NBIK20005U Cellular and Integrative Physiology

Volume 2023/2024
Education

MSc Programme in Biochemistry
MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biology with a minor subject
MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine

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. The course will include related topics, such as nerve and muscle system, kidney and gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular, respiration system and metabolism. 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 and energy homeostasis. Selected themes will be illustrated by original literature and reviews. 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. Furthermore, the student should be able to read and discuss 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, and in disease.


Skills:

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


Competences:

The student will be able to understand physiology on cellular and integrative level. The student will be able to combine knowledge to address physiological problems. The student will be able to understand, 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.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Lectures in given topics will be followed by class teaching. This will include discussions of the lectures, interactive tasks and quizzes, discussion of original literature with focus on research techniques, lab demonstrations of selected topics and data analysis.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 27
  • Preparation
  • 151
  • Exercises
  • 25
  • Exam
  • 3
  • Total
  • 206
Individual
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 3 hours under invigilation
Type of assessment details
The course has been selected for ITX exam
See important information about ITX-exams at Study Information, menu point: Exams -> Exam types and rules -> Written on-site exams (ITX)
Exam registration requirements

Active participation in two laboratory projects and presentation of the project outcomes in a seminar is compulsive. 

Aid
Only certain aids allowed

Calculator/excel program/drawing programs. 

As the exam is an ITX-exam, the University will make computers with calculator available to students at the exam. Students are not permitted to bring their own calculator.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

Oral examination 30 minutes, no preparation.

If the exam requirements are not fulfilled, the student must take the course again next year.

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.