PSC1002 : Physiology
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Alison Howard
- Lecturer: Dr Michael Gray, Dr Owen Jeffries, Professor Jenny Read, Dr Laura Young, Professor Jeffrey Pearson, Professor Andrew Jackson, Dr Michele Sweeney
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 15 |
| ECTS Credits: | 8.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The module aims to provide an introduction to mammalian physiology, covering the structure and function of the major systems of the body and the control mechanisms involved in their regulation (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, blood, nervous and gastrointestinal systems). The integration of different systems in the maintenance of a constant internal environment within the body (homeostasis) will be emphasised.
Outline Of Syllabus
The lectures and seminars cover the following topics:
1. Homeostasis: maintenance of constant internal environment; autonomic nervous system.
Blood: constituents of blood; blood groups; blood clotting.
2. Cardiovascular system: organisation and function of cardiovascular system; electrical conduction in the heart; neural and hormonal influences on the cardiovascular system; blood pressure.
3. Respiratory system: process of respiration/ventilation; factors that influence the work of breathing; gas exchange in the lung; gas transport in blood; control of ventilation.
4. Nervous system: sensation of touch, pressure and vibration; motor control; structure of the ear; how sound is represented in the brain; how an image is formed in the eye; how visual information is processed.
5. Renal system: structure and function of the kidney and nephron; mechanisms of control of reabsorption; hormonal control of water and sodium content of the body.
6. Gastrointestinal system: saliva and gastric secretions; pancreatic secretions; the gall bladder; digestion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
7. Exercise and Environmental changes: how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems adapt to meet the demands of exercise and unusual environments.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 29 | 1:00 | 29:00 | In person lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Invigilated formative assessment (mid semester). In person via Inspera. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | In-person seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 116:00 | 116:00 | Writing up lecture notes, general reading and revision |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | In-person end-of-module Q&A to review module content in preparation for exams. |
| Total | 150:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
1. Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.
2. Seminars will encourage students to develop their understanding of the subject and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication & team working.
3. Private study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts; preparation for seminars; using learning resources on the Web. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 100 | In-person Inspera Invigilated: Quiz Format questions, maximum 120 questions. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 2 | M | In-person Inspera Invigilated timed (45 minutes) Quiz Format questions (mid-semester), maximum 45 questions. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The end of module examination assesses knowledge and understanding of the course material.
The formative assessment will help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as familiarise students with the end of module examination.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSC1002's Timetable