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BB10147: Human & animal physiology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: EX 100%, PR 0%
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To provide an overview of human and mammalian physiology, with particular emphasis on how the major systems of the body are integrated and controlled. There will also be some comparison with invertebrates and lower vertebrates.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of the major physiological systems of the human body;
* demonstrate knowledge of how the functions of major organs and systems are integrated and regulated.

Skills:
Written Communication T/F/A, Data Acquisition, Handling and Analysis T/F/A, Problem Solving T/F/A, Working as part of a group T/F.

Content:
1. Animal structure and function: anatomical organisation of the body - cells, tissues, organs and organ systems.
2. Hormones and other kinds of chemical signalling: hormones, neurotransmitters, etc - types of signal and nomenclature; cell surface and intracellular receptors; intracellular second messengers; hypothalamic and pituitary hormones; pineal and biorhythms; insulin and other hormones that regulate nutrient levels. Overview of other hormonal systems.
3. Nervous systems: neurons; electrical and chemical neuronal signalling; general organisation of nervous systems; structure and function of the vertebrate brain.
4. Animal nutrition: food types and feeding mechanisms; food processing; mammalian digestive system; evolutionary adaptations.
5. Circulation and gas exchange: diffusion and mass transport systems within animals; simple systems; evolution of heart and circulation in vertebrates; structure, function and control of the mammalian heart; physical properties of blood vessels; exchange of materials at capillaries; lymph; blood pressure and how it is regulated.
6. Ion and water balance: : filtration systems; comparative kidneys; ultrafiltration in the glomerulus; modification of tubular filtrates in mammalian kidney; water conservation in human kidney; hormones that regulate the kidney; adaptations in animals that live in dry environments.
7. Thermoregulation: physiological and behavioural regulation of body temperature.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

BB10147 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB02 : BSc (hons) Biochemistry (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USBB-AKB06 : BSc (hons) Biochemistry with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • USBB-AFB03 : BSc (hons) Biology (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USBB-AKB07 : BSc (hons) Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • USBB-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Full-time) - Year 1
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/4 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.