2
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location	Durham
Department	Biosciences

Prerequisites

Level 1 Introduction to Physiology BIOL1151.

Corequisites

At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences module.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

None

Aims

To study the homeostasis of human physiological control systems at an intermediate level.
To consider non-pathological altered states of human physiology - resulting from endogenous and exogenous stimuli - which are a challenge to homeostasis.
To explore the bases of disease states resulting from breakdown in homeostasis.

Content

Neuroscience
Cardiovascular Physiology
Endocrinology

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Knowledge of the functioning major human physiological processes at an intermediate level.
Knowledge of the effects of stresses and stimuli on the normal functions of human physiology.
Knowledge of the effects of disease on normal human physiology, and how pathophysiologies develop.
Knowledge of the the bases of pharmacological interventions to correct abnormal physiologies.

Subject-specific Skills:

Understanding of experimental techniques used to investigate human physiology in "normal" individuals.
Analysis of data from physiological experiments, using statistical methods.

Key Skills:

Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculations involved in data handling.
Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in human physiology practical reports.
Team work.
Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
Practical Exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
Practical Exercises are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis.
Problem Exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Lectures	24	Weekly	2 hours p/w	24
Practical Exercises	3	2 per term	4 hours	12	Yes
Workshops	4	2 per term	1 hour	4	Yes
Tutorials	2	1 per term	1 hour	2	Yes
Preparation & Reading				158
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Practical Report		50	Yes
Presentation		50	Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate.

More information

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