SES1000 : Human Physiology and Practical Skills
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Callum Brownstein
- Lecturer: Dr Deb Dulson, Dr Helen Mason, Professor Christopher Eggett
- 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 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module aims to provide a foundation in human physiology with reference to sport and exercise.
There is an emphasis on how human organs and tissues function and the module allows the student to study and understand key concepts regarding normal human physiology through an integrated systems approach.
Outline Of Syllabus
Lectures and laboratory practical classes will cover:
• Homeostasis
• Respiratory system: process of respiration / ventilation; factors that influence the work of breathing; gas exchange in the lung; gas transport in the blood; control of ventilation
• Blood: constituents; blood groups; blood clotting; white blood cell role in immune system
• Cardiovascular system: organisation and function; electrical conduction in the heart; neural and hormonal influences on the cardiovascular system; blood pressure
• Exercise: how the cardiovascular and respiratory activities are altered to reflect the demands of exercise
• Immune system: major functions of the immune system, including innate and acquired immunity
• Neuromuscular system: organisation and function; neural control of movement; skeletal muscle structure and physiology
• Kidney: structure and function of the nephron; mechanisms of control of re-absorption; hormonal control of water and sodium content of the body
• Gut: saliva and gastric secretions; pancreatic secretions; digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins
• Endocrine System: endocrine glands; cell communication; actions of key hormones
• Liver: structure and function; role in metabolism; role in exercise performance
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 66:00 | 66:00 | Preparation, completion and revision for assessments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | PIP - Introductory lecture |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Non-synchronized lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | PIP – Lectures to cover key theoretical concepts |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | PIP - Flipped learning approach to build on non-sync delivery |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Activities will involve development of excel skills, data analysis and academic writing |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | PIP - Provide skills to collect valid & reliable data to advance theoretical understanding. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | PIP - Allocated time to allow students to practice for lab exercise assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Synchronous on-line exam practice |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | PIP - Focus on skill development of data interpretation & academic writing (formative practice), and Echo & ECG workshop |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Synchronous on-line. Drop-in session for student queries related to the assessment. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 80:30 | 80:30 | This includes reading and writing up lecture notes. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| NUT1005 | Human Physiology and Practical Skills |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as the basis for further study. Non-synchronous and synchronous learning materials are developed via an in-classroom flipped learning approach. Practicals provide students with practical skills and the opportunity to work with peers. They also frame underpinning knowledge within a relevant context enabling the student to develop their understanding of the subject and its relevance. The workshops and small group sessions will provide students with an opportunity to discuss their understanding of lecture content and formative teaching activities related to developing skills of lab report writing, and data analysis and presentation. Formative teaching activities will be provided throughout the module. These include the use of MCQ, short-answer and problem- solving questions within lecture materials and on-line practice exams. Independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes:- reading lecture notes & texts, preparation for practical classes; using learning resources on the Web. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning & 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 | 75 | 1 | A | 60 | PIP Inspera Invigilated: include a range of question types (MCQ, numeric, categorisation, hot-spot & SAQ). Approx 45 questions |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 30 | Practical lab report (1200 words) |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 10 | Students examined conducting experiment (groups of 3-4) with questions - PIP |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The exam will test the students' factual knowledge and understanding of facts and ideas from material covered throughout the module.
The practical lab report will be constructed from the practical classes. This has been designed to assess students’ ability to independently locate information about Human Physiology, demonstrate their knowledge of Human Physiology through their writing and present data effectively.
The professional skills assessment will examine students' ability to apply practical skills to monitor and evaluate human physiological responses to exercise and work with peers in small groups to solve human physiology problems.
Students studying on BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences must submit all module assessment components and obtain an overall mark of 40 or above to pass the module – see the programme regulations and handbook for further details.
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/
- SES1000's Timetable