NBIA04091U Cellular and Integrative Physiology

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Programme in Biology
Content
Physiology is a very dynamic discipline, which develops continuously and utilizes new knowledge, perspectives and techniques from other scientific disciplines. The aim of the course is to integrate our knowledge of gene products and cellular functions with organ- and whole-body physiology. A thorough background established in cell physiology will be combined with organ physiology and studies on gene manipulated animals. The course will include related topic, such as nerve and muscle system, kidney and gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular and respiration system. These topics will also be cross-integrated in themes such as salt/water homeostasis, acid/base regulation, disturbance of ion channels and transduction processes, adaptation to physical activity etc. Selected themes will be illustrated by original literature, research based teaching from the institute. The course is suitable for students that are generally interested in physiology, biomedicine, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry.
Learning Outcome
The student will obtain a wide theoretical knowledge within the physiological field. There will be a focus on fundamental principles in cell physiology that form basis in understanding of organ- and whole-body physiology. The student should be able to explain mechanisms involved in cellular regulation, interplay between different cells in the same organ, as well as in different organs. This approach will lay foundations for understanding of various physiological systems (see below), their normal function and their function in stress, environmental challenges and disease. The student should be able to apply calculations to solve physiological problems. Furthermore, the student should be able to read, discuss and present original scientific literature.


Knowledge:
The student will obtain a wide theoretical knowledge within the physiological field. There will be a focus on fundamental principles in cell physiology that form basis in understanding of organ- and whole-body human physiology. The student will be able to explain mechanisms involved in cellular regulation, interplay between different cells in the same organ, as well as in different organs. This approach will lay foundations for understanding of various physiological systems, their normal function and their function in stress, environmental challenges and disease.


Skills:
The student will be able to read, discuss and present original scientific literature in the physiological field. The student will be able to communicate outcome of studies to peers and also to non-specialists. Furthermore, the student will get an insight and experience in physiological experimental design and be able to apply calculations to solve physiological problems.


Competencies:
Based on physiological discipline, the student will be able to both analyze complex and integrated systems, as well as understand detailed driving mechanisms. The student will be able to design experiments and studies to test given hypothesis. The student will be able to evaluate and communicate concepts related to normal and abnormal physiological functions.
Literature
See Absalon.
Previous basic course in physiology or cell biology is greatly advantageous.
50 lectures, overview lectures and student seminars, 42 interactive hours (colloquia, theoretical projects, practical-, video- and computer exercises).
The course is part of the qualification profile Cell Biology and Physiology. For all courses of the qualification profiles, see Course Portal for Department of Biology.
Teaching language will be English if international students are present.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 16
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Guidance
  • 5
  • Lectures
  • 50
  • Practical exercises
  • 14
  • Preparation
  • 311
  • Project work
  • 3
  • Theory exercises
  • 9
  • Total
  • 412
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 4 hours under invigilation
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Exam registration requirements
Active participation in the interactive teaching is a prerequisite for exams.
Aid
Only certain aids allowed
Calculator and dictionary.
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam
Oral.
Criteria for exam assesment
In order to achieve the grade 12 the student must perform the following:

  • link cellular processes and regulatory mechanisms, including integrative interactions between cells in the same organ or cells in various organs
  • explain and summarize the organism's overall physiological systems, their normal function, and function under stress and certain diseases
  • explain the overall body and cell structure
  • apply relevant calculation methods to physiological problems
  • explain the relevant methods used to elucidate physiological problems
  • present, discuss, evaluate and criticize the original literature