NBIK20005U Cellular and Integrative Physiology

Volume 2024/2025
Education

MSc Programme in Biochemistry

MSc Programme in Biology

MSc Programme in Biology with a minor subject

MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine

MSc Programme in Human Physiology

Content

Physiology is a very dynamic discipline, which constantly evolves and which provides a coupling between multiple disciplines such as cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics in the context of whole body function. The aim of the course is to integrate our knowledge of cellular functions with organ- and whole-body physiology in humans. This will be achieved by giving a comprehensive understanding of cellular processes and how they integrate at the organ and whole-body level. Additionally, the course will explore the role of these physiological principles in the context of understanding disease and pathological conditions. The course will include topics such as the nervous system, the gastrointestinal system, hormones, metabolism, cardiovascular and lung function as well as exercise and altitude physiology. Selected themes will be illustrated by original literature and reviews. The course is suitable for students that are generally interested in physiology, biomedicine, biotechnology, and/or pharmaceutical industry. One external lecturer will contribute.

Learning Outcome

The student will obtain a strong theoretical knowledge within the physiological field. There will be a focus on fundamental principles in cell physiology that form the basis for understanding organ- and whole-body physiology in humans. The student should be able to explain mechanisms involved in cellular regulation as well as the interplay between cells within an organ and between different organs. This approach will lay foundations for understanding cellular and integrative physiology in humans during normal conditions as well as in response to stress, environmental challenges, and disease. Furthermore, the student should be able to analyze and interpret research data as well as read and discuss scientific literature.


Knowledge:

The student will obtain a strong theoretical knowledge within the physiological field. There will be a focus on fundamental principles in cell physiology that form the basis for understanding organ- and whole-body human physiology. The student will be able to explain mechanisms involved in cellular regulation as well as interplay between different cells and organs. This approach will lay foundations for understanding various physiological systems during normal conditions and during stress and in disease states.


Skills:

The student will be able to explain mechanisms involved in cellular regulation as well as in the interplay between different cells and organs. Furthermore, the student has an insight and experience in physiological experimental design as well as experience in analyzing research data and will be able to communicate outcome of studies to peers.


Competences:

The student will be able to understand physiology at the cellular and integrative level and will be able to combine knowledge to address physiological problems. The student will be able to understand, evaluate and communicate concepts related to physiological function in health and disease.

See Absalon.

Previous basic courses in physiology and cell biology are advantageous.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree are recommended.
Lectures in a given topics will be followed by class teaching. This will include discussions of the topics from the lectures, interactive tasks, quizzes, problem solving, work with research data and discussion of original literature with focus on research techniques. Moreover, laboratory demonstrations of selected topics and data analysis will be included.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 25
  • Preparation
  • 150
  • Exercises
  • 28
  • Exam
  • 3
  • Total
  • 206
Individual
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
On-site written exam, 3 hours under invigilation
Aid
Only certain aids allowed
  • Text book
  • Absalon teaching material
  • Own notes
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

Oral examination, 30 minutes with no preparation time.

Criteria for exam assesment

In order to obtain the grade 12 the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.