Learning objectives
The student is expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding (Dublin descriptor I) of the basic principles of Physiology. To this end, the course aims to provide an adequate understanding of:1. the basic functioning mechanisms of the human body under physiological conditions, 2. the homeostatic mechanisms by which the activity of organs and apparatuses can be regulated and adapted to the demands of the environment. The student should be able to learn the principles of Physiology (5th Dublin descriptor), apply the acquired knowledge to the human organism (2nd Dublin descriptor), should be able to independently assess simple physiological problems (3rd Dublin descriptor), and be able to communicate them (4th Dublin descriptor).
Prerequisites
Knowledge of Anatomy, Chemistry and Physics as acquired in courses preceding Physiology classes.
Course unit content
The first part of the course covers cellular physiology. The second part of the course is devoted to integrative physiology, with emphasis on the nervous system. The third part of the course is devoted to organ and system physiology.
GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY Biological membranes. Ion channels. Nernst equation. Membrane potential. Action potential. Conduction of potentials. Synapses and neurotransmitters. Neuromodulators. Synaptic circuits. Sensory systems: Sight. Hearing. Somatosensory systems. Pain: perception and modulation. Motor control. Basal ganglia. Reflexes. Autonomic nervous system: sympathetic and parasympathetic. Sleep. Skeletal muscle. Contraction. Smooth muscle. Heart: cardiac action potentials. Electrocardiogram. Cardiac mechanics. Regulation of cardiac contraction. Blood pressure. Respiratory mechanics. Capillary exchanges. Kidney. Filtration, absorption and secretion. Renal clearance. Regulation of pH and hydroelectrolyte balance. Hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Hormonal system.
Full programme
GENERAL PHYSIOLOGY Biological membranes. Ion channels. Nernst equation. Membrane potential. Action potential. Conduction of potentials. Synapses and neurotransmitters. Neuromodulators. Synaptic circuits. Sensory systems: Sight. Hearing. Somatosensory systems. Pain: perception and modulation. Motor control. Basal ganglia. Reflexes. Autonomic nervous system: sympathetic and parasympathetic. Sleep. Skeletal muscle. Contraction. Smooth muscle. Heart: cardiac action potentials. Electrocardiogram. Cardiac mechanics. Regulation of cardiac contraction. Blood pressure. Respiratory mechanics. Capillary exchanges. Kidney. Filtration, absorption and secretion. Renal clearance. Regulation of pH and hydroelectrolyte balance. Hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Hormonal system.
Bibliography
The slides of the lectures are an integral part of the course material and are uploaded by the teacher on the Elly platform at the end of each lecture. The slides provided by the teacher can be integrated with the text indicated below:
- Fisiologia Medica, EDI ERMES editore, a cura di Fiorenzo Conti, terza edizione, 2020
Teaching methods
The lectures will occur with attendees present. Supporting material will be available on the specific, student-reserved platform (Elly) and will include slide presentations of the lectures. During the lessons, mainly frontal moments will alternate with interactive moments with the students. During the lessons, the principles of physiology will be explained, and the main topics will be addressed with supporting digital audio/video material. During the lesson the students will be stimulated by the teacher to ask questions and comments.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of achievement of the course objectives will involve a written test by means of questions concerning the course content to test the knowledge acquired on the topics covered in the lectures. It will be ascertained whether the student has achieved the objective of knowledge and understanding of the content and whether he/she has achieved the objective of applying the acquired knowledge. The exam will be conducted in two parts: an initial written part followed by an oral part. The written test will be 30 questions with dichotomous True/False answers. One point will be awarded for each correct answer; there are no penalties for incorrect answers. The minimum threshold for passing the written exam is 18 points, corresponding to 18/30. Those who pass the written exam will be admitted to the oral exam, which will be held on the same day as the written exam. Exam results will be published on the Esse3 portal. The exams will be held in-person, the written part will be conducted with the use of the Socrative digital platform (https://www.socrative.com/#login). Before each roll call, when the registration list is closed, all students registered for the roll call will receive an email via Essetre with the necessary instructions to connect to the link to the platform to take the exam.
For any clarification, students can contact Prof. Maria Alessandra Umilta': mariaalessandra.umilta@unipr.it
Other information
- - -
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals that will be achieved during the course: Health and well-being; Quality education; Gender equality.
