PHY2013 Anatomy and Physiology

2007-2008

Aims

This module introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of Anatomy and Physiology. It is intended to give students who are reading Physics with Medical Physics (F371) or Physics with Medical Applications (F369) a suitable background for the relevant Medical Physics modules.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, the student should be able to:

Module Specific Skills

• describe basic molecular cell, and tissue structure and function;
• describe the principles of anatomy and anatomical nomenclature;
• describe the structure, function and inter-relationships of the main systems and processes of the body.
• explain the principle of homeostasis
• describe the control systems of the body;

Discipline Specific Skills

• interpret features of a complex system in terms of approximate/simplified models

Personal and Key Skills

• ability to work in a multidisciplinary subject; in particular, in a medical context.
• sketch schematic diagrams to illustrate the relationships between system components

Learning and Teaching Methods

Lectures, handouts and problems classes

Assignments

Extensive directed background reading and problems for discussion in problems classes.

Assessment

One 90-minute examination (100%).

Syllabus Plan and Content

1. Nervous system
   1. Fundamentals of nerve cell function
   2. Basic structure and function (brain and spinal cord)
   3. Sensory function
   4. Control of motor function; control of movement
2. Thermoregulation
   1. Control theory and the control of core temperature
   2. Effects of thermal challenge
   3. Hypothermia and hyperthermia
3. The skeletomuscular system
   1. Anatomy, structure and function
   2. Skeletal materials
   3. Muscle structure and function
   4. Principles of muscle action
   5. Muscle mechanics
4. Endocrine system
   1. Feedback control and hormonal effects
   2. Survey of endocrine glands
5. Reproduction
   1. Sexual reproduction in promoting variability
   2. Male and female reproductive systems
6. Genetics
   1. DNA, chromosomes and genes
   2. Inheritance; dominant and recessive features
   3. Medical applications
7. Cardiovascular system
   1. Structure and basic function
   2. Cardiac conduction cycle
   3. Peripheral vasculature, including fluid dynamics
8. Respiratory system
   1. Anatomy and basic function
   2. Mechanics and gas transport
   3. Neural and chemical control
9. The kidney
   1. Renal structure and basic function
   2. Gross regulation of extracellular fluid
   3. Fine regulation of extracellular fluid
10. Gastrointestinal system
    1. Basic structure
    2. Digestion and absorption of food; gastrointestinal secretions

Core Text

Supplementary Text(s)

Formative Mechanisms

Students are able to monitor their progress from their performance on practice examination questions.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.