PSC1002 : Physiology
PSC1002 : Physiology
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Alison Howard
- Lecturer: Professor Jeffrey Pearson, Professor Andrew Jackson, Dr Michele Sweeney, Dr Michael Gray, Dr Owen Jeffries, Professor Jenny Read, Dr Laura Young
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 15 |
ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The module aims to provide an introduction to mammalian physiology, covering the structure and function of the major systems of the body and the control mechanisms involved in their regulation (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, blood, nervous and gastrointestinal systems). The integration of different systems in the maintenance of a constant internal environment within the body (homeostasis) will be emphasised.
Outline Of Syllabus
The lectures and seminars cover the following topics:
1. Homeostasis: maintenance of constant internal environment; autonomic nervous system.
Blood: constituents of blood; blood groups; blood clotting.
2. Cardiovascular system: organisation and function of cardiovascular system; electrical conduction in the heart; neural and hormonal influences on the cardiovascular system; blood pressure.
3. Respiratory system: process of respiration/ventilation; factors that influence the work of breathing; gas exchange in the lung; gas transport in blood; control of ventilation.
4. Nervous system: sensation of touch, pressure and vibration; motor control; structure of the ear; how sound is represented in the brain; how an image is formed in the eye; how visual information is processed.
5. Renal system: structure and function of the kidney and nephron; mechanisms of control of reabsorption; hormonal control of water and sodium content of the body.
6. Gastrointestinal system: saliva and gastric secretions; pancreatic secretions; the gall bladder; digestion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
7. Exercise and Environmental changes: how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems adapt to meet the demands of exercise and unusual environments.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
1. Identify and relate the structures and functions of major organs, tissues and systems.
2. Recognise the role of the autonomic nervous system in controlling cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.
3. Link the main mechanisms involved in cardiac function and regulation of blood pressure.
4. Define the mechanisms of oxygen delivery to and carbon dioxide removal from tissues.
5. Define the main mechanisms involved in ventilation and respiratory control.
6. Recognise the essential role of blood.
7. Illustrate how receptors in the skin, ear and eye transduce stimuli into neural activity and how this information is processed in the brain, e.g. movement, hearing, vision.
8. Recognise the role of the renal system in regulation of body water and sodium content.
9. Compare the mechanisms of digestion and absorption of starch, protein and fat.
10. Describe physiological adaptions to exercise and changes to the environment, e.g. altitude.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
1. Independently locate information about Physiology via the library, Canvas and the internet, to support and reinforce material taught in lectures (information literacy).
2. Work with peers in small groups to solve Physiology related problems in seminars (problem solving & collaboration).
3. Effectively communicate knowledge of Physiology, obtained from lectures and private study, to peers and staff during seminars (oral and interpersonal communication skills).
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Invigilated formative assessment (mid semester). In person via Inspera. |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 29 | 1:00 | 29:00 | In person lectures |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | In-person seminars |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 116:00 | 116:00 | Writing up lecture notes, general reading and revision |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | In-person end-of-module Q&A to review module content in preparation for exams. |
Total | 150:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
1. Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.
2. Seminars will encourage students to develop their understanding of the subject and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication & team working.
3. Private study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts; preparation for seminars; using learning resources on the Web. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Digital Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 100 | In-person Inspera Invigilated: Quiz Format questions, maximum 120 questions. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
Digital Examination | 2 | M | In-person Inspera Invigilated timed (45 minutes) Quiz Format questions (mid-semester), maximum 45 questions. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The end of module examination assesses knowledge and understanding of the course material.
The formative assessment will help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as familiarise students with the end of module examination.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSC1002's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PSC1002's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.