SP4005 - Fundamentals of Human Physiology

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn about the structure and way in which the different physiological systems of the body work. In addition, you will learn about how these systems are controlled both at rest and during exercise. The control of these systems is important for later modules which examine the limits to how the body works which could be during disease as well as exercise. The major physiological systems to be examined will be the cardiovascular, respiratory, bioenergetic, muscular, immune and nervous systems.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars/workshops and directed reading and lab book tasks. Each week you will receive a lecture, providing a theoretical overview of the weekly content. A laboratory practical will follow, which will provide you with hands on experience of the taught theoretical material delivered in the lecture. Finally, you will attend a tutor supported seminar which will give you the opportunity to engage effectively with the data collected in your laboratory practical sessions. During laboratory practicals you will work in Northumbria’s BASES accredited laboratories, which are fully equipped with the latest industry equipment. You will be provided with a laboratory related learning materials at the start of this module. This will facilitate data collection during your laboratory practicals but will also include weekly problem-driven tasks (based on the lab practical content) which will be discussed in the seminars.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Identify the major structures of the cell, the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, nervous, immune and metabolic systems and explain how these systems function.
2. Explain how the cell, the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, nervous and metabolic systems are regulated at rest and during exercise.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Collect and analyse data using a range of laboratory equipment.
4. Interpret data to deduce the control mechanisms.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

How will I be assessed?

You will be required to complete an online based multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam (90 minutes; 50%) (MLOs 1, 2, 4) and a practical exam (10 minutes; 50%) (MLO 3). The multiple-choice questions will be designed to assess your knowledge of the structure, function and regulation of the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, nervous and metabolic systems. The practical exam will require you to show that you have developed laboratory skills and competencies during the module and explain typical results from these tests

Formative Feedback
On a weekly basis, during taught laboratory and seminar sessions you will be tasked with completing MCQ questions practical laboratory skills and a lab book. You will be provided with a lab book at the start of the module and the content will be based on the week’s taught material and reading. The weekly lab book tasks will develop your understanding of the physiological system(s) being examined and the typical values that might arise from these tests. Staff will provide generic feedback in labs and seminars about the quality of performance and progress on these weekly problem-driven tasks. Practice MCQs will be available via eLP.

Summative Feedback
You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

When you watch sport, have you ever wondered how the human body is capable of such incredible sporting feats? This module will examine the different physiological systems that enable these feats to be achieved. It will examine the cardiovascular, respiratory muscular, nervous, immune and metabolic systems. As part of this module you will work in state of the art, accredited laboratories to collect data that will put the lecture material into a sport and exercise context. These laboratories will require you to develop data collection skills, IT skills to analyse the data and enquiry skills.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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