Human Physiology and Pathophysiology Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course focuses on the core principles, theory and concepts of human physiology and pathophysiology. It examines the normal functions and mechanisms of the human organism such as, blood, circulatory system, breathing, digestive, urinary, humoral and nervous systems, from the molecular level to the shared mutual relationships between particular systems. It considers the concept of homeostasis and the factors that ensure the continuous regulation of the human physiological system. This is linked to consideration of factors, from a cellular level to tissues and organs that give rise to physiological abnormalities and the impact these have on mechanisms and systems that may lead to the progression of disease and injury.

Course Aims

• To introduce the principles, theory and concepts of physiology and pathophysiology.

• To examine the functions of the major organs and physiological systems within the human body.

• To gain insight into abnormalities that affect human physiology.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year. 

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• Online learning
• Online discussion groups
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
• One-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
• Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Assessment will be in two forms:

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.  

Feedback is provided on summatively assessed assignments and through generic internal examiners’ reports, both of which are posted on the VLE.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

• Mader, S. S. (2004). Biology (8th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. 
• Sherwood, L. (2001). Human physiology : from cells to systems (4th ed.). Pacific Grove, Calif. : Brooks/Cole
• Costanzo, L. S. (2018). Physiology (Sixth edition.). Philadelphia, PA : Elsevier

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on human physiology and pathophysiology as directed by their course leader.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on human physiology and pathophysiology.

Indicative Topics

• Physiology
• Pathophysiology
• Experimental techniques