Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Students require specific knowledge of physiology equivalent to that taught at stage 2 in PSC2019 and PSC2020, and at stage 3 in PSC3011, PSC3013 and PSC3008. Students require a general level of background physiological knowledge as taught in all other compulsory modules specified in the physiological sciences degree programmes regulations.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The PSC3012 module (Integrated Physiology) is designed to:

1. encourage students to consolidate their knowledge of the key physiological systems as taught through the Physiological Sciences programme.

2. reinforce the development of important critical skills including interpretation of the scientific literature, data analysis and problem solving.

3. provide a support framework to enable effective and planned revision ahead of the final written examinations.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module provides a review of the key physiological systems including the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, renal system, cardiovascular system and respiratory system.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Upon completion of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

K1. Describe the major functions of the key physiological systems.

K2. Consider how different key physiological systems may be inter-related (e.g., inter-organellar, intercellar, cross-organ actions).

K3. Consolidate their understanding of current research, the experimental basis of key concepts, and core knowledge of selected physiological subject areas by integration of information from different sources (lecture material, directed reading from module study guides, reflection and discussion).

Intended Skill Outcomes

Upon completion of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

•       S1. Critically interpret and synthesise complex information relating to the key physiological systems at
molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and organism levels.
•       S2. Analyse and interpret experimental data.      
•       S3. Communicate effectively in a written format under examination conditions (time constrained).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The revision seminars are used to review the core scientific material and key concepts in a concise manner (K1-K2, S1-S2) and to direct students towards important original sources of information in the study guides providing a framework for guided independent study and revision (K1-K2, S1-S2). Revision seminars aid the development of an understanding of current research and the experimental basis of key concepts and core knowledge (K1-K2, S1-S2). Several revision seminars provide experience of data analysis and interpretation using practice questions to stimulate informal discussion and aid in the development of critical skills and problem solving (K2, S1-S2). The revision seminars provide opportunities to increase understanding by reflection and discussion (K1-K2, S1-2). The interactive practical supports the core material and aids in data analysis and interpretation (K2, S1-S2).

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The open-book written examination tests core knowledge and understanding of the subject under time-constraint conditions (K1-K2, S1-S3). The data analysis components of the examination test critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis and interpretation (K2, S1-S3). The open-book written examination tests the ability to integrate knowledge from across the programme and to use this knowledge in the interpretation of new information (K1-K2, S1- S3).

General Notes

Original Handbook text: