PHYSIOL 2510 - Physiology IIA: Heart, Lung & Neuromuscular Systems

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

Physiology is the study of the function of the human body. This course is designed to develop critical skills and provide a foundation in human physiology with an emphasis on homeostasis and human performance. The major lecture topics covered are cellular physiology, neuromuscular physiology, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Topics include how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems adapt in normal conditions and during challenges such as exercise and stress. In the practical laboratory sessions, students undertake a human-based research project that includes the testing of a hypothesis, review of the relevant research literature, collection and analysis of data, and presentation of results and conclusions. The practical component is supported by on-line workshops that lead to a deeper understanding of research methods, ethical considerations, experimental techniques, and data processing in scientific research.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PHYSIOL 2510
    Course Physiology IIA: Heart, Lung & Neuromuscular Systems
    Coordinating Unit Physiology
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 9 hours per week
    Prerequisites (CHEM 1100 & CHEM 1200 or CHEM 1101 & CHEM 1201) or (BIOLOGY 1101 & BIOLOGY 1201 or ANAT SC 1102 & ANAT SC 1103) or 6 units of other Level I quantitative sciences with approval of Head of Discipline of Physiology or Head of School Medical Sciences
    Incompatible PHYSIOL 2511 or PHYSIOL 2101
    Assumed Knowledge 6 units of Level I Chemistry or Biology
    Course Description Physiology is the study of the function of the human body. This course is designed to develop critical skills and provide a foundation in human physiology with an emphasis on homeostasis and human performance. The major lecture topics covered are cellular physiology, neuromuscular physiology, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Topics include how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems adapt in normal conditions and during challenges such as exercise and stress. In the practical laboratory sessions, students undertake a human-based research project that includes the testing of a hypothesis, review of the relevant research literature, collection and analysis of data, and presentation of results and conclusions. The practical component is supported by on-line workshops that lead to a deeper understanding of research methods, ethical considerations, experimental techniques, and data processing in scientific research.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor David Saint

    Course Coordinator: Dr David Saint
    Phone: +61 8 8313
    Email: david.saint@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Medical School South
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Understand the function and control of the following areas of physiology:
    - the cellular basis of neuromuscular physiology
    - skeletal muscle organisation and function
    - nervous system control of voluntary movement
    - the cardiovascular system
    - the respiratory system
    2 Understand that the control of physiological variables involves interactions between different systems
    3 Be able to apply their knowledge of physiological systems to develop an understanding of real life situations
    4 Understand the processes involved in testing an hypothesis, and how an hypothesis is derived from an idea plus a knowledge of the relevant physiology.
    5 Be able to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information relevant to the formulation, testing and evaluation of this hypothesis.
    6 Understand the concepts of adequate experimental design, experimental controls, sound experimental technique and data analysis and interpretation
    7 Have used contemporary approaches and techniques to test this hypothesis
    8 Understand the role of teamwork in addressing scientific problems.
    9 Be able to communicate their understanding of physiology in oral and written formats
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-2
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 6-8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 8-9
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 7
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 2-3
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 4, 6
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered in the following means:
    24 lectures, in class exams and interactive lectures
    24 hours practical
    6 hours tutorials
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Lectures: 24 during the semester (average of 3 per week). These include interactive revision sessions and in-class exams. Subtotal 24 hrs
    Practicals: 6 sessions of 4 hours duration (one per fortnight) Subtotal 24 hrs
    Tutorials: 6 sessions of 1 hr Subtotal 6 hrs
    TOTAL 54 hrs
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week Topic Lecture
    Week 1 Nervous system. Introduction, Sensory perception, Membrane potentials.
    Week 2 Nervous system Action potentials, Signal Conduction
    Week 3 Nervous system Synaptic transmission, Lectorial on block NS
    Week 4 Motor control Overview
    Week 5 Motor control Skeletal muscle I and II, Sensory feedback
    Week 6 Motor control Human movement, Movement disorders, Lectorial on Motor control
    Week 7 Cardiovascular system Smooth and Cardiac Muscle, Cardiac Excitation,
    Week 8 Cardiovascular system Arteries, Capillaries, Veins
    Week 9 Cardiovascular system / Respiration Blood pressure control, Respiration introduction, lectorial on Cardiovascular system
    Week 10 Respiration Ventilation and Gas exchange, Gas transport
    Week 11 Respiration Control of ventilation, Lung defences, Lectorial on Respiration
    Week 12 Respiration Revision lecture.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed
    Exams
    Weeks 4, 7, 10, 12, end of semester
    Formative/Summative 50% 1-3
    Practicals Summative 35% 3-9
    Tutorials and practorials Formative/Summative 15% 1-3
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students must achieve at least 50% aggregate in the exam component
    Students must submit and present a group oral presentation
    Students must achieve satisfactory attendance at practical classes
    Assessment Detail
    Exams: 5 1hr exams. First 4 held in class, during semester, count for 10% each. Final exam held during University exam period, counts for 10%

    Tutorials: 4 revision tutorials held throughout the semester

    Practorials: 2 online practorials held week 1 and week 6 of the semester to cover basic concepts and materials: Tutorials and practorials together count for 15% of final mark .

    Practicals: assessed progressively: Ethics application and practical worksheet (4%), Oral presentation 12%, Final report 12%, demonstrator assessment 4% and peer assessment 3% (of final course mark)
    Submission
    LATE SUBMISSION POLICY: 15% of total available points will be penalised per day (24 hour period or fraction thereof). An automatic zero mark will be applied after 7 days.

    SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS
    Replacement/additional examinations are held to provide an opportunity to students whose academic performance was impaired by circumstances beyond their control in the primary examinations to demonstrate their true performance.
    The university policy on replacement/additional examinations can be found at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/supps.html

    ABSENCES FROM PRACTICALS
    Attendance at all scheduled practicals is compulsory to pass the course. However, if a student is absent from a practical due to medical reasons or compassionate reasons, s/he will need to provide a Physiology Practical Attendance Waiver Request Form supported by an original signed medical or compassionate letterhead note or certificate. The Practical Attendance Waiver Request Form (pdf file) is available on the Physiology course website on MyUni. The accompanying professional letter/certificate will be sighted by MSTRC staff, and copied and returned to the student. Please do not email these forms to the MSTRC as originals are required.
    These materials should be presented to MSTRC staff in advance when possible, or within TWO WEEKS (10 working days) of the practical session in which the student was absent.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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