PY3002: Integrative Physiology - Catalogue of Courses

PY3002: INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04

Course Overview

this course integrates advanced physiological knowledge using examples from four different organ systems to help explain how these systems interact in health and disease;
use of real-life clinical examples, diagnostic test data and a literature-based research project facilitates an enquiry and interest-based learning experience;
with an aging population and ever-increasing number of people with complex diseases, you will appreciate why understanding how organs interact is the key to improving the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders;
state-of-the-art practical classes measuring physiological functions delivers hands-on science and clinically-related skills to develop professional preparation and knowledge-based practice

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	3
Term	First Term	Credit Points	30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Derek Scott

Qualification Prerequisites

Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Either BI20B2 Physiology of Human Cells (Passed) or BI25B2 Physiology of Human Organ Systems (Passed)
Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

This course takes the integrative function of major organ systems as its main theme. We begin by considering the scientific method in physiology and how the human body copes with the challenges of maintaining homeostasis. We then focus on four specific organ systems - the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastro-intestinal and renal systems. The student will learn how these systems function during health and disease, and how they interact with one another. Special emphasis is placed on the measurement of organ function and pathophysiology. Instruction is also provided in experimental design and measurement of cardiorespiratory variables. Lecture and case-study material is accompanied by the use of a microcomputer in data capture and analysis and a problem-solving project. The course consists of 4 lectures and 1 project/laboratory session per week, and is examined by continuous assessment of course work and a 3-hour written exam.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 21st September 2026 for Term 1 and Full Year courses and 8th January 2027 for Term 2 courses.

Summative Assessments

100% continuous assessment

PRACTICALS (30%)

SHORT ANSWER CASE STUDIES (30%)
•Cardiovascular case study – 10%
•Respiratory case study – 10%
•Gastrointestinal OR renal case study - 10%

PHYSIOLOGY INFOGRAPHIC PROJECT (20%) (completed over 11-12 weeks)
•Abstract – 9%
•Peer review – 1%
•Poster – 10%

COURSE ESSAY (20%)
•1500 words on an applied physiology topic.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome

Factual	Remember	ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

51cg